Air fryer mozzarella sticks

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Ingredients:

• 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 2 cups (240g) Italian-style bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Cooking spray
• Marinara sauce, for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cheese Sticks: Cut the mozzarella string cheese sticks in half to make 24 shorter sticks. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 1 hour or until completely frozen. This step is crucial to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly during cooking.
2. Prepare the Breading Stations:
   • Place the flour in a shallow dish.
   • In a second shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk.
   • In a third shallow dish, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and basil.
3. Bread the Cheese Sticks:
   • Roll each frozen cheese stick in the flour, shaking off any excess.
   • Dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it is well-coated.
   • Roll it in the bread crumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere the crumbs.
   • For an extra-crispy coating, you can repeat the egg and bread crumb steps for each stick.
   • Place the breaded cheese sticks back on the baking sheet and freeze for another 30 minutes. This helps the coating set and prevents the cheese from oozing out during cooking.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
5. Cook the Mozzarella Sticks:
   • Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
   • Arrange the breaded mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they do not touch. You may need to cook them in batches.
   • Lightly spray the tops of the mozzarella sticks with cooking spray to help them crisp up.
   • Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Be sure to check them halfway through cooking and shake the basket gently to ensure even cooking.
6. Serve: Remove the mozzarella sticks from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.

Tips:

• Freezing: Do not skip the freezing steps, as they are essential for keeping the cheese from melting too quickly and oozing out during cooking.
• Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.
• Variety: Experiment with different cheeses or add some spice to the bread crumbs with cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a kick.

Enjoy your crispy and gooey air fryer mozzarella sticks!