Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Overflowing with gooey cheese encased in a crisp, golden coating, these Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks are a standout starter—easy to make and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
- ½ cup Panko bread crumbs
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup seasoned bread crumbs
- 8 mozzarella cheese strings
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Halve each mozzarella stick crosswise to create uniform bite-sized portions. Beat the eggs together with a tablespoon of water until fully combined. In a shallow bowl, mix both the seasoned and Panko bread crumbs with the garlic powder and vegetable oil until evenly moistened. Transfer the flour to another bowl and season it lightly with salt and pepper. Coat each piece of mozzarella first in the egg mixture, then dredge in the seasoned flour. Return it to the egg wash, then roll it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure adherence. Arrange the coated sticks in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes or store up to six months. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F. Liberally coat the frozen sticks with cooking spray or oil and place them in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until crisp and golden brown. Serve at once while hot.
Notes
For oven preparation, bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 9 to 11 minutes. Freezing is crucial to prevent cheese from leaking out while achieving a crunchy texture. Always preheat the air fryer, and monitor closely around the 4-minute mark to avoid overcooking. Store-bought frozen versions require a similar cooking time at the same temperature.