Description
Crispy, golden-brown mozzarella sticks made in an air fryer in just 10 minutes. This recipe uses a double-coating breading technique to ensure a crunchy exterior and molten, gooey cheese interior without the mess of deep frying.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 ounces (450g) low-moisture mozzarella cheese block
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten with a pinch of salt and black pepper
- 1.5 cups (150g) panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Olive oil cooking spray
Instructions
- Cut the low-moisture mozzarella block into 1/2-inch by 1/2-inch by 2-inch sticks. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes until solid.
- Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Remove cheese sticks from the freezer. Dredge each stick in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the egg wash, letting excess drip off. Roll in the panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- For a durable crust, perform a second dip: dip the breaded stick back into the egg wash and then back into the panko breadcrumbs. Place on a clean plate.
- Return all breaded sticks to the freezer for at least 15 minutes to lock the breading onto the cheese.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with olive oil cooking spray.
- Place mozzarella sticks in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching. Lightly spray the tops of the sticks with oil.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes. At the 5-minute mark, open the basket and flip the sticks to ensure even browning. Cook until the breading is deep golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the air fryer and let cool for 1-2 minutes before serving immediately with marinara sauce.
Notes
It is crucial to freeze the cheese solid before breading and freeze the breaded sticks again before cooking to prevent the cheese from leaking. Use low-moisture block mozzarella, not fresh mozzarella or pre-shredded cheese. Do not crowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary. For a spicy version, add cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes to the panko.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 4 stic
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 420
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 12
Keywords: air fryer mozzarella sticks, mozzarella sticks recipe, easy appetizer, crispy cheese sticks, air fryer snacks, homemade mozzarella sticks, quick appetizer