Description
These air-fried mozzarella sticks are crispy on the outside and perfectly gooey on the inside. A quick and easy appetizer or snack made with less oil but all the delicious crunch, perfect for parties or casual snacking.
Ingredients
Mozzarella Sticks
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks, halved (24 pieces)
Breading
- 1 cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1½ cups Italian breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Others
- Cooking spray
- Marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Freeze mozzarella sticks: Place the mozzarella stick halves in the freezer for at least 1 hour to prevent the cheese from leaking during cooking.
- Prepare the coating bowls: Set up three separate bowls—one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
- Coat the mozzarella sticks: Dip each frozen mozzarella stick first into the flour, then into the beaten eggs, and finally into the seasoned breadcrumbs, ensuring full coverage.
- Double dip for extra crispiness: Repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating step to create a thicker, crunchier crust on the sticks.
- Freeze again: Place the coated mozzarella sticks back into the freezer for 15–20 minutes to firm up the breading before frying.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and allow it to heat up.
- Prepare for air frying: Lightly spray the mozzarella sticks with cooking spray to enhance browning and crispiness.
- Air fry the sticks: Cook the mozzarella sticks in the air fryer for 6–8 minutes until they turn golden brown and the cheese inside is melted.
- Serve immediately: Remove the mozzarella sticks carefully and serve hot with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Freezing the mozzarella sticks before coating and after coating helps prevent cheese from leaking out during air frying.
- Double coating the sticks with egg and breadcrumbs adds extra crunchiness.
- For best taste and texture, serve the mozzarella sticks fresh and hot right after cooking.
- You can customize the seasoning in the breadcrumb mixture to your taste.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket for even cooking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
