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Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 52 reviews

Crispy and gooey Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks are a delightful snack, coated in seasoned panko bread crumbs and air fried to perfection for a healthier twist on this classic appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese

  • 8 mozzarella cheese sticks

Coating

  • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup panko bread crumbs
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon paprika

Other

  • Olive oil spray

Instructions

  1. Prepare Flour Mixture: In a shallow bowl or pie plate, mix the flour, kosher salt, and black pepper; set aside for coating.
  2. Whisk Eggs: In a separate shallow dish, whisk the 2 eggs until smooth, creating an egg wash to help the breading adhere.
  3. Mix Breadcrumbs: In a third shallow bowl, combine panko bread crumbs with garlic powder, dried oregano, and paprika, mixing well for a flavorful crust.
  4. Cut Cheese: Cut each mozzarella stick in half to create smaller portions for easier handling and frying.
  5. First Coat – Flour: Working one at a time, roll each mozzarella half in the flour mixture, coating thoroughly but dusting off any excess.
  6. First Coat – Egg: Dip the floured cheese stick into the egg wash, coating completely and allowing excess egg to drip off.
  7. First Coat – Breadcrumbs: Roll the egg-coated cheese stick in the seasoned panko mixture, pressing crumbs firmly to adhere.
  8. Freeze First Layer: Place the coated sticks on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for at least 30 minutes to set the coating. Keep the egg wash refrigerated between batches.
  9. Second Coat – Egg: After freezing, dip each mozzarella stick again into the egg mixture, ensuring full coverage for a double layer of adhesion.
  10. Second Coat – Breadcrumbs: Once again, coat in the panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing crumbs firmly for a thick, crispy crust.
  11. Freeze Second Layer: Return the double-coated mozzarella sticks to the freezer for an additional 30 to 60 minutes to ensure they hold their shape during cooking.
  12. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (199°C) for 5 minutes to prepare for optimal cooking conditions.
  13. Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
  14. Arrange and Spray Mozzarella Sticks: Place mozzarella sticks in a single layer with space between each in the basket. Lightly spray the sticks with olive oil spray to enhance browning.
  15. Cook Mozzarella Sticks: Air fry for 5 to 8 minutes until the breading is crispy and cheese starts bubbling, indicating they are perfectly cooked.

Notes

  • Freezing the mozzarella sticks after coating is crucial to prevent cheese from melting too quickly and leaking during air frying.
  • Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, ensuring even cooking and crispiness.
  • You can substitute Italian seasoning for the oregano and paprika for a slightly different flavor profile.
  • Serve immediately with marinara or ranch dipping sauce for best flavor and texture.

Keywords: Air Fryer, Mozzarella Sticks, Snack, Appetizer, Cheese Sticks, Crispy, Quick, Easy

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