Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
These Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks are crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and incredibly easy to make! With a fraction of the oil used in traditional frying, they’re a healthier alternative while still delivering that perfect crunchy texture. Serve them as a snack, appetizer, or party treat!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 12 mozzarella sticks (string cheese or block mozzarella cut into sticks)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray (for coating)
Instructions
- Prepare the Mozzarella Sticks:
- Unwrap the mozzarella sticks and set them aside.
- Place the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs in separate shallow bowls.
- Coat the Mozzarella Sticks:
- First, roll each mozzarella stick in flour, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Next, dip the floured stick into the beaten eggs, making sure it’s completely covered.
- Finally, roll the stick in the breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to ensure a good coating. For extra crispiness, you can repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating.
- Freeze the Mozzarella Sticks:
- Place the coated mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet or plate and freeze for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial to prevent the cheese from melting out during cooking.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Air Fry the Mozzarella Sticks:
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Arrange the frozen mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the basket, making sure they don’t overlap.
- Air fry for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. If you want them extra crispy, you can cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Serve:
- Remove the mozzarella sticks from the air fryer and serve immediately with marinara sauce for dipping.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.
- Add extra seasonings to the breadcrumb mix, like Parmesan cheese or crushed red pepper flakes, for added flavor.
Tips:
- For extra crispy mozzarella sticks, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Don’t skip the freezing step! It helps prevent the cheese from leaking out while cooking.
- You can make these ahead of time and store them in the freezer. Simply cook them straight from frozen when you’re ready to eat.
Enjoy your Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks, a crispy, cheesy snack that’s sure to impress!