Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthier Alternative: Enjoy the crispy texture of traditional fried mozzarella sticks with significantly less oil, making them a lighter option.

• Quick and Easy: With minimal preparation and cooking time, these mozzarella sticks are ready to serve in under an hour.

• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare and freeze them in advance, then cook straight from the freezer whenever the craving strikes.

• Customizable: Easily adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Mozzarella string cheese sticks

• All-purpose flour

• Large eggs

• Panko breadcrumbs

• Italian seasoned breadcrumbs

• Garlic powder

• Salt and pepper

• Cooking spray or olive oil

Directions

1. Prepare the Cheese: Cut the mozzarella string cheese sticks in half, creating shorter pieces.

2. Set Up Breading Stations: Place flour in one shallow bowl. In a second bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, combine Panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Bread the Cheese Sticks: Dredge each mozzarella stick in flour, ensuring it's fully coated. Dip it into the beaten eggs, then roll in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere. For an extra crispy coating, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps.

4. Freeze: Arrange the breaded mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for at least 30 minutes to prevent cheese leakage during cooking.

5. Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat.

6. Cook: Lightly spray the frozen mozzarella sticks with cooking spray or brush with olive oil. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't touch. Cook for 5-7 minutes, checking at the 4-minute mark. Once the cheese starts to bubble, they're ready.

7. Serve: Remove from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara or ranch.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 8 mozzarella sticks

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes

• Freezing Time: 30 minutes

• Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes

Variations

• Cheese Options: Experiment with different string cheese flavors like cheddar or pepper jack for a unique twist.

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika to the breadcrumb mixture for added heat.

• Herb Infusion: Incorporate dried herbs like oregano or basil into the breadcrumbs for enhanced flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover cooked mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes until warmed through and crispy.

• Freezing Uncooked Sticks: Breaded but uncooked mozzarella sticks can be frozen for up to 6 months. Cook them directly from frozen, adding an extra minute to the cooking time.

FAQs

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out during cooking?

Freezing the breaded mozzarella sticks for at least 30 minutes before cooking helps the coating crisp up before the cheese melts, preventing leakage.

Can I bake these mozzarella sticks instead of air frying?

Yes, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the frozen mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet for 9-11 minutes until golden and crispy.

What dipping sauces pair well with mozzarella sticks?

Classic marinara sauce is a favorite, but ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or spicy sriracha mayo also complement them well.

Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of Panko?

Panko breadcrumbs provide a crunchier texture, but you can use regular breadcrumbs if that's what you have on hand.

How long can I store uncooked, breaded mozzarella sticks in the freezer?

Uncooked, breaded mozzarella sticks can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Do I need to thaw the mozzarella sticks before cooking?

No, cook them directly from frozen to ensure the coating crisps up properly without the cheese overcooking.

Can I double coat the mozzarella sticks for extra crunch?

Absolutely, dipping them twice in the egg and breadcrumb mixture will result in a thicker, crunchier coating.

What if I don't have an air fryer?

You can bake them in the oven or deep fry them in oil until golden brown and crispy.

Are there any cheese alternatives that work well?

While mozzarella is traditional, other firm cheeses like cheddar or gouda can be used, but they may melt differently.

How do I prevent the breadcrumbs from falling off during cooking?

Ensuring each layer (flour, egg, breadcrumbs) fully coats the cheese stick and pressing the breadcrumbs gently to adhere helps prevent them from falling off.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks are the perfect snack or appetizer for any occasion. With minimal effort and a healthier twist on the classic fried version, these crispy, gooey delights are sure to impress. Whether you're serving them at a party or enjoying them on a cozy night in, they're a delicious treat everyone will love!

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These Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks are a healthier, crispy alternative to the traditional deep-fried version. Coated with a perfect blend of breadcrumbs and seasoned to perfection, these homemade mozzarella sticks are a crowd-pleasing snack or appetizer. With minimal oil, they're a lighter option for those craving comfort food. Quick, easy, and delicious, these mozzarella sticks cook up in just minutes and are ready to serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 mozzarella sticks
• Category: Snack, Appetizer
• Method: Air Fryer
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

6 mozzarella string cheese sticks

¼ cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs, beaten

½ cup Panko breadcrumbs

½ cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs

½ tsp garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking spray or olive oil for spraying

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Instructions

• Prepare the Cheese: Cut each mozzarella stick in half to create shorter pieces.

• Set Up Breading Stations: In three shallow bowls, place flour, beaten eggs, and a mixture of Panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

• Bread the Cheese: First, dredge each mozzarella stick in flour, followed by dipping in the egg. Roll in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere. For an extra crispy coating, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps.

• Freeze: Lay the breaded mozzarella sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes to ensure the coating stays intact during cooking.

• Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and preheat for 3-5 minutes.

• Cook: Lightly spray the frozen mozzarella sticks with cooking spray or olive oil. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping them halfway. Once the cheese starts to bubble, they’re ready.

• Serve: Let the mozzarella sticks cool slightly before serving with marinara sauce, ranch, or any dipping sauce of your choice.

Notes

• You can double coat the mozzarella sticks for extra crunch.

• Freeze uncooked sticks for up to 6 months.

• If not using an air fryer, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 9-11 minutes or deep fry in oil until golden and crispy.