Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
User Reviews
4.9
Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Description
This recipe starts by slicing string cheese into smaller portions, then using a three-step breading process with flour, beaten egg, and a seasoned mixture of panko breadcrumbs, paprika, oregano, parsley, garlic and onion powders, and salt. Proper freezing after breading is essential to keep the coating intact during cooking and to achieve the right texture.
Cooking in an air fryer at 400 degrees results in crispy, golden mozzarella sticks without oil frying. Attention to spraying the basket and sticks lightly with oil spray between batches helps maintain even crispness. If baking in the oven instead, the recipe suggests similar cook times and preheating for best texture.
Substitutions such as using Italian seasoning for the spice mix (except salt) are also possible. Temperatures may vary by air fryer, so adjusting accordingly prevents cheese from leaking during cooking.
Ingredients
- 8 ticks string cheese I prefer the skim version for this recipe over full fat.
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- 2 teaspoons parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
Instructions
Prepping The Mozzarella Cheese Sticks
- Slice all cheese sticks in half so you have 16 equal pieces.
- In a small bowl combine panko, paprika, oregano, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder and salt.
- In a second small bowl add one egg and beat with a fork (or whisk).
- In a third small bowl add the flour.
- Using a fork to help you dip each piece of cheese first in the flour, then in the egg, then in the panko and spices mixture. Once covered place on your cookie sheet. I like to line the cookie sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Continue coating all pieces of cheese, lining them up on the cookie sheet.
- Place cheese sticks in the freezer for a minimum of two hours or until frozen solid. Cheese sticks can then be placed in a freezer bag to be stored or cooked in the air fryer.
Cooking The Cheese Sticks In The Air Fryer
- Set air fryer to 400 degrees. Allow to preheat for a minute or two until warm.
- Spray air fryer basket with a light mist of oil spray facing away from the air fryer machine to keep the oil out of the heating element.
- Add frozen mozzarella cheese sticks to air fryer basket in a single layer so they are not touching. ( I was able to fit 7-8 in my basket)
- Heat cheese sticks for 3-4 minutes, then open the air fryer and shake them around the basket or flip them with tongs. Cook an additional 3-4 minutes on the other side until crispy, brown, and gooey inside. If they aren't quite crispy enough, pop them in for an additional minute, easy peasy!
- Serve while hot with a side of marinara for dipping!
Notes
- Freezing coated mozzarella sticks solid before cooking ensures a crispy outside and a gooey inside.
- Spray air fryer basket and sticks lightly with oil spray between batches for even crisping.
- Oven baking at 400°F for 4-5 minutes per side works if an air fryer is not available; preheat oven first.
- If cheese melts out during air frying, reduce temperature by 10-15 degrees.
- To simplify spices, substitute 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (excluding salt) but still add salt separately.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 16Pieces
Amount Per Serving
Calories 45 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 45kcal | 2% |
| Carbohydrates | 4g | 1% |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
| Fat | 2g | 3% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 15mg | 5% |
| Sodium | 171mg | 7% |
| Potassium | 17mg | 0% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 25IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 10mg | 1% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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