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Air-Fried Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

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3.9 from 27 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 1 hour 22 minutes
  • Yield: 24 mozzarella sticks
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Air-Fried Mozzarella Sticks are crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and made with less oil than traditional fried versions. This easy appetizer or snack is perfect for parties, game days, or whenever you crave cheesy comfort food with a healthier twist.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks, halved
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1½ cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Cooking spray
  • Marinara sauce, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the mozzarella sticks: Cut each mozzarella stick in half to create 24 pieces. This size is perfect for snacking and easy to coat.
  2. Coat in flour: Dredge each mozzarella piece in all-purpose flour ensuring they are fully coated. This helps the egg adhere better.
  3. Dip in beaten eggs: Dip the floured mozzarella pieces into the beaten eggs, coating them thoroughly to prepare for the breadcrumb mixture.
  4. Roll in breadcrumb mixture: Combine Italian-style breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Roll each egg-dipped piece in this mixture until fully covered.
  5. Double coat for thickness: Repeat the egg dip and breadcrumb roll again for a thicker, crunchier crust that holds the cheese inside during cooking.
  6. Freeze: Place the coated mozzarella sticks on a tray and freeze for at least 1 hour. Freezing is crucial to prevent cheese leakage during cooking.
  7. Preheat air fryer: Set your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat thoroughly for optimal crispiness.
  8. Spray and arrange: Lightly spray the frozen mozzarella sticks with cooking spray to help achieve a golden crust. Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding for even cooking.
  9. Air fry: Cook the mozzarella sticks for 5 to 7 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside while the cheese inside melts.
  10. Serve: Remove immediately from the air fryer and serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy your crispy, gooey snack fresh!

Notes

  • Freezing the mozzarella sticks is essential to prevent the cheese from melting out during air frying.
  • Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, ensuring even cooking and crispiness.
  • These mozzarella sticks are best enjoyed fresh right after air frying for optimal texture and flavor.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://sarasplate.com/air-fried-mozzarella-sticks-recipe/