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Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

A pile of crispy, golden brown Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks stacked high on a white plate, with melted cheese visible.
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Make perfectly crispy mozzarella sticks in your air fryer. This recipe keeps the cheese melted inside without leaking out.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound low-moisture mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2-inch thick sticks
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • Cooking spray (or 1 tablespoon oil for brushing)

Instructions

  1. Freeze the mozzarella sticks for at least 2 hours, or until very firm. This step prevents leaking.
  2. Set up a standard breading station with three shallow dishes.
  3. In the first dish, place the flour.
  4. In the second dish, whisk the eggs with garlic powder, oregano, and pepper.
  5. In the third dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
  6. Take the frozen cheese sticks one by one and dredge them thoroughly in the flour, shaking off excess.
  7. Dip the floured stick into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off.
  8. Coat the stick completely in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
  9. Place the breaded sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them again for 30 minutes. This second freeze is crucial for crispness.
  10. Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit (195 degrees Celsius).
  11. Lightly spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
  12. Place the frozen mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd; work in batches if necessary.
  13. Lightly spray the tops of the sticks with cooking spray or brush with oil.
  14. Air fry for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
  15. Serve immediately with your preferred dipping sauce.

Notes

  • For best results when using homemade sticks, ensure the cheese is frozen solid before breading and again after breading.
  • If you are cooking frozen, store-bought mozzarella sticks, cook them directly from frozen at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
  • Serve with warm marinara sauce or ranch dressing.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://magazinemeal.com/air-fryer-mozzarella-sticks-recipe/