Ingredients
- Mozzarella cheese: 12 ounces (part-skim, low-moisture, block or string cheese)
- All-purpose flour: 1/2 cup
- Large eggs: 2
- Panko breadcrumbs: 1 cup
- Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon
- Garlic powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Cooking spray: as needed
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the mozzarella sticks. If using a block of mozzarella, cut it into 12 equal sticks (approximately 3-4 inches long and 1/2 inch thick). Pat the mozzarella sticks dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which helps the breading adhere better.
- Step 2: Set up a breading station. In three separate shallow dishes, place the following: 1) all-purpose flour, 2) whisked eggs, and 3) Panko breadcrumbs combined with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt.
- Step 3: Bread the mozzarella sticks. Dip each mozzarella stick first into the flour, shaking off excess, then into the whisked egg, letting any extra drip off, and finally into the seasoned Panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure a thorough coating. For extra crispiness and to prevent leakage, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating process (dip in egg again, then breadcrumbs again).
- Step 4: Freeze the breaded sticks. Place the double-coated mozzarella sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they don't touch. Freeze for at least 2-3 hours, or preferably overnight, until completely solid. This step is crucial to prevent the cheese from melting out too quickly during air frying.
- Step 5: Air fry the frozen sticks. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the frozen mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the basket, ensuring not to overcrowd it (cook in batches if necessary for even cooking). Lightly spray the tops of the mozzarella sticks with cooking spray.
- Step 6: Cook and serve. Air fry for 5-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and the cheese is just beginning to soften or slightly ooze. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking. Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Once completely frozen, transfer the breaded mozzarella sticks to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container for up to 3 months, ready to air fry from frozen whenever a craving strikes!
- To revive any leftover cooked mozzarella sticks, simply pop them back into your air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-4 minutes until warmed through and crispy again, ensuring they don't overcook and lose their cheese.
- Beyond classic marinara, try serving these golden, cheesy delights with a zesty ranch dip, a sweet and spicy chili sauce, or even a dollop of pesto for a gourmet twist.
- For truly perfect mozzarella sticks, embrace the double-coating technique; this extra layer of Panko not only boosts crispiness but also creates a crucial seal to prevent melty cheese from escaping in the air fryer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 mozzarella sticks
- Calories: 480
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 1g