Description
Enjoy crispy, golden, restaurant-style mozzarella sticks right at home with this healthier air fryer version. Using a clever double-breading technique, these sticks achieve a perfect crunchy exterior while keeping the cheese core molten and delicious. It is the ideal snack for game days or casual gatherings, requiring minimal oil and cleanup compared to traditional deep-frying methods.
Ingredients
8 sticks low-moisture mozzarella string cheese
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, whisked
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Cooking spray (high-smoke point)
Instructions
Cut each mozzarella string cheese in half if you prefer bite-sized portions.
Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko mixed with Italian seasoning.
Dredge each cheese stick in flour, shaking off any excess.
Dip the floured stick into the egg mixture until fully coated.
Roll the stick in the panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere well.
Repeat the egg and panko step once more for a double-coating to prevent leakage.
Place breaded sticks on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for at least 1 hour.
Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Place frozen sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer and lightly spray with cooking oil.
Air fry for 8 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Notes
Freezing the sticks for at least one hour is essential to ensure the cheese does not melt before the breading turns crispy. Always place them in the air fryer in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
- Prep Time: 80
- Cook Time: 8
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 sticks
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 85mg