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Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

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Quick and easy homemade mozzarella sticks with a perfectly crispy exterior and gooey cheese center, made in the air fryer for a healthier, mess-free snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese works great)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (120g)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten with 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 ½ cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs (150g), preferably panko
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (50g)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Cooking spray or olive oil spray

Instructions

  1. Unwrap mozzarella sticks and cut in half if desired. Place on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Set up breading stations: one bowl with flour, one with beaten eggs and water, and one with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Dredge each frozen mozzarella stick in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into egg wash, then roll in breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Repeat egg and breadcrumb coating for extra crunch.
  4. Place breaded sticks on tray and freeze for another 15 minutes.
  5. Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
  6. Spray air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray. Arrange sticks in a single layer without overcrowding. Spray tops with cooking spray.
  7. Cook for 4-5 minutes, flip sticks, spray again, and cook for another 4-5 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
  8. Let sticks rest on a wire rack for 2 minutes before serving to allow cheese to set slightly.

Notes

Freeze mozzarella sticks before breading to prevent cheese from melting out. Double coat with egg and breadcrumbs for extra crispiness. Preheat air fryer and avoid overcrowding basket. Spray sticks lightly with oil for golden finish. Let rest briefly before serving to avoid burns and keep cheese melty. For gluten-free, substitute flour and breadcrumbs accordingly. Baking option: bake at 425°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: mozzarella sticks, air fryer, crispy snack, cheese sticks, easy appetizer, homemade mozzarella sticks, gooey cheese, party snack

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/crispy-air-fryer-mozzarella-sticks-recipe-easy-homemade-gooey-cheese-snack/