6hot dogssausages or mozzarella sticks (for mozzarella, cut sticks 1-inch wide and 4 1/2 inches long and make sure to use low moisture mozzarella; for sausages and hot dogs, use precooked ones. I uses 3 hot dogs and 3 sticks of mozzarella, then cut them in half to do half and half on each skewer)
3pairs wooden skewers or sticks
1cuppanko breadcrumbs
oil for frying
ketchupmustard, spicy mayonnaise and other hot dog condiments of your choice
For the batter:
1 ¼cupall purpose flour
2Tbspsugar
½tspsalt
2tspbaking powder
½cupfat free milk cold
1large egg straight from refrigerator
Instructions
Skewer your hot dogs, sausage or mozzarella. I made all of mine with half half and half cheese. I put the hot dog on the skewer first and the cheese second. Pat dry the hot dogs, sausage and cheese and place into fridge to keep cold while making batter.
In a shallow bowl, add flour, sugar, salt and baking powder. Whisk until evenly blended. Add in milk and egg. Whisk all the ingredients together until smooth. The batter should be very thick and sticky. When you lift your whisk, the batter should not run off it. You do not want the batter to be runny because then the batter will run off the hot dogs when you coat them.
Add the panko bread crumbs to a plate.
Pour oil into pan being used for frying. You want to add enough oil so that it is deep enough to cover the entire hot dog once the hot dog is placed in. Bring oil to about 350 degrees.
Remove skewers from fridge. To coat, turn the hot dog/sausage/cheese a few times in the batter until it is coated. You can then use your fingers or a knife to help evenly spread out the batter or remove some of the batter if your coating is too thick. Keep in mind that your batter will expand once it is fried so you don't want your coating to be too thick. Make sure your hot dog/sausage/cheese is completely sealed in batter.
Roll the hot dog in panko breadcrumbs. While the sticky batter will pick up some of the breadcrumbs, I also like to sprinkle and press more on with my hands to make sure every crevice is covered in panko.
Working quickly, repeat with remaining hot dogs/sausages/cheese. If it is taking you a while to coat, keep coated ones in fridge. You should especially keep any cheese only ones in fridge until ready to fry. You should have enough batter for at least 6 skewers. Add 2-3 hot dogs to the hot oil at a time. Cook a few minutes on both sides, until batter is dark golden brown and batter is fully cooked. I just cooked them as I coated them.
Place on a paper towel lined plate and allow to drain. Drizzle with condiments of your choice. Makes 6 servings.