Glorious Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Introduction

These Glorious Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks are a crispy, gooey snack that’s quick and easy to make at home. Using the air fryer keeps them perfectly crunchy 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. This helps 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 with salt and pepper in the third.
3. Step 3: Working with one mozzarella stick at a time, coat it evenly in flour, dip it in the beaten eggs, then press it into the panko mixture, ensuring full coverage.
4. Step 4: Place the coated mozzarella sticks in a single layer on a plate or baking sheet.
5. Step 5: Preheat your 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 the basket in a single layer, making sure they do not touch. Cook in batches if needed.
8. Step 8: Air fry for 6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Tips & Variations

• Freezing the cheese sticks solid before coating is key to preventing melting and mess while air frying.
• For extra flavor, add Italian seasoning or garlic powder to the breadcrumb mixture.
• Try serving with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
• Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten free.

Storage

Store leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 360°F (180°C) for 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, which can make them soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake mozzarella sticks instead of using an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 8-10 minutes. Flip halfway through for even crispiness.

How do I prevent mozzarella sticks from leaking cheese?

Freezing the sticks before breading and frying helps the cheese hold its shape and reduces leaking. Also, make sure to coat them well with flour, egg, and breadcrumbs.

Glorious Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 113 reviews

Crispy and golden brown homemade mozzarella sticks made effortlessly in the air fryer. These cheesy snacks are coated with seasoned panko breadcrumbs and cooked to perfection, delivering a deliciously crunchy exterior with gooey melted cheese inside. Perfect for appetizers, parties, or a quick indulgent treat.

• Author: Windy
• Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 1 hour freezing time)
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 16 minutes
• Yield: 12 mozzarella sticks 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese

• 12 oz mozzarella string cheese, cut into halves

Coating

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Other

• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Freeze the Cheese: Place the mozzarella stick halves in the freezer for at least 1 hour. This step is crucial to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly and losing its shape during cooking.
2. Prepare Breading Stations: Set up three shallow dishes; put the flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and in the third mix together panko breadcrumbs, salt, and black pepper.
3. Coat the Cheese Sticks: One at a time, dredge each mozzarella stick first in flour, then dip into the eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the seasoned panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere well.
4. Arrange for Cooking: Lay the coated sticks in a single layer on a plate or baking sheet to keep them ready for cooking without sticking together.
5. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for a crispy coating.
6. Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking and help crisp up the coating.
7. Air Fry the Mozzarella Sticks: Place the sticks in a single layer in the basket without touching (cook in batches if necessary). Air fry for 6 minutes, flipping halfway through to achieve even golden brown and crispy texture.

Notes

• Make sure to freeze the mozzarella sticks thoroughly before coating to prevent cheese from melting out during cooking.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow heat circulation for even crispiness.
• You can double coat by dipping back into eggs and breadcrumbs again for extra crunchiness.
• Serve immediately with marinara or your favorite dipping sauce for best taste.
• Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer to maintain crispness.

Keywords: mozzarella sticks, air fryer, cheesy snacks, appetizer, panko breadcrumb, crispy cheese sticks