Looking for a guilt-free indulgence? Try our irresistible Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks recipe! Perfectly golden and crunchy on the outside, with a gooey, cheesy center, these homemade snacks are a hit with both kids and adults alike. Made with simple ingredients and air-fried to perfection, they’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser for game nights, parties, or anytime cravings strike.
Ingredients
- 8 mozzarella cheese sticks or string cheese sticks
- 1⁄2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1⁄2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika, optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Sticks: Unwrap the cheese sticks and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze them for at least 1 hour or until solid. This step is crucial for keeping the cheese from melting too quickly while cooking.
- Set Up the Coating Stations: Set up three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place the all-purpose flour. In the second, beat the eggs. In the third, mix the Panko, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Coat the Cheese Sticks: Roll a frozen mozzarella stick in the flour and shake off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Place the coated stick back on the baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining sticks.
- Freeze Again: Once all the mozzarella sticks are coated, freeze them again for at least 10 minutes, up to 30 minutes. This step helps the coating stay on during cooking.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) for about 5 minutes.
- Cook the Mozzarella Sticks: Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray. Place the mozzarella sticks in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they’re not touching. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Spray the tops of the sticks lightly with cooking spray. Cook them for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking. The mozzarella sticks should be golden brown and crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Can I use different cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is traditional, you can experiment with different types of cheese for a unique twist. - Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mozzarella sticks up to the freezing stage ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the freezer until ready to cook. - Can I bake these mozzarella sticks instead of using an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. - What dipping sauces pair well with these mozzarella sticks?
Marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic aioli are all popular options for dipping these mozzarella sticks. - Can I omit the Parmesan cheese from the coating mixture?
While Parmesan adds a nice flavor, you can omit it if you prefer or if you have dietary restrictions.
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