Description
Crispy on the outside, gooey and melty on the inside, these Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks are the ultimate appetizer or snack! With the air fryer, you can enjoy the same crispy texture of deep-fried mozzarella sticks but with much less oil. The breading holds up perfectly, and the mozzarella cheese stays wonderfully melted. Plus, they’re easy to make with just a few ingredients! Whether you’re serving them for game day, as a party appetizer, or a movie night snack, these mozzarella sticks will be a hit.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 full-sized mozzarella string cheese sticks
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (or panko for a crispier texture)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prep the Cheese Sticks:
- Cut each mozzarella string cheese stick in half to create shorter pieces, if desired. Place them in the freezer for about 30 minutes before breading. Freezing helps the cheese hold its shape during cooking and prevents it from melting too quickly.
- Prepare the Breading Stations:
- Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with a beaten egg, and one with the seasoned breadcrumbs (and optional Italian seasoning mixed in).
- Season the flour with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
- Coat the Mozzarella Sticks:
- Roll each mozzarella stick in the flour, making sure it’s evenly coated.
- Dip it in the beaten egg, coating it thoroughly.
- Finally, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick.
- For an extra crispy coating, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a double coat.
- Air Fry the Mozzarella Sticks:
- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
- Arrange the breaded mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not touching to ensure even cooking.
- Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent the cheese from oozing out.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once they’re golden brown, remove the mozzarella sticks from the air fryer.
- Serve immediately with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- You can prepare the mozzarella sticks ahead of time and freeze them for up to 1 month. Just air fry them straight from the freezer when ready to cook.
- For extra flavor, you can mix garlic powder, onion powder, or Parmesan cheese into the breadcrumbs.
- For a lighter version, you can use whole wheat breadcrumbs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 30 minutes for freezing)
- Cook Time: 6-8 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Party Food
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American