Go Back

Mozzarella Sticks

Deliciously crispy and cheesy, these homemade air fryer mozzarella sticks are perfect for gatherings and family nights. Easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Total Time 37 minutes
Servings: 8 sticks
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the mozzarella sticks
  • 8 sticks mozzarella string cheese Creamy and melty interior, ready to ooze when bitten into.
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour A fine base that helps create that lovely outer crunch.
  • 3 large eggs These give your sticks a rich coating for the breading to adhere perfectly.
  • 2 cups seasoned Panko breadcrumbs Extra crispy texture from the Panko, offering a delightful crunch.
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil Adds flavor and helps the breadcrumbs achieve a golden hue.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder For a hint of aromatic savory goodness.
  • 1 teaspoon salt Enhances overall taste and brings all the flavors together.
  • 1/3 cup finely grated parmesan cheese Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the mozzarella brilliantly.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a shallow dish, beat the eggs using a fork or whisk until well blended. Set aside.
  2. Add the all-purpose flour to a large freezer bag or a bowl and set this aside.
  3. Pour your Panko breadcrumbs into another shallow dish and drizzle 3 tablespoons of olive oil over them. Toss until the breadcrumbs are well coated.
  4. Incorporate 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/3 cup of finely grated parmesan cheese into the Panko mixture. Whisk thoroughly to combine the flavors evenly.
  5. Unwrap the mozzarella string cheese sticks and set aside.
Coating
  1. Toss the cheese sticks in the bag with the flour. Shake until they are completely coated.
  2. Working with 2-3 sticks at a time, remove them from the flour and shake off any excess. Add them to the egg mixture and roll around until evenly coated.
  3. Transfer the sticks to the Panko mixture. Roll and press them into the breadcrumbs to ensure they’re evenly coated.
  4. Place the sticks back in the egg mixture and roll to coat all sides well, especially any missed spots. Then roll them again in the Panko breadcrumbs, ensuring that no cheese is visible.
  5. Place the breaded cheese sticks in a single layer on a sheet pan or in a baking dish sprayed with cooking spray. Repeat until all sticks are double breaded.
Freezing
  1. Move the baking dish or sheet pan to the freezer. Freeze them for at least 1 hour until the breading is firm.
Cooking
  1. Preheat your air fryer for 5 minutes at 390ºF (199ºC).
  2. Once preheated, spray the fry basket with cooking spray. Also, spray the tops of your frozen mozzarella sticks lightly.
  3. Quickly add 4-6 cheese sticks in a single layer without stacking them.
  4. Cook the mozzarella sticks for 5-7 minutes until they are golden brown and the cheese begins to bubble out.
  5. Once done, serve with your favorite marinara sauce for dipping and enjoy!

Notes

Make sure to freeze the mozzarella sticks adequately to ensure that the cheese doesn’t leak out while cooking. Experiment with different seasonings in the Panko breadcrumbs for unique flavors. For an even crispier texture, consider using an air fryer with a crisper feature if available.