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Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Irresistibly Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Made Easy

Enjoy the delightful crunch of Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks, a perfect guilt-free appetizer.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Freezing Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 21 minutes
Course appetizers
Cuisine American
Servings 4 sticks
Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

  • Air fryer

Ingredients
  

For the Coating

  • 1 cup Panko Bread Crumbs Provides a delightful crunch; substitute with regular breadcrumbs if needed, but expect a softer texture.
  • 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour Helps the coating stick better; use whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
  • 2 large Eggs Well-beaten; consider a flax egg for a vegan alternative.
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Enhances flavor; adjust according to your taste preferences.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Freshly Cracked Black Pepper Adds a hint of heat and depth to the flavor profile.

For the Mozzarella Sticks

  • 12 sticks Mozzarella Sticks The star of the show, providing a gooey center; string cheese works perfectly for uniform sizing.

For Dipping

  • 1 cup Warm Marinara Sauce Offers a tangy complement to the cheesy snacks; opt for homemade for an extra touch of love.

Instructions
 

Directions

  • Prepare the mozzarella sticks by cutting them in half if you prefer shorter pieces. Freeze them for at least 2 hours; this step helps maintain their shape while cooking and ensures that the cheese doesn’t ooze out.
  • Set up a dredging station with three bowls: add flour to one, beaten eggs to the second, and mix panko breadcrumbs with salt and pepper in the third. This assembly makes the coating process seamless and fun!
  • Coat each frozen mozzarella stick starting with a dip in flour, followed by a bath in the beaten eggs, and then roll it in the panko mixture until well-coated. This triple-layer ensures a crispy outcome!
  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Carefully arrange the coated sticks in the fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd. This allows even cooking and crispiness.
  • Cook for 6 minutes, flipping the mozzarella sticks halfway through for an even golden-brown color. If you’re using an oven instead, adjust cooking time to about 8-10 minutes and keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking.
  • Serve these delicious mozzarella sticks hot, paired with warm marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping. You want that gooey cheese to shine through!

Notes

For an extra kick, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top before serving.
Keyword Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks, cheese snacks, easy recipes, fried snacks, game day snacks, party food