Glorious Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
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.
- 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
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) and let it preheat for a few minutes.
- Prepare the basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- Cook until golden and crispy: Air fry for 6 minutes, flipping the sticks halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and crispiness.
- 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
