Description
Crispy and delicious Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks are the perfect appetizer or snack. Made with frozen cheese sticks, coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture, and air-fried to golden perfection, they’re a healthier alternative to deep frying while delivering all the cheesy, crunchy goodness you crave.
Ingredients
Cheese Sticks
- 8 mozzarella cheese strings
Coating Mixture
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Breading
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Additional
- Cooking spray or oil for spraying
- Marinara sauce for serving
Instructions
- Freeze the Cheese Sticks: Cut each mozzarella string cheese in half to create shorter sticks. Place them on a plate and freeze for 30 minutes to prevent cheese from melting out during air frying.
- Prepare the Egg Wash: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth and well combined.
- Mix the Breadcrumbs: In a separate shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning to create a flavorful breading.
- Coat the Cheese Sticks: Dip each frozen cheese stick into the egg wash, ensuring it is fully coated. Let any excess drip off, then roll the stick in the breadcrumb mixture until evenly coated on all sides.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat for a few minutes for optimal crispiness.
- Cook the Mozzarella Sticks: Arrange the breaded cheese sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Lightly spray them with cooking oil. Air fry for 6 to 8 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, checking halfway through and flipping if needed.
- Serve: Carefully remove the mozzarella sticks from the air fryer and serve immediately with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Freezing the cheese sticks before breading is essential to prevent cheese from leaking out while cooking.
- For extra crunch, double dip the sticks by repeating the egg wash and breadcrumb coating steps.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model; adjust accordingly.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and melted cheese center.
- Use low-moisture mozzarella sticks for optimal frying results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
