It's hard to resist a plate of warm, Crispy mozzarella sticks, and I'm definitely not immune to their deliciousness! This particular Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks recipe is a personal favorite of mine - they're crispy, flavorful, and stuffed with irresistibly stretchy cheese. What more could you ask for?
What's even better is that this recipe is incredibly easy to make, and all thanks to the use of an air fryer. Air fryers are fantastic because they allow you to achieve that crispy, fried texture without the mess and hassle of a traditional deep fryer. Additionally, air-fried foods tend to be a healthier option.
Ingredients For Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
8 mozzarella sticks
1 Egg Whisked
¼ cup all-purpose flour
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
½ tsp each onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt
Preparation For Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Freeze Cheese: Unwrap mozzarella sticks (or cut into sticks if starting from a block of cheese). Set on a parchment-lined plate and place in the freezer for 30 minutes.
Prep: Meanwhile, set up your breading station. Place flour in a ziploc baggie. Whisk egg in a shallow bowl. Combine panko and seasonings in a separate shallow bowl.
Bread Once: Toss mozzarella sticks into the bag with the flour, zip it shut, and shake to evenly coat the cheese. Working one at a time, roll the mozzarella sticks in the egg, then in the panko. Return to the plate and freeze for 30 more minutes.
Bread Twice: Lightly grease your air fryer basket or rack, and preheat to 390°F (200°C). Coat the mozzarella sticks in egg then panko one more time, then transfer to the air fryer.
Cook: Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, until crispy and golden brown. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, like marinara or ranch.
Nutrition Information For Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Serving: 1 mozzarella stick Calories: 120kcal (6%) Carbohydrates: 7.2g (2%) Protein: 9.5g (19%) Fat: 6g (9%) Saturated Fat: 3.5g (22%) Cholesterol: 35mg (12%) Sodium: 339mg (15%) Potassium: 12mg Fiber: 0.2g (1%) Sugar: 0.1g Calcium: 24mg (2%) Iron: 0mg