Mozzarella Sticks
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Get ready to ditch that deep fryer because I’ve got a game-changer for you: Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks. Imagine the gooey, melty goodness of classic mozzarella sticks, but with a crispy, golden exterior that’s achieved with way less oil. This air fryer method is not just an alternative cooking method, but it’s ridiculously easy and perfect for those spontaneous snack cravings. Plus, it’s a surefire hit for gatherings (or, let’s be real, those solo Netflix nights). So, grab your air fryer, and let’s get cheesy!
Looking for more appetizers to add to the party? Try my Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball, Sheet Pan Nachos, and Pretzel Bites!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Recipe
- Easy and Quick: Air fryers are all about convenience. These sticks are quick to make, perfect for when you need a speedy snack.
- Less Mess: Say goodbye to splattering oil and a greasy kitchen. Air frying keeps everything contained and clean.
- Perfect Party Food: They’re a crowd-pleaser! Great for game nights, parties, or as an appetizer for family dinners.
Full disclosure, I made this recipe for my husband. He is a HUGE fan of homemade mozzarella sticks and I knew an air fryer version would be a hit with the fam. When I tell you that I almost didn’t share these with him the first time I made them, I’m not exaggerating. Something about the golden brown gooey mozzarella sticks dipped into warm marinara sauce is irresistible.
Imagine biting into a beautifully golden, crunchy exterior that gives way to an irresistibly gooey, stretchy mozzarella center. The outside is lightly seasoned, offering a savory contrast to the mild, creamy cheese inside. Each bite is a delightful blend of crispiness and melt-in-your-mouth cheesiness, creating a comfort food experience that’s both familiar and excitingly different. They’re the kind of snack that leaves you licking your fingers and reaching for just one more.
Air Fry Mozzarella Sticks Ingredients
A lot like deep-fried mozzarella sticks, this ingredient list is simple with the only missing item being oil. Here is what you’ll need to whip up this recipe.
- Cheese Sticks: I stuck with the classic mozzarella cheese sticks. They give you the perfect gooey cheese finish and are relatively inexpensive. One cheese stick gives you two fried!
- Flour: This creates a contrast in flavors while also helping the coating to hold onto the cheese during the cooking process.
- Egg: Egg whisked with a little water makes the perfect binder for the coating.
- Bread Crumbs: I made my own breadcrumbs, which is super simple, but any plain or panko breadcrumbs will work well for this recipe.
- Seasonings: I tested this a few times and find the best balance is Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. The gang is all here and it makes the breadcrumb mixture the star of the show.
Optional, it’s always a good idea to serve these with warm marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping! For the best results, and to get that golden brown finish, try misting the sticks with cooking spray before adding to the air fryer.
Mozzarella Sticks In The Air Fryer
Ready to dive into this cheesy appetizer? A little pro tip: You can actually prep these and keep the frozen mozzarella sticks on hand for six months! More details about that below.
- PREP: Start by slicing each mozzarella string cheese in half lengthwise, leaving you with thin long pieces. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside for later.
- COATING: Place the egg with about 2 to 3 tablespoons of water into a shallow bowl. Add the flour to a second. Set aside. In a third bowl combine the bread crumbs, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder and onion powder. Whisk to combine.
- DIP: Dip each string cheese first in the egg mixture, then the flour, back into the beaten egg, and finally in the bread crumb mixture. Be sure to press the crumbs onto the cheese to help it stick. Place the dipped sticks onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- FREEZE: Freeze the cheese sticks for at least 30 minutes.
- AIR FRY: Preheat the air fryer to 400 °F. Mist the cheese sticks with cooking spray. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes, turning one time halfway through, or until golden brown. Remember each air fryer cooks a little differently so cooking time may vary.
- ENJOY: Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces!
Helpful Tools
- Air Fryer: (affiliate) The star of the show, ensuring you get that perfect crispy texture without the oiliness of deep frying.
- Tongs: (affiliate) Essential for flipping the mozzarella sticks mid-way, ensuring an even golden crisp on all sides.
- Bowls: (affiliate) You’ll need a few for different coating stages – one for flour, one for beaten eggs, and another for breadcrumbs.
- Baking Sheet and Parchment Paper: (affiliate) Handy for setting up your coated mozzarella sticks before they go into the air fryer. Parchment paper prevents sticking.
Recipe Notes:
Yes, freezing them for at least 30 minutes before cooking helps the cheese maintain its shape and prevents it from oozing out.
Absolutely! Panko breadcrumbs give a crunchier texture, but regular breadcrumbs work just fine and will still be delicious.
Typically, air fry them for about 4-6 minutes at 400°F, but check your air fryer’s manual as times can vary slightly.
Preheating helps cook the mozzarella sticks evenly, so it’s recommended. Usually, a 3-5 minute preheat is sufficient.
It’s best to place them in a single layer to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Stacking might result in unevenly cooked sticks.
Double-coating the sticks with flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, and making sure there are no gaps or thin spots in the coating, helps keep the cheese contained.
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back the crispiness.
Yes, because they require significantly less oil, making them a lower-fat, lower-calorie option.
More Air Fryer Recipes To Try
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Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients
- 4 mozzarella cheese sticks
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 3/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Start by slicing each mozzarella string cheese in half lengthwise, leaving you with thin long pieces. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside for later.
- Place the egg with about 2 to 3 tablespoons of water into a shallow bowl. Add the flour to a second. Set aside. In a third bowl combine the bread crumbs, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder and onion powder. Whisk to combine.
- Dip each string cheese first in the egg mixture, then the flour, back into the beaten egg, and finally in the bread crumb mixture.
- Be sure to press the crumbs onto the cheese to help it stick. Place the dipped sticks onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Freeze the cheese sticks for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 °F. Mist the cheese sticks with cooking spray. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes, turning one time halfway through, or until golden brown. Remember each air fryer cooks a little differently so cooking time may vary.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces!
Nutrition
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
