Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks (Printable version)

Golden and crispy on the outside, soft and melty inside snack with a flavorful breadcrumb coating.

# Needed ingredients:

→ Cheese

01 - 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks

→ Breading

02 - 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
03 - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

→ Coating

04 - 2 large eggs
05 - 2 tablespoons milk
06 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

→ Seasonings (optional)

07 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
09 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ For Serving

11 - 1 cup marinara sauce, warmed

# How to make it:

01 - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Optionally, slice each mozzarella stick in half to create 24 shorter sticks.
02 - Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour, another with eggs beaten with milk, and a third with combined Italian-style breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, and optional seasonings.
03 - Dredge each mozzarella stick in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.
04 - Repeat dipping in the egg mixture and coating with breadcrumbs to ensure extra crispiness and prevent cheese leakage.
05 - Arrange coated sticks on the baking sheet and freeze for at least one hour, or until solid.
06 - Set the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat.
07 - Place frozen mozzarella sticks in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with cooking oil.
08 - Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crisp. The cheese should begin to melt without oozing.
09 - Immediately serve with warm marinara sauce.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Zero guilt about deep-frying because the air fryer does the job with just a light spray of oil.
  • The double-breading trick creates a satisfying crunch that tastes like you spent way more effort than you actually did.
  • They're frozen-to-table in under ten minutes, making them your secret weapon for last-minute guests or unexpected hunger strikes.
02 -
  • Skipping the freezing step is the fastest way to end up with a puddle of cheese and empty breading in your air fryer—don't tempt fate.
  • The double breading isn't just fancy; it's the difference between cheese breaking through the coating and staying locked inside where it belongs.
  • That light spray of oil isn't optional if you want them golden—mozzarella sticks cooked without it taste more like sad chicken nuggets.
03 -
  • Buy mozzarella sticks that are naturally softer rather than super dense—they melt better and taste creamier when you bite into them.
  • The double-breading coating creates such a good texture that guests always assume you spent way more time on these than you actually did.
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