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Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks: Crispy, Gooey Perfection Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 135 reviews
  • Author: Jake
  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (including freezing time)
  • Yield: 16 mozzarella sticks (32 pieces after cutting in half) 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks recipe offers a crispy exterior with gooey, melted mozzarella inside. Perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs and spices, these mozzarella sticks are double-coated for extra crunch and air-fried to golden perfection. Serve with warm marinara sauce for a delicious appetizer or snack that’s lighter than traditional frying methods.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese

  • 1 package (16 ounces) mozzarella cheese sticks, cut in half

Coating

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 2 cups Italian seasoned bread crumbs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Others

  • Cooking spray
  • Marinara sauce, for serving

Instructions

  1. Freeze cheese sticks: Cut the mozzarella sticks in half and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet without touching. Freeze for at least 2 hours or overnight to ensure sturdiness for breading.
  2. Prepare dredging stations: Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of Italian seasoned bread crumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Bread the cheese sticks: Remove frozen mozzarella sticks and dredge each first in flour, then in egg, followed by bread crumb mixture. Repeat dipping in egg and bread crumbs for a double coating to create an extra crispy crust.
  4. Freeze breaded sticks: Place the double-coated mozzarella sticks back on the baking sheet and freeze for another 30 minutes to help the coating set and prevent cheese from leaking during cooking.
  5. Preheat air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  6. Air fry the mozzarella sticks: Arrange the sticks in a single layer in the basket without crowding. Lightly spray them with cooking spray. Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
  7. Serve: Carefully remove from air fryer and allow to cool for a minute or two before serving. Enjoy immediately with warm marinara sauce.

Notes

  • Freezing the mozzarella sticks before and after breading helps maintain their shape and prevents the cheese from melting too quickly and oozing out.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
  • Use cooking spray generously to achieve a golden crust without deep-frying.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour and bread crumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
  • Serve immediately as mozzarella sticks are best enjoyed fresh and crispy.
  • Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain crispiness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes plus freezing time
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: air fryer mozzarella sticks, crispy mozzarella sticks, mozzarella sticks recipe, appetizer, Italian snacks, easy air fryer snacks

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Find it online: https://platedbyjake.com/air-fryer-mozzarella-sticks-crispy-gooey-perfection-recipe/