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Homemade Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

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4.4 from 85 reviews

Crispy, golden homemade mozzarella sticks made easily in the air fryer for a delicious, healthier snack. Coated in seasoned panko breadcrumbs and served with warm marinara sauce, these cheesy bites are perfect for entertaining or a quick appetizer.

Ingredients

Mozzarella Sticks

  • 4 mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut in half

Breading Mixture

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Breading Process

  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/4 cup all purpose flour

Dipping Sauce (Optional)

  • 1 cup warm marinara sauce for dipping

Instructions

  1. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (199°C) for 5 minutes to ensure it’s hot and ready for cooking the mozzarella sticks.
  2. Prepare Cheese Sticks: Cut each mozzarella string cheese stick in half to make 8 pieces total, providing the perfect size for breading and air frying.
  3. Mix Seasoned Breadcrumbs: In a shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, onion powder, and black pepper to create a flavorful coating.
  4. Set Up Breading Stations: Place the beaten egg in a second shallow bowl and the all-purpose flour in a third shallow bowl. These will be used sequentially to bread the cheese sticks.
  5. Coat in Flour: Roll each mozzarella stick in the flour, covering all sides evenly, to help the egg and breadcrumbs adhere better.
  6. Dip in Egg: Next, dip the floured cheese sticks into the beaten egg, turning to cover completely.
  7. Coat with Breadcrumbs: Place the egg-coated cheese sticks into the seasoned panko mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the cheese firmly with a spoon to create an even layer. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating steps twice to form a thick, crispy crust.
  8. Freeze Coated Sticks: Arrange the breaded mozzarella sticks in a single layer on a paper plate or parchment-lined freezer-safe dish and freeze for 15 minutes to prevent melting during cooking.
  9. Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly grease the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  10. Air Fry Mozzarella Sticks: Place the frozen mozzarella sticks in the basket in a single layer (avoid overcrowding). Cook at 390°F (199°C) for about 4 minutes until golden brown. If sticks are not crisping up, lightly spray them with cooking spray during cooking. Check before the time is up to prevent cheese from oozing out.
  11. Rest Before Serving: Remove the mozzarella sticks from the air fryer and let them rest on paper towels for 2-3 minutes to firm up before serving.
  12. Serve: Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping, if desired.

Notes

  • Freezing the breaded sticks before air frying helps prevent cheese from leaking out during cooking.
  • Use room temperature mozzarella sticks for easier breading.
  • Double coating the sticks enhances crispiness.
  • A light coating of cooking spray in the air fryer basket and on the sticks can help achieve a golden crust.
  • Cooking times may vary slightly depending on air fryer model; watch closely during the last minute.
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the air fryer for best texture.

Find it online: https://flavorspath.com/homemade-air-fryer-mozzarella-sticks-recipe/