Description
Savor the crunchy exterior and gooey interior of these Easy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks! Perfectly seasoned and quick to prepare, they’re a must-try appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian seasoned)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Cooking spray
- Marinara sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
- Step 1: Begin by cutting each mozzarella stick in half to create shorter sticks, if desired; this will help them fit better in the air fryer and make for easier dipping.
- Step 2: Set up a breading station by placing the flour in one shallow bowl, whisking the eggs in a second bowl, and combining the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and paprika in a third bowl.
- Step 3: Roll each mozzarella stick first in the flour, ensuring they are fully coated. Then dip them into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off, and finally coat them in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Step 4: Once all cheese sticks are breaded, place them on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps prevent the cheese from melting too quickly during cooking.
- Step 5: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Arrange the frozen mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray them with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
- Step 6: Air fry the mozzarella sticks for about 6-8 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Serve immediately with marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy your delicious cheesy appetizer!
Notes
- For optimal storage, keep any leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, ensuring they stay fresh and tasty. When reheating, pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes to regain their crispy texture instead of using a microwave. Serve your mozzarella sticks with a side of warm marinara sauce and perhaps some fresh basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top for a delightful presentation. A chef's tip: freezing the breaded sticks for at least 30 minutes before cooking is essential; it helps maintain their shape and prevents the cheese from oozing out during frying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 mozzarella sticks
- Calories: 280
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 2g