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Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 76 reviews

Crispy, golden mozzarella sticks made effortlessly in the air fryer for a deliciously melty snack served with warm marinara sauce. This recipe offers a quick and easy way to enjoy classic mozzarella sticks with less oil and mess than traditional frying, featuring a crunchy panko coating and perfectly melted cheese inside.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese

  • 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

Serving

  • Warm marinara sauce, for serving

Instructions

  1. Freeze Cheese: Freeze the mozzarella sticks until frozen solid, which takes at least 2 hours. This step is crucial to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly during cooking.
  2. Prepare Breading Station: Set up three separate shallow bowls: one with panko bread crumbs seasoned generously with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, one with well-beaten eggs, and one with all-purpose flour.
  3. Coat Mozzarella Sticks: Coat each frozen mozzarella stick first in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip back into the bowl, then coat in panko breadcrumbs. Repeat dipping back into egg and then panko to ensure a thick, even coating.
  4. Air Fry Cooking: Arrange the breaded mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for approximately 6 minutes until they are golden and crisp on the outside and melty on the inside.
  5. Oven Cooking Alternative: If using the oven, preheat it to 400°F. Place the breaded mozzarella sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet in one layer. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, watching carefully to prevent the cheese from oozing out.
  6. Serve: Serve the mozzarella sticks hot with warm marinara sauce for dipping to enjoy a perfect appetizer or snack.

Notes

  • Freezing the mozzarella sticks thoroughly before breading helps maintain their shape during cooking.
  • Double coating with egg and panko ensures a crispy crust.
  • Watch closely when baking to avoid cheese leakage.
  • Serving with warm marinara adds a classic flavor partnership.
  • You can prepare the sticks in advance and freeze after breading for convenience.

Keywords: mozzarella sticks, air fryer mozzarella sticks, appetizer recipe, crispy cheese sticks, snack, easy air fryer recipes

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