Mozzarella Sticks in Air Fryer Recipe
User Reviews
5
Mozzarella Sticks in Air Fryer Recipe
Description
The Mozzarella Sticks in Air Fryer recipe starts by cutting string cheese into halves to create smaller portions. Each piece is coated first with flour, then dipped twice in egg wash and breadcrumbs to form a substantial breading layer that crisps up nicely when cooked. The breadcrumb mix is enhanced with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to add aromatic flavor. Freezing the breaded sticks solid before air frying ensures the cheese stays contained during cooking and yields a crisp finish.
The air fryer offers a way to cook the sticks with less oil than deep frying while retaining a crunchy texture. The contrast between the warm, gooey mozzarella inside and the crunchy, herbed coating is characteristic. Marinara sauce serves as a traditional, acidic dipping accompaniment to balance the richness.
Homemade mozzarella sticks can be stored frozen for up to three months, making them convenient to prepare in advance and reheat as needed without sacrificing texture.
Ingredients
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
- 3 large egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs
- 1 ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper ground
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup marinara sauce for dipping
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Set out three bowls. Place the eggs and milk and one bowl. Whisk to combine. In the second bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and ground black pepper. Mix well. Place the all-purpose flour in the third bowl.
- Unwrap the cheese sticks and cut in half to create 24 pieces. Toss the cheese sticks in the flour until well coated.
- Set out a large baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. One at a time, dunk the floured cheese sticks in egg wash, then in breadcrumbs, back into the egg wash, and back in the breadcrumbs. That’s one coating of flour, but two coatings of egg wash and breadcrumbs, for a thick coating to hold in the melted cheese. Place on a baking sheet. Then repeat, repeat, repeat.
- Once all the cheese sticks are breaded, place the baking sheet in the freezer for at least one hour. *Once the cheese sticks are frozen solid, you can place them in a freezer bag and keep them frozen for later use.
- DO NOT THAW THE CHEESE STICKS. *When ready to air fry, preheat the air fryer to 360°F. Spray the air fryer basket with oil spray, then place half the cheese sticks in the basket in a single layer. Spray the tops of the cheese sticks with the oil spray.
- Air fry for 5 minutes. Gently shake the basket, then air fry for another 1 to 3 minutes. Be sure to check the air fryer after 6 minutes to make sure they do not overcook and bust open.
- Repeat with the remaining mozzarella sticks. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Freeze breaded mozzarella sticks for at least one hour before air frying to prevent cheese from leaking.
- Store frozen mozzarella sticks in an airtight bag for up to three months.
- Do not thaw before cooking; air fry sticks directly from frozen for best texture.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 340 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 4sticks | |
| Calories | 340kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 29g | 10% |
| Protein | 20g | 40% |
| Fat | 17g | 26% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Trans Fat | 0.01g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 113mg | 38% |
| Sodium | 1253mg | 52% |
| Potassium | 232mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 321IU | 6% |
| Vitamin C | 3mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 123mg | 12% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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