Crispy Oven-Baked Oysters

If you’re a seafood enthusiast or someone looking for a lighter spin on fried shellfish favorites, this recipe for crispy oven-baked oysters with jalapeño mayonnaise is about to become your new go-to. Succulent oysters, perfectly crisped in the oven, paired with a zesty dipping sauce add a spicy kick and creamy contrast to every delicious bite.

Oysters often evoke thoughts of indulgent restaurant fare, but with this recipe, you can bring that same gourmet experience into your kitchen at home. The key to this dish is achieving that ideal crispy texture without the need for frying, which means you get all the flavor with a fraction of the grease. Paired with a homemade jalapeño mayo dipping sauce, the addictive mix of textures and tastes will have everyone coming back for more.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a delicious seafood treat, these baked oysters are sure to impress.

Ingredients for Baked Oysters

• Flour: Seasoned all-purpose flour creates a simple dredge for the oysters. Before they’re dipped in eggs and breadcrumbs.
• Eggs: After coating the oysters in flour, you’ll want to dip them in the egg mixture so the breadcrumb coating sticks better.
• Bread crumb mixture: You’ll also need dry breadcrumbs, grated Romano cheese, minced fresh parsley and a teaspoon of garlic salt. This creates the crispy oyster coating for the third layer. Don’t skip the cheese and herbs because this combo is a game-changer in terms of added flavor and cheesy herby goodness.
• Oysters: If you can get your hands on a pint of freshly shucked oysters it makes a world of difference for this recipe. Otherwise, two cans of whole oysters will work, too.
• Mayonnaise: We love a creamy, full-fat mayo for this oyster dipping sauce but you could use low-fat or vegan mayo, if you prefer.
• Sour cream: Sour cream also imparts a bit of tanginess and makes it even creamier when blended with the rest of the ingredients.
• Jalapeño peppers: You can’t have jalapeño mayo without these hot peppers! We went with 2 for this recipe, seeded and finely chopped, but feel free to use less or omit them altogether.
• 2% milk: Milk makes this mayo-based dip a little silkier so it’s not super thick and heavy.
• Lemon: Lemon zest and juices brighten things up and add a nice citrusy flavor.

Directions

Step 1: Prep your mise en place

First, preheat the oven to 400°F. Grease a baking pan with a drizzle of oil or a layer of cooking spray. Combine the flour, salt and pepper in one shallow bowl; whisk the eggs in another and mix the bread crumbs, cheese, parsley and garlic salt in a third bowl.

Step 2: Dredge the oysters

Dredge the oysters by coating them with the flour mixture and then dip them into eggs. Finally, dip them into the breadcrumb mixture. Place each oyster on the greased baking pan once dredged and leave plenty of room in between.

Step 3: Bake the oysters

Next, bake the oysters until they’re crispy and golden brown. This should take 12 to 15 minutes depending on your oven. Be careful not to cook them too long or you run the risk of them drying out.

Step 4: Make the jalapeño mayo

While the oysters are baking, whisk the mayonnaise ingredients in a small bowl. Serve them on the side with extra lemon wedges and warm oysters.

How to Store Baked Oysters

If you’re not going to eat these oysters right away, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The jalapeño mayo should be stored separately. The oysters will turn soggy if stored together.

How long do baked oysters last in the fridge?

These oysters (and the jalapeño mayo) will be good for up to three days. Here are more tips on how long leftovers last.

What’s the best way to reheat baked oysters?

Never microwave cooked oysters—this method will render them rubbery and dry. These oysters taste great at room temperature. If you prefer them slightly warm and crispy, spread the remaining ones on a baking sheet and spray them with olive oil or cooking spray. Then bake on low around 275°F until warmed through and golden, for two to three minutes. You could also reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes.

Oven-Baked Oysters Tips

Can you use frozen oysters for this oven-fried oysters recipe?

Yes! You can use frozen shucked oysters for this recipe but make sure you fully defrost them first. If you’re looking for more ways to use frozen, fresh or canned oysters, try one of these other oyster recipes, including a classic oysters Rockefeller.

How can you tell if oysters are fully cooked?

You can tell these oysters are done once they are golden brown on the outside and the edges are curled. You can tell shelled oysters arere done when the shell begins to open.

What’s the best way to cut hot peppers for the jalapeño mayo?

Wear disposable gloves when cutting hot peppers since the oils can burn the skin. Also, avoid touching your face and eyes immediately after chopping them.