Introduction
Who doesn’t love mozzarella sticks? With an air fryer, you can get that deliciously crisp coating without all the oil and mess of deep frying. These mozzarella sticks are easy to make, and the air fryer ensures they come out golden and perfect every time. Great for a snack, appetizer, or party treat, they’re a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Shallow bowls
Ingredients
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut in half
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Cooking spray
- Marinara sauce, for serving
Instructions
- Freeze the Cheese:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the halved mozzarella sticks on the sheet and freeze for at least 1 hour. This step helps prevent the cheese from melting too quickly during cooking.
- Prepare the Coatings:
- Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of seasoned breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Coat the Mozzarella Sticks:
- Dredge each frozen mozzarella stick in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it in the egg, then roll in the breadcrumb mixture to coat evenly. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a double coating, which helps keep the cheese inside while cooking.
- Preheat and Arrange in Air Fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch. Lightly spray them with cooking spray.
- Cook the Mozzarella Sticks:
- Air fry for 6-8 minutes, turning them halfway through, until golden and crispy. Watch closely to avoid overcooking, as the cheese can start to ooze out.
- Serve:
- Serve hot with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Tips
- Double Freeze: For extra security against melting, freeze the coated mozzarella sticks for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Air fry in batches if needed. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
- Experiment with Coatings: Add a bit of Parmesan to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor!
Conclusion
These air fryer mozzarella sticks are everything you love about the classic appetizer without the hassle of frying. With a crispy, golden exterior and melty cheese inside, they’re the perfect snack or party treat. Serve with marinara sauce, and enjoy the delicious, gooey goodness!
Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
Crispy, cheesy mozzarella sticks made in the air fryer! This easy, mess-free recipe creates perfect mozzarella sticks with a crunchy coating and gooey cheese inside—no deep frying required.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Shallow bowls
Ingredients
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks cut in half
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Cooking spray
- Marinara sauce for serving
Instructions
- Freeze the Cheese:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the halved mozzarella sticks on the sheet and freeze for at least 1 hour. This step helps prevent the cheese from melting too quickly during cooking.
- Prepare the Coatings:
- Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of seasoned breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Coat the Mozzarella Sticks:
- Dredge each frozen mozzarella stick in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it in the egg, then roll in the breadcrumb mixture to coat evenly. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a double coating, which helps keep the cheese inside while cooking.
- Preheat and Arrange in Air Fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch. Lightly spray them with cooking spray.
- Cook the Mozzarella Sticks:
- Air fry for 6-8 minutes, turning them halfway through, until golden and crispy. Watch closely to avoid overcooking, as the cheese can start to ooze out.
- Serve:
- Serve hot with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
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