Craving a delicious appetizer that’s crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside? Look no further than Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks! These homemade delights are super easy to prepare and come out crispy without the mess of frying in oil. Perfect for any occasion, from snack time to game day, these mozzarella sticks will disappear from the table in no time.
Ingredients List
To make the best air-fried mozzarella sticks, you’ll need the following simple ingredients:
Mozzarella Sticks Ingredients
- 16 ounces whole milk mozzarella cheese block – The star of the recipe! Be sure to get a block instead of pre-sliced or shredded cheese for better results.
- 3 large eggs – This helps the breadcrumbs stick to the cheese sticks.
- 3 cups panko breadcrumbs – Provides a light and extra crunchy coating.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning – Adds a nice herby flavor to the breading.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder – To enhance the flavor.
- 1 pinch of salt – Balances the flavor.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper – For a touch of mild heat.
Required Kitchen Tools
Having a few basic kitchen tools can help make preparing these air fryer mozzarella sticks smooth and efficient. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ziploc Bag : To crush and mix the breadcrumbs with seasonings.
- Whisk or Fork : For whisking the eggs until they are smooth.
- Baking Sheet : To place the prepared mozzarella sticks before freezing.
- Rolling Pin : For crushing the panko breadcrumbs, making them finer and easier to stick.
- Air Fryer : Of course, the key to cooking perfect mozzarella sticks without a ton of oil!
By gathering these kitchen tools and ingredients, you’re ensuring a smooth cooking experience for your crispy mozzarella sticks.
Preparing the Mozzarella Sticks
Now that we’ve got all the ingredients and tools ready, it’s time to start prepping the mozzarella sticks. These steps are simple and quick, and once the sticks are breaded, they’ll need to chill in the freezer to set before air frying.
Step 1: Cutting the Mozzarella
Start by cutting the 16-ounce whole milk mozzarella cheese block into sticks that are about ½ inch thick. Aim for around 20 sticks. It helps to use a sharp knife to create even-sized pieces, ensuring they cook uniformly in your air fryer.
Step 2: Preparing the Egg Mixture
Take a small bowl and crack in the 3 large eggs , then whisk them together until smooth. This egg wash will help the breadcrumbs adhere to the mozzarella sticks, ensuring they get that classic crispy coating once air-fried.
Step 3: Preparing the Breadcrumb Coating
In a large Ziploc bag , add the panko breadcrumbs , Italian seasoning (1 tablespoon) , garlic powder (½ teaspoon) , salt (1 pinch) , and black pepper (½ teaspoon) . Seal the bag and use a rolling pin to crush the breadcrumbs until they’re very fine. This will help the breadcrumbs stick better to the mozzarella sticks, creating a nice, even coating. Once crushed, shake the bag to ensure the seasonings are distributed evenly, then pour the breadcrumb mixture into a large mixing bowl.
Coating the Mozzarella Sticks
With the mozzarella sticks cut, the eggs whisked, and the breadcrumbs prepped, it’s time to coat the sticks in that crispy outer layer. This part is crucial for achieving that perfect golden crust in the air fryer!
Step 4: Dipping the Mozzarella Sticks
Grab one of your mozzarella sticks and dip it fully into the whisked egg, making sure it’s coated all over. Let any excess egg drip off before moving to the next step.
Step 5: Coating with Breadcrumbs
Next, transfer the egg-coated mozzarella stick into the bowl with your seasoned breadcrumb mixture. Roll the stick around to ensure it’s evenly coated on all sides. You want the breadcrumbs to fully cover the cheese to prevent any leaks during the air frying process.
Step 6: Double Dipping (Optional but Recommended)
For extra crunch and to prevent the cheese from oozing out while cooking, you can double-dip the mozzarella sticks. After the first breadcrumb layer is applied, dip the stick back into the whisked egg mixture and then into the breadcrumbs again. This creates an additional layer of protection!
Step 7: Freezing the Mozzarella Sticks
Once all your mozzarella sticks are coated, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper . Put the baking sheet into the freezer for at least 90 minutes . Freezing is key because it helps the coating set and prevents the cheese from melting too quickly during air frying.
Air Frying the Mozzarella Sticks
Now that your mozzarella sticks have had time to chill in the freezer, they’re ready to go into the air fryer. This is the fun part! Air frying gives you that golden, crunchy coating without deep-frying in oil, making it a lighter (but equally delicious) option.
Step 8: Preheating the Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) . Preheating ensures the mozzarella sticks cook evenly from the start.
Step 9: Arranging Mozzarella Sticks in the Air Fryer
Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper designed for air fryers (make sure to use the air fryer kind with holes for airflow). This prevents the sticks from sticking to the basket. Place the mozzarella sticks in the basket in a single layer , ensuring they aren’t overcrowded. You want the hot air to circulate around each stick for even cooking. Spray the mozzarella sticks lightly with oil , which helps them get crispy and golden.
Step 10: Cooking the Mozzarella Sticks
Air fry the mozzarella sticks for 6-8 minutes , or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Keep a close eye on them after about 5 minutes to make sure they don’t overcook. If necessary, rotate them halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
Step 11: Serving the Mozzarella Sticks
Once they’re perfectly crispy, use tongs to carefully remove the mozzarella sticks from the air fryer and place them on a serving plate. If you’re cooking in batches, repeat the process until all the sticks are ready. Serve immediately while they’re hot and gooey inside! Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce – marinara, ranch, or even garlic aioli are all great choices.
Conclusion
There you have it – crispy, cheesy, and absolutely delicious Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks . They’re a perfect snack, appetizer, or game-day treat that everyone will love. The best part? They’re baked in the air fryer, which means all the flavor without the greasiness of frying. With that crunchy, seasoned coating and gooey mozzarella cheese inside, these sticks are guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering!
Got leftovers? (If that’s even possible!) Reheat them for a few minutes in the air fryer the next day, and they’ll become just as crispy as when freshly made.
Enjoy your homemade mozzarella sticks, and don’t forget the sauce!