Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
Crispy, melty Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks make a perfect appetizer or snack. Coated with seasoned Italian breadcrumbs and quickly cooked in the air fryer for a crunchy exterior and gooey cheese center, these mozzarella sticks are easy to prepare and delicious. Serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping to elevate the flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 23 minutes (including freezing time)
- Yield: 6-8 mozzarella sticks (depending on package size) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese
- 1 package Sargento String Cheese (mozzarella sticks)
Coating
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs (use Parmesan cheese for low carb option)
- salt and pepper to taste
Dipping Sauce (Optional)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Instructions
- Season breadcrumbs: In a bowl, mix the Italian breadcrumbs with salt and pepper to add flavor to the coating.
- Set up breading station: Arrange three separate bowls: one with flour, one with beaten egg, and one with the seasoned breadcrumbs. This will make the breading process organized and efficient.
- Coat cheese sticks: Take each mozzarella stick and coat it first in flour, shaking off excess. Then dip it into the egg ensuring it is fully coated. Finally, press it into the breadcrumb mixture to create an even coating.
- Freeze coated sticks: Place the coated mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet and freeze for up to one hour. This step helps the coating adhere better and prevents cheese from leaking during cooking.
- Preheat air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat for a couple of minutes.
- Cook mozzarella sticks: Arrange the frozen sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook for 4 minutes, then carefully flip each stick over.
- Continue cooking: Cook for an additional 4 minutes or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese inside is melted.
- Serve: Remove the mozzarella sticks from the air fryer and serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy!
Notes
- Not all air fryers cook the same; watch the mozzarella sticks closely to avoid overcooking or burning.
- Freezing the sticks after breading is crucial to keep the cheese from melting too fast and leaking out.
- Use Parmesan cheese instead of breadcrumbs for a low-carb alternative.
- For crispier sticks, you can spray a little cooking oil before air frying.
- Serve immediately as mozzarella sticks are best enjoyed hot and melty.
Keywords: mozzarella sticks, air fryer mozzarella sticks, appetizer, snack, Italian, breaded cheese sticks, easy recipe
Find it online: https://servedbynora.com/air-fryer-mozzarella-sticks-recipe/
