Are you ready to take your snacking game to the next level? Dive into the world of crispy, gooey delight with these irresistible Air Fryer Mozzarella Cheese Sticks! Perfectly golden on the outside and melty on the inside, these cheesy bites are not only a crowd-pleaser but also a healthier alternative to traditional frying. In just 18 minutes, you can whip up a batch that serves four, making them an ideal appetizer for game day or a fun movie night at home. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this simple yet decadent recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 8 mins
Total Time: 18 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1 pound of mozzarella cheese sticks
- 1 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare the cheese sticks by removing them from packaging and patting them dry with paper towels to ensure a crisp coating.
- Set up three shallow dishes for breading: - First dish: Mix all-purpose flour - Second dish: Whisk eggs until well beaten - Third dish: Combine breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning
- Create a breading station by arranging the three dishes in order: flour, eggs, breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each mozzarella stick first in flour, coating completely and shaking off excess.
- Next, dip the floured cheese stick into beaten eggs, ensuring full coverage.
- Roll the egg-coated stick in seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help crumbs adhere.
- For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating process a second time.
- Place breaded cheese sticks on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 15-20 minutes to help maintain shape during air frying.
- Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and lightly spray basket with cooking spray.
- Arrange cheese sticks in a single layer without overcrowding, leaving space between each stick.
- Air fry for 6-8 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove carefully and let rest for 2-3 minutes to prevent molten cheese from burning.
- Serve immediately with marinara sauce or preferred dipping sauce.
Tips
- Choose Quality Cheese: Opt for high-quality mozzarella cheese sticks for the best flavor and texture. Fresh cheese will melt beautifully and provide that perfect gooey center.
- Chill Before Frying: Freezing the breaded cheese sticks for 15-20 minutes is crucial. This step helps them maintain their shape and prevents the cheese from oozing out during cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Arrange the cheese sticks in a single layer with space between each stick. This ensures even cooking and allows the hot air to circulate properly for that perfect crispiness.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to get creative! Add garlic powder, paprika, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to your breadcrumb mixture for an extra kick of flavor.
- Serve with Dipping Sauces: Pair your crispy cheese sticks with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or a spicy aioli for a delicious dip that complements the cheesy goodness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 110mg
