Crunchy Air-Fried Mozzarella Sticks -

There’s something undeniably comforting about the gooey, cheesy goodness of mozzarella sticks. For many of us, these savory treats evoke fond memories of childhood, where each visit to the local pizzeria culminated in a plate of these delectable delights. The crispy exterior, the warm, stretchy cheese—it's a combination that simply can't be resisted. Fast forward to today, and I’m excited to share with you a healthier twist on this classic appetizer: air-fried mozzarella sticks. Not only are they lower in calories, but they’re also remarkably easy to make! Whether you’re gearing up for game nights, planning a cozy movie marathon, or just seeking a snack to satisfy those cheesy cravings, this recipe is sure to delight.

Crunchy Air-Fried Mozzarella Sticks

Indulge in a healthier twist on a classic favorite with these air-fried mozzarella sticks. Not only do they feature a satisfying golden, crispy exterior, but they also boast gooey, melty cheese in every bite. This simple recipe utilizes minimal ingredients and is perfect for game nights or cozy movie marathons. With easy steps that guarantee delicious results, your homemade mozzarella sticks will be the highlight of any gathering. Dive into this cheesy delight today!

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Ingredients

12 mozzarella string cheese sticks

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for an extra crunchy texture)

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking spray or olive oil, for drizzling

Marinara sauce, for dipping (optional)

Instructions

Prep the Cheese: Begin by cutting each mozzarella string cheese stick in half, resulting in 24 bite-sized sticks. This modification makes them more manageable for dipping and ensures even cooking.

Set Up Your Breading Stations:

- In a shallow bowl, add the all-purpose flour and season it with a pinch of salt and pepper.

- In a separate shallow bowl, crack and beat the eggs until the yolks and whites are fully combined and frothy.

- In a third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and a dash more salt and pepper to taste.

Bread the Cheese Sticks:

- Take one mozzarella stick and roll it in the seasoned flour, ensuring it is completely coated; shake off any excess flour.

- Next, dip the floured stick into the beaten eggs, making sure the entire surface is covered.

- Finally, roll the stick in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the breadcrumbs adhere. Repeat this process for all the cheese sticks, placing them on a clean plate when done.

Freeze the Cheese Sticks: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the breaded mozzarella sticks in a single layer. Freeze them for at least 30 minutes. This step is essential to prevent the cheese from oozing out during cooking.

Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the frozen mozzarella sticks in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches.

Cook Until Crispy: Air fry the mozzarella sticks for 6-8 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Halfway through the cooking time, gently shake the basket to promote even cooking.

Serve and Enjoy: Once done, carefully remove the mozzarella sticks from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute. Serve hot, accompanied by marinara sauce for dipping, if desired!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 1 hr | Makes 4 servings.

Optional Serving Suggestion:

Arrange the mozzarella sticks on a platter lined with fresh basil leaves for an extra touch of color and flavor. Add a small bowl of warm marinara sauce in the center for a beautiful presentation. Enjoy!