Description
Crispy and gooey air fryer mozzarella sticks are the perfect appetizer or snack. Coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer, these mozzarella sticks are deliciously cheesy on the inside and crunchy on the outside with minimal oil and fuss.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 low-moisture mozzarella string cheese sticks
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (or panko)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Cooking spray
- Optional: Marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Prepare Breading Station: Set up three separate bowls—one with all-purpose flour, the second with beaten eggs, and the third with seasoned breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning. This will make the breading process organized and efficient.
- Bread the Mozzarella Sticks: Lightly coat each mozzarella stick first in flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally roll it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated. This triple coating ensures a crispy crust.
- Freeze the Breaded Sticks: Arrange the breaded mozzarella sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for 30 minutes. Freezing helps the coating stick better during cooking and prevents cheese from leaking out.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Air Fry the Sticks: Place the frozen mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly mist them with cooking spray to enhance crispiness. Cook for 6-8 minutes until they become golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Carefully remove the mozzarella sticks from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Serve warm with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Freezing the breaded sticks before air frying is essential to keep them firm and prevent cheese from melting out.
- You can use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
- Use low-moisture mozzarella cheese sticks to avoid too much melting and oozing.
- Adjust cooking time slightly depending on your air fryer model and stick thickness.
