Print
Description
Quick and easy mozzarella sticks made in the air fryer for a crispy, cheesy snack.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 frozen mozzarella string cheese sticks
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Cooking spray (e.g., olive oil or avocado oil spray)
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
Instructions
- Prepare Dredging Stations: Set up three shallow dishes. In the first dish, place the flour. In the second, beat the eggs. In the third, combine the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Bread the Mozzarella Sticks: Take one frozen mozzarella stick and dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s fully coated. Finally, roll it in the panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure the breadcrumbs adhere well. Repeat this process for all mozzarella sticks. For extra crispiness and to prevent cheese leakage, you can double-coat them (egg, panko, egg, panko).
- Freeze (Optional but Recommended): Place the breaded mozzarella sticks on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent the cheese from melting too quickly in the air fryer.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Air Fry: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the breaded mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches. Lightly spray the tops of the mozzarella sticks with cooking spray.
- Cook: Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until golden brown and the cheese is just beginning to ooze. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model.
- Serve: Carefully remove the mozzarella sticks from the air fryer and serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Freezing the breaded mozzarella sticks before air frying helps prevent the cheese from melting too quickly.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 8 min
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 sticks
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 45mg