Description
Crispy golden air fryer mozzarella sticks deliver a nostalgic crunch that melts hearts faster than their cheesy center. Cheese lovers will savor this quick, crowd-pleasing appetizer that brings restaurant magic straight to home kitchens.
Ingredients
Scale
Mozzarella Cheese:
- 12 low-moisture mozzarella string cheese sticks, halved
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Breading and Coating:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko for extra crunch)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
Marinara Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Transform mozzarella sticks into bite-sized pieces, carefully slicing each cheese stick in half to create uniform portions for optimal coating and cooking.
- Create a three-stage coating station: First, dust the cheese segments with a flour-cornstarch blend, ensuring a light, even layer that helps the subsequent coatings adhere perfectly.
- Submerge the flour-coated cheese in whisked eggs, thoroughly covering each piece to establish a seamless binding layer for the final crispy exterior.
- Roll the egg-drenched cheese pieces through a seasoned breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to create a robust, flavorful crust that will crisp beautifully in the air fryer.
- Transfer the coated mozzarella pieces to a chilled plate, then place in the freezer for 30-120 minutes, which solidifies the coating and prevents cheese from melting too quickly during cooking.
- Prepare the air fryer by heating to 400°F and lightly misting the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
- Carefully arrange the frozen cheese sticks in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding, and spritz the tops with additional cooking spray to enhance crispiness.
- Air fry for 6-8 minutes, rotating the mozzarella sticks midway to ensure uniform golden-brown coloration and optimal crunch.
- For an accompanying marinara sauce, sauté minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant, then incorporate marinara and complementary herbs, simmering briefly to meld flavors.
- Serve immediately while hot, accompanied by marinara or alternative dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese for a delightful appetizer experience.
Notes
- Chill thoroughly before air frying to prevent cheese from oozing out during cooking, ensuring a crispy exterior and melty interior.
- Use low-moisture mozzarella sticks for best results, as they hold their shape better and create a cleaner cooking process.
- Double-coat the cheese sticks in breadcrumbs for extra crunch and a more robust breading that stays attached during air frying.
- Experiment with gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make the recipe accessible for those with wheat sensitivities, maintaining the same delicious flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg