Glorious Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Introduction

These Glorious Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks are a crispy, gooey snack that’s ready in minutes. Perfectly golden and easy to make, they offer a healthier twist by using an air fryer instead 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 to help 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, salt, and pepper in the third.
3. Step 3: Coat each mozzarella stick evenly by dredging it in flour, dipping it in beaten eggs, and then pressing it into the panko mixture until fully coated.
4. Step 4: Place the coated 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 mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the basket, making sure they don’t touch; cook in batches if necessary.
8. Step 8: Air fry for 6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
9. Step 9: Serve immediately with your favorite marinara sauce.

Tips & Variations

• Freeze the mozzarella sticks well before coating to prevent melting during cooking.
• Use garlic or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
• Try serving with ranch or spicy sriracha mayo for a different dipping experience.

Storage

Store leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen mozzarella sticks for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh mozzarella sticks and freeze them yourself before cooking. Pre-frozen sticks may not coat or cook evenly in the air fryer.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake the mozzarella sticks in a conventional oven at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, but the texture won’t be quite as crispy as air frying.

Glorious Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 484 reviews

Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, these Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks are the perfect snack or appetizer. Coated in a seasoned panko breadcrumb crust and cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer, these mozzarella sticks are quick, easy, and healthier than traditional fried versions.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 16 minutes
• Yield: 12 mozzarella sticks 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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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

Additional

• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Freeze the mozzarella: Place the mozzarella stick halves in the freezer for at least 1 hour to firm them up. This prevents the cheese from melting too quickly and helps them keep their shape during cooking.
2. Prepare coating stations: Set up three shallow dishes: the first with flour, the second with beaten eggs, and the third with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, salt, and black pepper.
3. Coat the mozzarella sticks: Working one at a time, roll each mozzarella stick in the flour evenly, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally press into the panko breadcrumb mixture until fully covered.
4. Arrange coated sticks: Place the coated mozzarella sticks in a single layer on a plate or baking sheet to keep them ready for air frying.
5. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) and let it preheat for a few minutes.
6. Prepare the basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
7. Air fry the mozzarella sticks: Arrange the sticks in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they do not touch to allow even cooking. You may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size.
8. Cook until golden and crispy: Air fry for 6 minutes, flipping the sticks halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and crispiness.
9. Serve immediately: Remove the mozzarella sticks and serve hot with your favorite marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

• Freezing the mozzarella sticks before coating and cooking is key to preventing the cheese from leaking out.
• Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.
• Try to keep the mozzarella sticks spaced apart in the air fryer to ensure even cooking.
• Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the model and size of your air fryer.
• These mozzarella sticks are best enjoyed immediately for the best melty texture.

Keywords: Mozzarella sticks, air fryer appetizer, crispy cheese sticks, easy snack, panko crust