Description
Crispy on the outside, melty on the inside—these homemade air fryer mozzarella sticks are the perfect appetizer or snack, offering a deliciously cheesy treat with a crunchy coating made effortlessly in your air fryer.
Ingredients
Cheese Sticks
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks, halved
Breading Mixture
- ½ cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (or panko)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Additional
- Cooking spray
- Marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Freeze the cheese sticks: Place the halved mozzarella sticks in the freezer for at least 1 hour to prevent them from melting too quickly during cooking.
- Prepare the coating stations: Set up three bowls — one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt.
- Coat the cheese sticks: Dip each frozen cheese stick first into the flour, coating it fully, then into the beaten eggs, and finally into the seasoned breadcrumb mixture. For extra crispiness and to prevent cheese from leaking, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating.
- Arrange and spray: Place the coated mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray them with cooking spray to enhance crispiness.
- Air fry: Cook the mozzarella sticks at 390°F (200°C) for 6 to 8 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Serve: Remove the mozzarella sticks carefully and serve immediately with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Double-coating the mozzarella sticks helps prevent cheese from oozing out during cooking.
- For a low-carb option, use seasoned pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
