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Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

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4.4 from 9 reviews

Crispy and gooey Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks, perfectly seasoned and coated for a healthier homemade snack. These mozzarella sticks are lightly breaded with flavorful herbs and spices, then cooked in the air fryer for a deliciously crispy exterior and melty cheese center. Ready in under 3 hours including freezing time, they make a perfect appetizer or snack served with marinara sauce.

Ingredients

Cheese

  • 8 sticks string cheese (preferably skim version)

Dry Coating Mix

  • 1/3 cup all purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 teaspoons oregano
  • 2 teaspoons parsley
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

Wet Coating

  • 1 egg

Instructions

  1. Prepping The Mozzarella Cheese Sticks: Slice all 8 string cheese sticks in half to create 16 equal pieces for breading and cooking.
  2. Prepare the Seasoned Coating: In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with paprika, oregano, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt, mixing well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
  3. Prepare the Wet and Dry Coating Bowls: Beat one egg in a second small bowl. Place the flour in a third bowl for the initial coating step.
  4. Coat the Cheese Sticks: Using a fork, dip each halved cheese stick first into the flour, then the beaten egg, and finally the seasoned panko breadcrumb mixture. Place each coated piece onto a parchment-lined cookie sheet for easy cleanup.
  5. Freeze the Coated Sticks: Place the covered cheese sticks in the freezer for at least two hours or until frozen solid. Once frozen, they can be stored in a freezer bag or cooked immediately.
  6. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 400°F (204°C) and allow it to preheat for a couple of minutes until warm.
  7. Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil spray, directing the spray away from the heating element to avoid damage.
  8. Cook the Mozzarella Sticks: Arrange the frozen mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. Cook for 3-4 minutes, then shake the basket or flip the sticks with tongs.
  9. Finish Cooking: Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the sticks are crispy and golden brown on the outside, and the cheese inside is melted and gooey. If needed, cook for an additional minute for extra crispiness.
  10. Serve: Serve hot with marinara sauce for dipping for a perfect appetizer or snack.

Notes

  • Use skim string cheese for a lighter version, but full-fat works too.
  • Freezing the cheese sticks solid helps prevent the cheese from melting out during cooking.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed for even crisping.
  • Adjust cooking time slightly based on your air fryer model and how crispy you like them.
  • These mozzarella sticks are best enjoyed immediately after cooking for maximum gooeyness.

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