Amazing Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks: 2 Freezes
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Make perfect, crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks with an amazing cheese pull. This recipe is simple and brings back the fun of those classic snacks.
- Author: Richard Langley
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 28 minutes (includes freezing time)
- Yield: About 16 sticks
- Category: Snack/Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
- 1 pound low-moisture mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2-inch sticks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Cooking spray (non-stick)
- Freeze the mozzarella sticks for at least 2 hours, or until very firm. This step is key for preventing leakage.
- Set up a standard breading station with three shallow dishes.
- In the first dish, place the flour.
- In the second dish, place the beaten eggs.
- In the third dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Mix well.
- Take the frozen cheese sticks and dredge each one completely in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the floured stick into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off.
- Coat the stick thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly so the crumbs adhere well.
- Place the breaded sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- For the best cheese pull, freeze the breaded sticks again for at least 1 hour. This double freeze prevents melting too fast.
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C).
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Arrange the frozen mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the basket, avoiding overlap.
- Spray the tops of the sticks lightly with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping carefully halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve immediately with your favorite marinara sauce.
Notes
- Freezing the cheese sticks before breading and again after breading is essential for a good cheese pull.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary.
- If you prefer a thicker coating, you can double-dip the sticks in the egg and breadcrumb mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 sticks
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 40mg