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Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

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4.2 from 72 reviews

  • Author: Alice
  • Total Time: 1 hour 8 minutes
  • Yield: 12 mozzarella sticks
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks are golden and crispy on the outside with a gooey, melted mozzarella center. This easy recipe uses air frying to deliver a perfectly crunchy coating without deep frying, making it a healthier and quick appetizer option. Serve these classic cheesy sticks with marinara sauce for a delicious snack or party treat.

Ingredients

Cheese

  • 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks

Coating

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Cooking spray

Serving

  • Marinara sauce for serving

Instructions

  1. Freeze Cheese Sticks: Cut mozzarella sticks in half if desired, then place them in the freezer for about 30 minutes to firm up. This helps prevent cheese from melting too quickly during cooking.
  2. Prepare Coating Stations: Place the flour in one bowl. In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and water until combined. In a third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt.
  3. First Coating: Roll each cheese stick first in the flour, ensuring a light and even coating. Then dip it into the egg mixture, coating fully.
  4. Coat with Breadcrumbs: Roll the egg-coated cheese stick in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure the crumbs stick well.
  5. Second Coating for Thickness: Repeat the egg dip and breadcrumb coating steps to create a thicker crust that stays intact during frying.
  6. Freeze Again: Place the coated mozzarella sticks back in the freezer for 15 minutes to firm up the coating before cooking.
  7. Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for a few minutes.
  8. Prepare for Air Frying: Lightly spray the mozzarella sticks with cooking spray to help achieve a crispy texture.
  9. Air Fry: Arrange the mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 6–8 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
  10. Serve: Remove immediately and serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping to enjoy the perfect melty, cheesy snack.

Notes

  • Freezing the sticks before and after breading is essential to prevent the cheese from leaking out during cooking.
  • Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the gooey cheese center with a crispy crust.
  • You can double coat the sticks for an extra crispy outer shell.
  • Use cooking spray generously for better browning and crispiness in the air fryer.
  • Marinara sauce is a classic dipping option, but ranch or garlic aioli works well too.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

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