Description
Unlock ultimate crunch and gooey cheese with our Easy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks! A simple double Panko-garlic coating ensures crispy perfection every time.
Ingredients
- Mozzarella cheese sticks (part-skim, low moisture) – 12 sticks
- All-purpose flour – 1/2 cup
- Large eggs – 2
- Panko breadcrumbs – 1 cup
- Garlic powder – 1/2 teaspoon
- Dried Italian seasoning – 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt – 1/4 teaspoon
- Cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil) – as needed
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare your breading stations. In three separate shallow dishes, place 1/2 cup all-purpose flour in the first, whisk 2 large eggs in the second, and combine 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in the third.
- Step 2: Take one mozzarella stick at a time. First, dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it completely in the whisked egg, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, roll it thoroughly in the seasoned Panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure an even and thick coating. For extra crispiness, you can double-coat by dipping it in egg and breadcrumbs again.
- Step 3: Place the coated mozzarella sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they do not touch. Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer and freeze for at least 2-3 hours, or preferably overnight, until completely solid. This crucial step helps prevent the cheese from melting out during air frying.
- Step 4: When ready to cook, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes. Arrange the frozen mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it. Work in batches if necessary. Lightly spray the sticks with cooking spray to help achieve a golden, crispy crust.
- Step 5: Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and the cheese is just starting to ooze. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking, which can lead to excessive cheese leakage.
- Step 6: Carefully remove the crispy mozzarella sticks from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara sauce or ranch dressing. Enjoy them while they are hot and gooey!
Notes
- Keep any leftover uncooked, breaded mozzarella sticks frozen solid in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy fresh, crispy batches anytime without the full prep work!
- To bring any cooked leftovers back to life, air fry them at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or pop them in a toaster oven until warmed through and re-crisped – avoid the microwave to keep them from getting soggy!
- Elevate your cheesy experience beyond the usual suspects! Try serving these crispy sticks with a vibrant sweet chili sauce, a creamy pesto aioli, or even a homemade roasted red pepper dip for an adventurous flavor twist.
- For truly perfect mozzarella sticks with minimal cheese leakage, don't rush the freezing step! Ensuring they are completely solid, preferably overnight, is the ultimate chef's tip for preventing melty mishaps and achieving that irresistible crispy shell and gooey center.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: food recipes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 mozzarella sticks
- Calories: 350
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 2g