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Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

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4.3 from 7 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 52 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Crispy and gooey air fryer mozzarella sticks are an easy and delicious appetizer or snack. Breaded in flour, eggs, and panko breadcrumbs, then air-fried to golden perfection, these cheesy sticks are served hot with marinara sauce for dipping. Perfectly crunchy on the outside and melty on the inside, this recipe uses the air fryer for a healthier alternative to traditional frying.

Ingredients

Mozzarella Sticks

  • 8 mozzarella cheese sticks

Breading

  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2/3 cup Panko breadcrumbs (plain or Italian style)

Other

  • Cooking spray
  • Marinara sauce, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cheese sticks: Using a sharp knife, cut each mozzarella stick in half width-wise to create shorter sticks that cook evenly in the air fryer.
  2. Mix the flour coating: In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, kosher salt, and black pepper until evenly combined.
  3. Prepare the egg wash: In a separate shallow dish, whisk the eggs thoroughly to make the egg wash.
  4. Set up the breadcrumbs: Place the Panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow dish to coat the sticks.
  5. Bread the mozzarella sticks: Dredge each mozzarella piece first in the seasoned flour, shaking off the excess, then dip into the egg wash, and finally coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs. Lay the coated sticks on a plate and freeze them for 30 minutes to help the breading set and prevent cheese from leaking during cooking.
  6. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to preheat at 380°F (193°C) to ensure it’s ready for cooking the sticks.
  7. Prepare for air frying: Before placing in the air fryer basket, spray the frozen mozzarella sticks on all sides with cooking spray to help achieve a golden crisp texture.
  8. Air fry the sticks: Cook the mozzarella sticks in the air fryer for 5 to 7 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Monitor closely to avoid overcooking and cheese leakage.
  9. Serve: Remove the mozzarella sticks from the air fryer and serve immediately hot with marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

  • Freezing the breaded mozzarella sticks before air frying is crucial to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly and leaking out.
  • You can use plain or Italian style panko breadcrumbs depending on your flavor preference.
  • Use cooking spray generously to get a crispy exterior without deep frying.
  • If your air fryer basket is small, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding for even crisping.
  • Serve immediately for the best gooey texture and taste.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://sarabaking.com/air-fryer-mozzarella-sticks-recipe/