Crispy Mozzarella Sticks Recipe for Perfect Air Fryer Snacks
Crispy, golden mozzarella sticks with gooey, stretchy cheese made in an air fryer for a healthier alternative to deep-frying. Perfect for parties, game nights, or as a snack!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes + 1-2 hours freezing time
- Yield: 12 mozzarella sticks 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 string cheese mozzarella sticks (full-fat)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup regular breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Unwrap the string cheese and place them on a plate. Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, and salt.
- Roll each piece of string cheese in flour to coat completely. Dip it into the beaten eggs, then roll it into the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating process for maximum crunch.
- Lay the coated mozzarella sticks on a small baking tray lined with parchment paper. Freeze them for at least 1-2 hours to prevent the cheese from melting during cooking.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the frozen mozzarella sticks in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray. Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Carefully remove the mozzarella sticks from the air fryer with tongs and let them cool for 1-2 minutes before serving. Serve with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
[‘Freezing the mozzarella sticks before air frying is crucial to prevent the cheese from melting and leaking out.’, ‘Double-coating the sticks ensures a thick, crunchy crust.’, ‘Preheat the air fryer for even cooking and a crispy texture.’, ‘Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.’]
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mozzarella stick
- Calories: 90100
- Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 7
- Protein: 5
Keywords: Mozzarella sticks, air fryer snacks, crispy appetizers, party food, kid-friendly snacks