Glorious Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Introduction

Air fryer mozzarella sticks are a quick and delicious snack that combines crispy breadcrumbs with gooey melted cheese. This recipe uses simple ingredients and an air fryer to deliver perfectly golden sticks without the mess of deep frying.

Ingredients

• 12 oz mozzarella string cheese, cut into halves
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the mozzarella stick halves in the freezer for at least 1 hour to help them hold their shape during cooking.
2. Step 2: Set up three shallow dishes: put the flour in the first, the beaten eggs in the second, and combine the panko breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper in the third.
3. Step 3: Working one at a time, coat each mozzarella stick evenly with flour, dip it into the beaten eggs, then press it firmly into the panko mixture until fully coated.
4. Step 4: Place the coated mozzarella sticks in a single layer on a plate or baking sheet.
5. Step 5: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
6. Step 6: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
7. Step 7: Arrange the mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the basket, making sure they do not touch. Cook in batches if needed.
8. Step 8: Air fry for 6 minutes, flipping the sticks halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
9. Step 9: Serve immediately with your favorite marinara sauce.

Tips & Variations

• Freezing the mozzarella before breading is key to preventing cheese from melting too quickly and leaking out during cooking.
• For extra flavor, add Italian seasoning or garlic powder to the panko breadcrumbs.
• Try serving with a side of ranch dressing or a spicy dipping sauce for a twist.

Storage

Store any leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, air fry again at 360°F (180°C) for 3 to 4 minutes to restore their crispiness without melting the cheese too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can try other firm cheeses like provolone or cheddar sticks, but mozzarella melts best for that classic stretchy texture.

Why do I need to freeze the mozzarella before air frying?

Freezing the cheese helps it hold its shape during cooking and prevents it from oozing out of the crust while air frying, keeping the sticks intact and crispy.

Glorious Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 122 reviews

These Glorious Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks are a crispy, golden, and perfectly melty snack made effortlessly using an air fryer. Coated in a seasoned panko breadcrumb crust and air fried to perfection, they offer a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried cheese sticks. Serve hot with marinara sauce for a delicious appetizer or party treat.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 21 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 12 oz mozzarella string cheese, cut into halves
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Freeze the Cheese: Place the mozzarella stick halves in the freezer for at least 1 hour to ensure they hold their shape during cooking and prevent excessive melting.
2. Prepare Dredging Stations: Set up three shallow dishes: one with all-purpose flour, the second with beaten eggs, and the third with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, salt, and black pepper. This setup will allow for even and thorough coating.
3. Coat the Mozzarella Sticks: Take one mozzarella stick at a time, coat it evenly in flour, dip it into the beaten eggs, then press it firmly into the panko breadcrumb mixture to fully coat the cheese stick.
4. Arrange for Cooking: Place the coated mozzarella sticks in a single layer on a plate or baking sheet, making sure they don’t touch. This keeps them ready for air frying without sticking together.
5. Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) to prepare for frying the sticks at the ideal temperature.
6. Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent the mozzarella sticks from sticking during cooking.
7. Air Fry the Sticks: Place the mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
8. Cook and Flip: Air fry the mozzarella sticks for 6 minutes total, flipping them halfway through to ensure even crisping on all sides until golden brown and crispy.
9. Serve: Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite marinara sauce for dipping while the cheese is hot and melted.

Notes

• Freezing the mozzarella sticks beforehand prevents the cheese from oozing out during cooking.
• Ensure the sticks are coated evenly for the crispiest texture.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.
• For extra crunch, you can double coat the sticks by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps.
• Serve with marinara or your favorite dipping sauce for best flavor.

Keywords: air fryer mozzarella sticks, crispy mozzarella sticks, easy appetizer, party snacks, panko mozzarella sticks