Glorious Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Introduction

Air fryer mozzarella sticks are a crispy, gooey snack that’s quick to make and perfect for satisfying cheese cravings. Using an air fryer keeps them light while delivering a perfectly crunchy coating. Let’s dive into this simple recipe for glorious mozzarella sticks!

Ingredients

• 12 oz mozzarella string cheese, cut into halves
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the mozzarella stick halves in the freezer for at least 1 hour to help them hold their shape during cooking.
2. Step 2: Set up three shallow dishes: flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper in the third.
3. Step 3: Coat each mozzarella stick first in flour, then dip in the beaten eggs, and finally press into the panko mixture until fully coated.
4. Step 4: Arrange the coated sticks in a single layer on a plate or baking sheet.
5. Step 5: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
6. Step 6: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
7. Step 7: Place the mozzarella sticks in the basket in a single layer without touching. Cook in batches if needed.
8. Step 8: Air fry for 6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Tips & Variations

• Freeze the mozzarella sticks longer for extra crispiness and to prevent melting inside the air fryer.
• For added flavor, mix Italian seasoning or garlic powder into the panko breadcrumbs.
• Serve with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for extra enjoyment.

Storage

Store any leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to restore their crispiness before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen mozzarella sticks instead of fresh string cheese?

Yes, store-bought frozen mozzarella sticks can be air fried directly, but homemade ones from string cheese offer a fresher taste and customizable coating.

Why do I need to freeze the cheese before cooking?

Freezing the cheese helps it firm up, preventing it from melting too quickly and leaking out during the air frying process, resulting in a crisp, intact snack.

Glorious Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 108 reviews

These Glorious Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks are the perfect crispy and gooey snack made effortlessly in an air fryer. With a crunchy panko breadcrumb coating seasoned with salt and pepper, these mozzarella sticks are an ideal appetizer or snack that cooks quickly and cleanly without deep frying. Frozen beforehand to hold their shape, they come out golden and melty inside in just 6 minutes.

• Author: Rico
• Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 21 minutes
• Yield: 12 mozzarella sticks 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Cheese

• 12 oz mozzarella string cheese, cut into halves

Breading

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Others

• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Freeze Mozzarella: Place the mozzarella stick halves in the freezer for at least 1 hour to firm them up, which helps them hold their shape during the cooking process and prevents excessive melting.
2. Prepare Breading Stations: Set up three shallow dishes. Put the all-purpose flour in the first dish, the beaten eggs in the second, and combine the panko breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper in the third dish.
3. Coat Cheese Sticks: Take one mozzarella stick at a time; first coat it evenly with flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally press it into the seasoned panko breadcrumb mixture to cover completely.
4. Arrange for Cooking: Lay the coated mozzarella sticks in a single layer on a plate or baking sheet to keep them ready for air frying without crowding.
5. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking and crispy results.
6. Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
7. Air Fry the Mozzarella Sticks: Place the mozzarella sticks in the basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch to allow hot air to circulate properly. Cook in batches if necessary.
8. Cook and Flip: Air fry for 6 minutes total, flipping the mozzarella sticks halfway through at around 3 minutes. They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside with melted cheese inside.

Notes

• Freezing the mozzarella sticks beforehand is key to preventing the cheese from leaking out during air frying.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to maintain crispiness and even cooking.
• Adjust cooking time slightly depending on your air fryer model for best results.
• Serve immediately for the crispiest texture and gooey cheese center.
• Can be paired with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.

Keywords: air fryer mozzarella sticks, crispy mozzarella sticks, easy appetizer, snack recipe, panko mozzarella sticks