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Amazing Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks: 2 Freezes

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

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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.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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)

Instructions

  1. Freeze the mozzarella sticks for at least 2 hours, or until very firm. This step is key for preventing leakage.
  2. Set up a standard breading station with three shallow dishes.
  3. In the first dish, place the flour.
  4. In the second dish, place the beaten eggs.
  5. In the third dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Mix well.
  6. Take the frozen cheese sticks and dredge each one completely in the flour, shaking off any excess.
  7. Dip the floured stick into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off.
  8. Coat the stick thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly so the crumbs adhere well.
  9. Place the breaded sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  10. For the best cheese pull, freeze the breaded sticks again for at least 1 hour. This double freeze prevents melting too fast.
  11. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C).
  12. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
  13. Arrange the frozen mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the basket, avoiding overlap.
  14. Spray the tops of the sticks lightly with cooking spray.
  15. Air fry for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping carefully halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
  16. 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.

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