Air Fryer Mozzarella Fingers

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.

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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

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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.