Glorious Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) to prepare for frying the sticks at the ideal temperature.
- Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent the mozzarella sticks from sticking during cooking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
