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Golden brown air fryer mozzarella sticks piled on a grey plate with a bowl of marinara sauce.

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Crispy and cheesy mozzarella sticks made in the air fryer, a great alternative to deep frying.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

For the Mozzarella Sticks
  • 1 lb Mozzarella string cheese cut into thirds
  • 1/2 cup All-purpose flour
  • 2 Large eggs beaten
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black pepper
For Serving
  • Marinara sauce for dipping

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Baking sheet
  • shallow bowls

Method
 

  1. Cut the mozzarella string cheese into thirds. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent them from melting too quickly.
  2. Set up your breading station. In the first shallow bowl, place the flour. In the second bowl, whisk the eggs. In the third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Take the frozen mozzarella sticks out of the freezer. Dredge each stick in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring it's fully coated. Finally, roll it in the panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs.
  4. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
  5. Arrange the breaded mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
  6. Air fry for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Flip them halfway through cooking if desired for even browning.
  7. Carefully remove the mozzarella sticks from the air fryer. Serve immediately with marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

For best results, ensure the mozzarella sticks are well-frozen before breading. This recipe is best enjoyed immediately after cooking.

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