Glorious Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks: 6 Minute Magic Recipe
These Glorious Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks are a quick and easy appetizer, crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, made in just 6 minutes using an air fryer. Perfectly breaded and seasoned, they’re a healthier alternative to traditional fried mozzarella sticks without sacrificing flavor or texture.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 16 minutes
- Yield: 12 mozzarella sticks (24 halves) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese
- 12 oz mozzarella string cheese, cut into halves
Coating
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Other
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Freeze the cheese: Place the mozzarella stick halves in the freezer for at least 1 hour to help them hold their shape during cooking and prevent excessive melting.
- Prepare dredging stations: Set up three shallow dishes—one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat the cheese sticks: Working with one mozzarella stick at a time, evenly coat it first in flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally press it firmly in the panko breadcrumb mixture to cover completely.
- Arrange coated sticks: Place the breaded mozzarella sticks in a single layer on a plate or a baking sheet while you finish coating the rest.
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Prepare air fryer basket: Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Air fry the sticks: Arrange the mozzarella sticks in the basket in a single layer without touching. You may need to cook in batches. Air fry for 6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Serve immediately with your favorite marinara sauce for dipping while the cheese is warm and gooey.
Notes
- Freezing the mozzarella sticks before breading helps keep them firm and prevents melting during air frying.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation for an even crispy coating.
- For extra crunch, double dip the sticks by repeating the egg and breadcrumb step.
- Serve immediately for the best gooey cheese experience as the sticks harden upon cooling.
- Marinara sauce or ranch dressing pairs perfectly as a dipping sauce.
Keywords: mozzarella sticks, air fryer appetizer, crispy cheese sticks, quick snack, easy party food
