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Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 68 reviews
  • Author: lilan
  • Total Time: 2 hours 16 minutes (including freezing time)
  • Yield: 12 mozzarella sticks 1x

Description

Crispy and gooey Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks are a deliciously easy appetizer or snack. Coated in a crunchy seasoned panko breadcrumb crust and air fried to perfection, these cheesy sticks are perfect for dipping in warm marinara sauce. This recipe also includes an oven-baking alternative for convenience.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Sticks

  • 12 mozzarella sticks

Breading Station

  • 2 cups panko bread crumbs
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 2 large eggs, well-beaten
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour

For Serving

  • Warm marinara sauce

Instructions

  1. Freeze Mozzarella Sticks: Place the mozzarella sticks in the freezer and let them freeze solid for at least 2 to 3 hours. This step is crucial to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly and oozing out during cooking.
  2. Prepare Breading Station: Set up three separate shallow bowls. Add the panko bread crumbs to one bowl and season generously with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Place the well-beaten eggs in the second bowl, and the all-purpose flour in the third.
  3. Coat the Cheese Sticks: Take the frozen mozzarella sticks and coat each one first in flour, shaking off excess. Dip it into the egg bowl, allowing excess egg to drip back. Next, coat them in panko breadcrumbs, then dip back into egg, and finish with another layer of panko breadcrumbs to ensure a thick, crispy crust.
  4. Air Fry the Mozzarella Sticks: Arrange the breaded mozzarella sticks in a single even layer in the basket of your air fryer. Cook at 400°F (204°C) for 6 minutes or until the outside is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese inside is melted.
  5. Serve: Remove the mozzarella sticks carefully and serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
  6. Oven-Baking Alternative: For oven cooking, preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. After breading the mozzarella sticks as instructed, arrange them evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, watching closely to prevent cheese from oozing out.
  7. Serve Oven-Baked Sticks: Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

  • Freezing the mozzarella sticks thoroughly before breading and cooking is key to keeping the cheese from leaking.
  • You can prepare the breading station ahead of time to save time when assembling.
  • For extra crunch, double coat the mozzarella sticks by repeating the egg and panko steps.
  • If using the oven method, be sure to watch carefully during the last few minutes of baking as cheese can spill out if overcooked.
  • Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
  • Leftover mozzarella sticks can be reheated in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 minutes (air fryer) or 8-10 minutes (oven)
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Mozzarella sticks, air fryer snacks, appetizer, cheesy snack, crispy mozzarella sticks, panko breaded cheese sticks

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Find it online: https://cooklilan.com/air-fryer-mozzarella-sticks-recipe/