Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Hello there, fellow food lovers! Today, I’m absolutely thrilled to share a recipe that’s become a total game-changer in my kitchen: Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks. Honestly, who doesn’t love that satisfying crunch followed by a river of gooey, melted cheese? My family devours these whenever I make them. I remember one rainy afternoon, I was craving that crispy, cheesy goodness, and decided to try my hand at making them in the air fryer. The result? Pure magic! They came out perfectly golden and melty, just like the ones from my favorite Italian restaurants, but without all the deep-frying mess. Making these amazing Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks is a breeze when you have all your ingredients ready. It’s like setting up a little assembly line for cheesy perfection. I always lay everything out before I start. This way, I can move smoothly from one step to the next. You’ll be surprised how simple the ingredient list is for such a delicious treat.

Tips for Crispy and Gooey Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks…
Want to make your Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks absolutely perfect every time? I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way. These simple tips ensure you get that delightful crunch on the outside and that wonderfully gooey cheese pull inside. It’s all about a little patience and knowing a few key secrets. Trust me, these small steps make a huge difference in your appetizer game!

Achieving the Perfect Texture…
For an extra crispy coating, try double-dipping your mozzarella sticks. Dip them in flour, egg, then panko. Freeze again. Then, dip again in egg and a final coat of panko. Make sure they are well-frozen before air frying. This prevents premature melting. It guarantees that amazing crispy shell and gooey center.

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks…
Got questions about whipping up these amazing Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks? I’ve got answers! Many of you ask if you can use different cheeses. While mozzarella is classic, you could try string cheese made from other semi-hard cheeses. Just make sure they freeze well. What if mine didn’t get crispy? Ensure your sticks are frozen solid before air frying. Also, don’t overcrowd the basket! Give them space to crisp up. Can I make them ahead? Yes! You can bread and freeze them for up to a month. Just add a minute or two to the cooking time. Are there other breading options? Experiment with Italian breadcrumbs or add Parmesan to your panko for extra flavor!

Ingredients:
12 oz mozzarella string cheese, cut into halves
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
¼ tsp salt
⅛ tsp black pepper
Cooking spray

Instructions:
Place the mozzarella stick halves in the freezer for at least 1 hour. This helps them hold their shape during cooking. Set up three shallow dishes. In the first, place the flour. In the second, add the beaten eggs. In the third, combine the panko breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Working with one mozzarella stick at a time, coat it evenly in flour, then dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally press it into the panko mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Place the coated mozzarella sticks in a single layer on a plate or baking sheet.
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the mozzarella sticks in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch. You may need to cook in batches. Air fry for 6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. Serve immediately with your favorite marinara sauce.

Notes:
➸ For extra crispiness, you can double-coat the mozzarella sticks: coat in flour, dip in egg, coat in panko, dip in egg again, and coat in panko one more time.
➸ Ensure the mozzarella sticks are completely frozen before breading and cooking.
➸ Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.

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