Save Golden, crispy grilled cheese fingers stuffed with gooey mozzarella, air-fried for a healthier twist on classic mozzarella sticks perfect for dipping and sharing.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 8 minutes Total Time: 18 minutes Category: Appetizer, Snack Difficulty: Easy Cuisine: American Yield: 4 servings Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Bread & Cheese: 8 slices white sandwich bread, 8 slices mozzarella cheese (or 200 g block mozzarella, cut into sticks)
- Coating: 2 large eggs, 2 tbsp milk, 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (optional), 1/2 tsp garlic powder, Salt and pepper, to taste
- For Serving: 1 cup marinara sauce, warmed
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for 3 minutes.
- Step 2:
- Trim crusts off bread slices. Lay out 4 slices, top each with mozzarella (slice or stick), then cover with remaining bread to make sandwiches.
- Step 3:
- Press down firmly and cut each sandwich into three fingers (sticks).
- Step 4:
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
- Step 5:
- In another bowl, mix panko, Parmesan, Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Step 6:
- Dip each sandwich finger first in the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Step 7:
- Arrange fingers in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if needed).
- Step 8:
- Air fry for 4 minutes, flip, then air fry another 3 4 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Step 9:
- Serve hot with warmed marinara sauce for dipping.
Save Best enjoyed immediately for maximum crispiness.
Required Tools
Air fryer Bread knife Shallow bowls (for dipping) Tongs
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (bread, panko), Milk (cheese, Parmesan), Egg. Marinara sauce may contain additional allergens check labels. Always verify ingredient labels for allergens if unsure.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 330 Total Fat: 16 g Carbohydrates: 32 g Protein: 15 g
Save This recipe is a delicious and healthier alternative to classic mozzarella sticks that is easy to prepare and perfect for sharing.
Recipe Questions
- → What type of cheese works best for these fingers?
Mozzarella is ideal for its gooey melt, but you can substitute with cheddar or fontina for different flavors.
- → How do I ensure the coating sticks well?
Press the sandwich fingers firmly then dip them in beaten eggs before coating thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture to help the crust adhere.
- → Can I use a conventional oven instead of an air fryer?
Yes, bake at 200°C (390°F) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
- → Is it possible to make these gluten-free?
Yes, substitute regular bread and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives for a safe version.
- → How should I serve these mozzarella fingers?
Serve hot with warmed marinara sauce for dipping to enhance the cheesy and crispy flavors.
- → What enhances the crunchiness of the fingers?
Lightly spraying the coated fingers with olive oil before air frying adds extra crispiness and golden color.