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Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 94 reviews

Delicious and crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks that are perfectly breaded and cooked to golden perfection. This quick and easy recipe uses panko breadcrumbs and a seasoned flour mixture for an extra crunchy coating, with the convenience of the air fryer making it a healthier alternative to deep frying.

Ingredients

Scale

Mozzarella Sticks

  • 8 mozzarella cheese sticks, cut in half

Breading Mixture

  • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Egg Wash

  • 2 eggs, whisked

Panko Coating

  • 1 cup panko bread crumbs
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon paprika

Other

  • Olive oil spray

Instructions

  1. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a shallow bowl or pie plate, combine the flour, kosher salt, and black pepper. Set aside for coating the mozzarella sticks.
  2. Whisk Eggs: In a separate shallow dish, whisk the eggs until smooth. Keep refrigerated between uses to stay fresh.
  3. Mix Panko Coating: In a third shallow bowl or pie plate, mix the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, dried oregano, and paprika until evenly combined.
  4. Cut Cheese: Slice each mozzarella stick in half to create bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
  5. First Coating: Working one at a time, dredge each mozzarella stick half in the flour mixture until thoroughly coated, shaking off excess flour.
  6. Egg Dip: Dip the floured cheese stick into the egg wash, coating completely and letting any excess drip off.
  7. Panko Coating: Roll the egg-coated cheese stick in the seasoned panko mixture, pressing the crumbs firmly to adhere well.
  8. Initial Freeze: Place the breaded sticks on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for at least 30 minutes to set the coating and prevent melting during air frying. Keep the egg wash chilled.
  9. Double Coating: Remove the sticks from the freezer, dip each again into the egg wash, then the panko mixture once more for an extra thick coating. Return to the freezer for 30 to 60 minutes until firm.
  10. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (199°C) for 5 minutes to ensure it is hot enough for crisp cooking.
  11. Prepare Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
  12. Arrange Mozzarella Sticks: Place the coated sticks in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between each piece. You may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size.
  13. Spray and Cook: Lightly spray the sticks with olive oil spray to enhance browning and crispiness. Air fry for 5 to 8 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and the breading is golden brown and crispy.

Notes

  • Freezing the sticks twice before air frying prevents the cheese from leaking out during cooking.
  • You can use part-skim mozzarella sticks to reduce fat content.
  • If you don’t have an air fryer, oven baking at 425°F for 8-10 minutes can be a substitute.
  • Serve immediately with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for best taste.
  • Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation and even crisping.

Keywords: Air fryer mozzarella sticks, crispy mozzarella sticks, easy appetizer, air fried cheese sticks, snack recipe

Find it online: https://kitchenwithkai.com/air-fryer-mozzarella-sticks-recipe/