Description
Enjoy crispy, golden mozzarella sticks without the guilt! This air fryer recipe gives you that classic cheesy pull and satisfying crunch, all with less oil and fuss. Perfect for a quick snack or appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Place the shredded mozzarella in a bowl and freeze for about 15-20 minutes. This helps them hold their shape.
- In three separate shallow dishes, place the flour, beaten egg, and panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Form the frozen mozzarella into stick shapes.
- Dredge each mozzarella stick first in the flour, then dip in the egg, and finally coat thoroughly with the panko mixture.
- Place the coated mozzarella sticks in the freezer for another 10-15 minutes to help the coating adhere.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Arrange the mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch. You may need to cook in batches.
- Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve immediately with your favorite marinara sauce.
Notes
- For extra cheesy sticks, you can double-coat them by dipping them back into the egg and then the breadcrumbs.
- If you don’t have fresh mozzarella, shredded low-moisture mozzarella works well.
- Adjust cooking time based on your air fryer model.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3-4 sticks
- Calories: 150-200 (estimated)
- Sugar: 1g (estimated)
- Sodium: 200mg (estimated)
- Fat: 8g (estimated)
- Saturated Fat: 4g (estimated)
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g (estimated)
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g (estimated)
- Fiber: 1g (estimated)
- Protein: 8g (estimated)
- Cholesterol: 30mg (estimated)