Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks (Printable)

Golden mozzarella sticks air-fried until crisp, gooey, and ready in minutes. Great as a vegetarian snack or shareable appetizer.

# Components:

→ Cheese

01 - 16 mozzarella string cheese sticks

→ Breading Station

02 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 2 large eggs
04 - 1 tablespoon milk
05 - 1 1/4 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
06 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
08 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
10 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

# Directions:

01 - Slice each mozzarella string cheese stick in half to create 16 shorter sticks.
02 - Place flour in a shallow bowl. In a second bowl, whisk eggs with milk. In a third bowl, combine breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese.
03 - Dredge each cheese stick in flour, dip into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with breadcrumb mixture. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a double coating.
04 - Arrange coated cheese sticks in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for at least 1 hour until fully solid.
05 - Preheat the air fryer at 390°F for 3 minutes.
06 - Place frozen cheese sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, working in batches if needed. Air fry for 5 to 6 minutes until golden brown and just beginning to ooze.
07 - Serve hot with marinara sauce or your preferred dipping sauce.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Easy to make ahead and freeze for a quick treat any time
  • Healthier with much less oil than deep-frying
  • Customizable with your favorite cheeses or breadcrumbs
02 -
  • Higher in protein and lower in fat than traditional fried mozzarella sticks
  • Great for meal prepping and freezing to have ready for last-minute parties
  • Makes a fun interactive family cooking project for kids or adults
03 -
  • Double coating is key for keeping every ounce of cheese inside and maximizing crunch
  • Do not skip the freezing step or you will end up with empty breaded logs
  • Use whole milk mozzarella it melts in long stretchy ribbons for dramatic cheese pulls

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