Crunchy on the outside and ooey-gooey on the inside, these Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks are the ultimate appetizer! Made with simple ingredients and cooked to golden perfection, they’re miles better than store-bought versions. Perfect for game days, parties, or even as a quick snack!
Print
Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
🧀✨Crispy, gooey perfection: Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks! 🌟 These golden-brown delights are crunchy on the outside, cheesy on the inside, and guilt-free thanks to the air fryer. 😍 Perfect for game nights, parties, or satisfying your snack cravings. Dip them in marinara for the ultimate cheesy experience! Ready in minutes, gone in seconds! 🍅💛
#AirFryerSnacks #MozzarellaSticks #CheesyGoodness #CrispyAndDelicious #SnackGoals #EasyAppetizers #FoodieFavorites #CheeseLovers #QuickAndTasty #ComfortFoodFix 🧀✨🍅
- Total Time: 13 minutes
Ingredients
- 8 mozzarella cheese sticks (or string cheese sticks)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
1. Prepare the Mozzarella Sticks
- Freeze the Cheese:
- Unwrap the mozzarella sticks and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Freeze for at least 1 hour, or until solid. This step prevents the cheese from melting too quickly while air frying.
- Set Up Coating Stations:
- In three shallow bowls:
- Bowl 1: Add the all-purpose flour.
- Bowl 2: Beat the eggs.
- Bowl 3: Mix Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- In three shallow bowls:
- Coat the Mozzarella Sticks:
- Roll each frozen stick in the flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off.
- Coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Return the coated sticks to the baking sheet.
- Freeze again for at least 10-30 minutes. This step ensures the coating stays on during air frying.
2. Air Fry the Mozzarella Sticks
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Basket:
- Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray.
- Cook the Sticks:
- Place the mozzarella sticks in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch.
- Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
- The sticks should turn golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- Freeze Thoroughly: Skipping the freezing steps will cause the cheese to melt too quickly and leak out.
- Crispy Coating: Use Panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch, and don’t skimp on the Parmesan—it adds a salty, savory kick!
- Cook in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer to ensure even cooking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthier Alternative: No deep frying means less oil, but all the crunch!
- Easy Prep: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s perfect for beginners.
- Freezer-Friendly: Prep them ahead of time and cook on demand for a quick treat.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These cheesy bites will vanish in seconds—don’t say we didn’t warn you!
Ingredients
- 8 mozzarella cheese sticks (or string cheese sticks)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Non-stick cooking spray
Instructions1. Prepare the Mozzarella Sticks
- Freeze the Cheese:
- Unwrap the mozzarella sticks and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Freeze for at least 1 hour, or until solid. This step prevents the cheese from melting too quickly while air frying.
- Set Up Coating Stations:
- In three shallow bowls:
- Bowl 1: Add the all-purpose flour.
- Bowl 2: Beat the eggs.
- Bowl 3: Mix Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- In three shallow bowls:
- Coat the Mozzarella Sticks:
- Roll each frozen stick in the flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off.
- Coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Return the coated sticks to the baking sheet.
- Freeze again for at least 10-30 minutes. This step ensures the coating stays on during air frying.
2. Air Fry the Mozzarella Sticks
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Basket:
- Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray.
- Cook the Sticks:
- Place the mozzarella sticks in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch.
- Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
- The sticks should turn golden brown and crispy.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these mozzarella sticks with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli.
- Serve alongside other finger foods like wings or nachos for a party platter.
Pro Tips
- Freeze Thoroughly: Skipping the freezing steps will cause the cheese to melt too quickly and leak out.
- Crispy Coating: Use Panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch, and don’t skimp on the Parmesan—it adds a salty, savory kick!
- Cook in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer to ensure even cooking.
Storage & Reheating
- Leftovers: Store cooked mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes to regain their crunch.
With these Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks, you’ll have a creamy, cheesy appetizer ready in no time. Enjoy the perfect balance of crispy coating and gooey cheese with every bite!