Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

$- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs, beaten - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Cooking spray - Air fryer - Baking sheet Gather all your ingredients before you start. This will make your cooking easier and faster. The mozzarella cheese sticks are the star of the dish. Choose good-quality cheese for the best flavor. I prefer panko breadcrumbs because they give a nice crunch. For seasoning, garlic powder and Italian seasoning add depth. Paprika gives a hint of smokiness. Don’t forget the salt and pepper. They enhance the taste of your sticks. You will need cooking spray to ensure they crisp up nicely. An air fryer is key for that golden, crunchy texture. Finally, a baking sheet helps with freezing the sticks before cooking. With these ingredients and tools ready, you are set for a fun cooking adventure! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, gather your three shallow dishes. In the first dish, add 1 cup of all-purpose flour. This will help the cheese sticks stick better. In the second dish, beat 2 large eggs until mixed well. This egg wash gives the sticks a nice coating. In the third dish, mix 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This will add great flavor to your sticks. Now, take each mozzarella stick. Dip it first into the flour, making sure it’s fully covered. Shake off any extra flour. Next, dip the floured stick into the beaten eggs. Let any excess egg drip off. Finally, roll the stick in the seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing gently to make sure the breadcrumbs stick. Repeat this process for all 12 mozzarella sticks. Once all the sticks are breaded, place them on a baking sheet. Freeze them for at least 30 minutes. This step is very important. It helps the cheese keep its shape while cooking. While they freeze, preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. After preheating, spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray. Arrange the frozen mozzarella sticks in one layer, ensuring they don’t touch. Cook them in the air fryer for 6-8 minutes. Flip the sticks halfway through cooking for even browning. When they are golden brown and crispy, carefully remove them. Let them cool slightly before serving. To get that perfect crispiness, pay attention to your air fryer model. Different models cook at different speeds. Start with the suggested time of 6 to 8 minutes, but check for golden brown color. If your sticks need more time, add a minute or two. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning! A few simple mistakes can ruin your mozzarella sticks. First, make sure each stick has an even coating of flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. This helps them stay crispy. Second, do not overcrowd the basket. Leave space between each stick. This allows hot air to circulate, cooking them evenly. Want to spice up your mozzarella sticks? You can add more flavor to the panko. Try mixing in some dried herbs like oregano or basil. A pinch of cayenne pepper can add heat. You can also use different seasonings, like ranch powder or taco seasoning, for fun twists. Pro Tips Freezing is Key: Make sure to freeze the breaded mozzarella sticks for at least 30 minutes. This helps them maintain their shape and prevents the cheese from oozing out during cooking. Use Panko Breadcrumbs: Opt for panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture. They add a delightful crunch to your mozzarella sticks! Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Arrange the mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Overcrowding can lead to uneven browning. Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to customize the seasoning blend in the panko breadcrumbs. Adding herbs or spices can elevate the flavor of your mozzarella sticks! {{image_2}} You can try other cheeses for your mozzarella sticks. Here are some tasty options: - Cheddar cheese: It melts well and gives a sharp flavor. - Gouda cheese: This adds a rich and smoky taste. - Pepper jack cheese: A spicy kick makes these sticks fun. - String cheese: Perfect if you want a classic taste. Each cheese brings its own twist to the dish. Experiment to find your favorite! If you need a gluten-free option, swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs. They work just as well for coating. Here’s how to do it: - Use gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of regular flour. - Make sure your breadcrumbs are certified gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy crispy mozzarella sticks without the gluten. Want a vegan version? You can replace cheese and egg with plant-based options. Here’s what to use: - Substitute cheese sticks with vegan mozzarella. - Use flax eggs as a binder. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes to thicken. These swaps keep the dish tasty and friendly for all diets! To store cooked mozzarella sticks, let them cool first. Place them in a container with a lid. Use parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking. They stay fresh for up to three days in the fridge. To reheat mozzarella sticks, use the air fryer. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the sticks in the fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for about 3-5 minutes. This keeps them crispy and warm. If you want to freeze uncooked mozzarella sticks, prepare them as usual. After breading, place them on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about 30 minutes until firm. Then transfer to a freezer bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to cook, just air fry them straight from the freezer. Adjust the cooking time by a few minutes. Yes, you can make them ahead. Just bread the sticks and freeze them. This helps them keep their shape when cooking. You can store them in an airtight container for up to a month. When you're ready, just cook them straight from the freezer. Check for a golden brown color. They should be crispy on the outside. If you hear a nice crunch when you take a bite, they are ready. Cooking time is usually 6 to 8 minutes at 390°F (200°C). Flip them halfway for even cooking. Yes, but panko gives a crispier texture. Regular breadcrumbs work fine if you don’t have panko. If you use them, try adding a bit more seasoning to enhance the flavor. Marinara sauce is a classic choice. It adds great flavor and moisture. You can also try ranch dressing or a spicy aioli. These dips add extra excitement to your snack. Add some cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix. You can also serve with hot sauce or a spicy dip. For a bold twist, try using pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella. You've learned how to make tasty Air Fryer mozzarella sticks from scratch. We covered the main ingredients, seasoned them well, and walked through easy steps. We discussed tips for crispiness, common mistakes, and how to add your own touch. I also shared fun variations for dietary needs and how to store leftovers. Enjoy making and sharing these delicious snacks. They are fun to cook and easy to love!$

Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Deliciously crispy mozzarella sticks made in the air fryer, perfect for snacking.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 8

Total Time 55

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

12 pieces mozzarella cheese sticks
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
0.5 teaspoon paprika
to taste salt and pepper
as needed cooking spray

Instructions

Begin by setting up a breading station: Place the flour in one shallow dish, the beaten eggs in another, and combine the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper in a third dish.
Take each mozzarella stick and first dip it into the flour, ensuring it is well-coated. Shake off any excess flour.
Next, dip the floured stick into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
Finally, roll the mozzarella stick in the seasoned panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Repeat this for all the mozzarella sticks.
Once all cheese sticks are breaded, place them on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes to help them hold their shape during cooking.
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray, and arrange the frozen mozzarella sticks in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch each other.
Cook in the air fryer for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping the sticks halfway through for even cooking.
Carefully remove the mozzarella sticks from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve with marinara sauce for dipping and garnish with fresh parsley.

Keyword air fryer, mozzarella sticks, snack