Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
Ingredients:
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 cups (240g) Italian-style bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Cooking spray
- Marinara sauce, for serving
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cheese Sticks: Cut the mozzarella string cheese sticks in half to make 24 shorter sticks. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 1 hour or until completely frozen. This step is crucial to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly during cooking.
- Prepare the Breading Stations:
- Place the flour in a shallow dish.
- In a second shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk.
- In a third shallow dish, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and basil.
- Bread the Cheese Sticks:
- Roll each frozen cheese stick in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it is well-coated.
- Roll it in the bread crumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere the crumbs.
- For an extra-crispy coating, you can repeat the egg and bread crumb steps for each stick.
- Place the breaded cheese sticks back on the baking sheet and freeze for another 30 minutes. This helps the coating set and prevents the cheese from oozing out during cooking.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Cook the Mozzarella Sticks:
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Arrange the breaded mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they do not touch. You may need to cook them in batches.
- Lightly spray the tops of the mozzarella sticks with cooking spray to help them crisp up.
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Be sure to check them halfway through cooking and shake the basket gently to ensure even cooking.
- Serve: Remove the mozzarella sticks from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
Tips:
- Freezing: Do not skip the freezing steps, as they are essential for keeping the cheese from melting too quickly and oozing out during cooking.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.
- Variety: Experiment with different cheeses or add some spice to the bread crumbs with cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a kick.
Enjoy your crispy and gooey air fryer mozzarella sticks!