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Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

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4.1 from 14 reviews

These Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks are a crispy, golden-brown appetizer perfect for a quick snack or party treat. Coated in a seasoned panko breadcrumb blend and air-fried to perfection, they offer a gooey, cheesy center with a crunchy exterior without the extra oil from deep frying. Made with simple ingredients and ready in under half an hour, they’re an easy, healthier alternative to traditional fried mozzarella sticks.

Ingredients

Cheese

  • 8 sticks string cheese (preferably skim version)

Coating Mixture

  • 1/3 cup all purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 teaspoons oregano
  • 2 teaspoons parsley
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

Egg Wash

  • 1 egg

Instructions

  1. Prepping The Mozzarella Cheese Sticks: Slice all 8 cheese sticks in half so you have 16 equal pieces. This allows each piece to have a perfect crispy crust and gooey center.
  2. Mix Seasoned Breadcrumbs: In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, paprika, oregano, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. This mixture creates a flavorful coating for the cheese sticks.
  3. Prepare Egg Wash and Flour: In a second small bowl, beat the egg with a fork or whisk to create an egg wash. In a third bowl, place the all-purpose flour for dredging.
  4. Coat the Cheese Sticks: Using a fork or your fingers, dip each cheese piece first in the flour, then into the beaten egg, and finally coat fully with the seasoned panko breadcrumb mixture. Place the coated sticks on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  5. Freeze the Cheese Sticks: Arrange all the coated cheese sticks on the sheet and place in the freezer for at least 2 hours or until frozen solid. This step is crucial to prevent the cheese from melting out during air frying. After freezing, you can store them in a freezer bag if desired.
  6. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) and allow it to preheat for 1-2 minutes. This ensures even cooking and a crispy crust.
  7. Prepare the Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the basket with oil spray, spraying away from the heating element to avoid damage and ensure a crisp finish.
  8. Air Fry the Mozzarella Sticks: Place the frozen cheese sticks in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they do not touch to allow proper air circulation. Depending on the basket size, you can fit about 7-8 sticks at a time.
  9. Cook and Flip: Air fry for 3-4 minutes, then pause to shake the basket or use tongs to flip the sticks. Air fry for another 3-4 minutes until the crust is golden brown, crispy, and the cheese inside is melted and gooey. If needed, air fry for an additional minute for extra crispiness.
  10. Serve: Serve the mozzarella sticks hot with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious appetizer or snack.

Notes

  • Freezing the coated cheese sticks before air frying is essential to keep the cheese from leaking out during cooking.
  • You can use full-fat or skim string cheese, but skim works best to reduce fat content and melting issues.
  • If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake these at 425°F (218°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumb mixture.
  • Store leftover cooked mozzarella sticks in the fridge and reheat in the air fryer for best texture.

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