Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe : Quick & Easy Snack
If you’re craving a gooey, cheesy snack that’s crispy on the outside and melty on the inside, air fryer mozzarella sticks are the perfect solution! These homemade mozzarella sticks are quick and easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and just a few minutes in the air fryer. Gone are the days of greasy, deep-fried mozzarella sticks – the air fryer makes them crispy without all the extra oil, making this a lighter and healthier alternative.
The best part about air fryer mozzarella sticks is how perfectly they cook. The air fryer creates that signature crispiness on the outside, while the cheese inside stays ooey-gooey and delicious. In just about 10 minutes, you can enjoy a hot plate of mozzarella sticks, ready to dip in your favorite marinara sauce or ranch dressing.
This recipe is simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying, making it an ideal snack for kids, a party appetizer, or a late-night craving. Plus, it’s easy to customize! You can add a variety of seasonings to the breadcrumbs or stuff the sticks with additional flavors like herbs or chili flakes for a spicy twist.
Whether you're using store-bought mozzarella sticks or making your own from scratch, the air fryer ensures you’ll get that perfect golden-brown finish every time. Let’s dive into how to make these irresistible mozzarella sticks that will have everyone coming back for more!
Equipment
- Air Fryer: The essential tool for creating perfectly crispy mozzarella sticks without deep frying. It circulates hot air to cook the sticks evenly.
- Shallow Bowls: Used to prepare the breading stations – one for flour, one for eggs, and one for breadcrumbs.
- Baking Sheet: A baking sheet or plate to freeze the breaded mozzarella sticks before air frying, ensuring they hold their shape and prevent cheese leakage.
- Cooking Spray or Basting Brush: To lightly coat the mozzarella sticks with oil before air frying, helping to achieve a golden, crispy texture.
- Tongs or Fork: For flipping the mozzarella sticks during the cooking process to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.
- Serving Plate: For serving your golden, crispy mozzarella sticks with your favorite dipping sauce!
Ingredients
- 12 mozzarella sticks or string cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs Panko for extra crunch
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray or cooking spray
- Marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Prep the Mozzarella Sticks: Start by cutting the mozzarella sticks (or string cheese) in half if you prefer shorter sticks. Place them on a plate and set them aside.
- Set Up the Dipping Stations: In three shallow bowls, set up your breading stations. Place the flour in the first bowl. In the second bowl, beat the eggs. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Bread the Mozzarella Sticks: First, dip each mozzarella stick into the flour, making sure it’s fully coated. Then, dip it into the egg wash, ensuring it’s completely covered. Finally, coat the mozzarella stick in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the crumbs stick.
- Freeze for Better Texture: Place the breaded mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet and freeze them for at least 15 minutes. Freezing helps the cheese stay intact during the cooking process, preventing it from melting out too early.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Cook the Mozzarella Sticks: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Arrange the mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the basket, making sure they don’t touch. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray for a golden finish.
- Air Fry: Air fry the mozzarella sticks at 375°F for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent the cheese from leaking out.
- Serve: Once done, remove the mozzarella sticks from the air fryer and serve them immediately with marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy your crispy, gooey snack!
Notes
To make these air fryer mozzarella sticks even more delicious, try adding a sprinkle of Italian seasoning or garlic powder to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor. For a spicy twist, mix in some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. You can also serve the mozzarella sticks with a variety of dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or a creamy garlic dip for added richness.