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Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

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These crispy air fryer mozzarella sticks are a quick and easy snack with a perfectly golden, crunchy crust and gooey cheese inside. Ready in under 20 minutes, they are ideal for snack time and crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese works perfectly; full-fat recommended)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (120 grams)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten, room temperature
  • 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs (150 grams), preferably Japanese-style
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (25 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • Cooking spray (olive oil spray recommended)
  • 1 cup marinara sauce (240 ml), store-bought or homemade

Instructions

  1. Prep your dredging stations: In one bowl, place 1 cup (120 g) of all-purpose flour. In a second bowl, beat 2 large eggs until smooth. In the third bowl, combine 1 ½ cups (150 g) panko breadcrumbs, ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan, 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
  2. Coat the mozzarella sticks: Roll each mozzarella stick in the flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the beaten eggs, then press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, coating every side. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating once more for extra crunch.
  3. Freeze the coated sticks: Place the breaded mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper. Freeze for at least 30 minutes to prevent cheese from melting too fast during cooking.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
  5. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the frozen sticks in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. Watch closely near the end to avoid burning.
  6. While the sticks cook, gently heat about 1 cup (240 ml) of marinara sauce in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
  7. Remove mozzarella sticks carefully with tongs and serve immediately with warm marinara sauce.

Notes

Freeze the breaded mozzarella sticks for at least 30 minutes before air frying to prevent cheese leakage. Double coat the sticks in egg and breadcrumbs for extra crunch and to avoid soggy bites. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket for even crisping. Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 360°F (180°C) for 3-4 minutes to maintain crispiness. For gluten-free, substitute flour and panko with almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs. For dairy-free, use vegan mozzarella and plant-based Parmesan alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: mozzarella sticks, air fryer, crispy snack, easy snack, cheesy appetizer, quick snack, homemade mozzarella sticks

Find it online: https://juliamadeit.com/crispy-air-fryer-mozzarella-sticks-recipe-perfect-for-easy-snack-time/