Oven Fried Oysters

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will ensure the oysters don't stick to the pan and make cleanup a breeze.

2. Begin by shucking the oysters if they're not pre-shucked. Discard the top shell and place the oysters on a paper towel to absorb any excess liquid. Pat them dry gently to prevent excess moisture.

3. In three separate bowls, prepare your breading station. In the first bowl, combine the flour with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to distribute the seasonings evenly.

4. In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well-combined. This will act as the binding agent for the breading.

5. In the third bowl, place the breadcrumbs. You can use regular breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture.

6. Dip each oyster first into the seasoned flour mixture, coating it thoroughly. Shake off any excess flour.

7. Next, dip the floured oyster into the egg mixture, ensuring it's fully covered.

8. Finally, coat the oyster with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help the crumbs adhere to the oyster. Repeat this breading process for all the oysters.

9. Place the breaded oysters on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Make sure there's some space between each oyster to allow for even crisping.

10. Lightly spray the tops of the oysters with cooking spray. This will help them turn golden brown and crispy in the oven.

11. Bake the oysters in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of the oysters, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.

12. Once done, remove the oven-fried oysters from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. You can squeeze some fresh lemon juice over them for a burst of citrusy flavor.