Air Fryer Halloween Monster Mozzarella Sticks
- Cook Time: 21 minutes
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Green gel food coloring
- Candy eyes (edible)
- Marinara sauce for dipping
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs with a few drops of green gel food coloring and the garlic powder. Stir vigorously or use your fingertips to rub the color into the crumbs until they are a vibrant, uniform green color.
- Place the flour in one shallow bowl, the beaten eggs in a second bowl, and the green breadcrumbs in a third bowl. This assembly line will make the coating process much faster and cleaner.
- Unwrap the mozzarella sticks. Dredge each stick in the flour, shaking off the excess. Dip it into the egg wash, ensuring it is fully coated, and finally roll it in the green breadcrumbs. For an extra thick crust, dip it back into the egg and then the breadcrumbs a second time.
- Place the breaded mozzarella sticks on a tray and put them in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. This is a crucial step to prevent the cheese from melting and leaking out before the crust gets crispy in the air fryer.
- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray. Arrange the sticks in a single layer, making sure they do not touch. Lightly spray the tops of the sticks with oil and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the coating is crispy.
- Remove the sticks from the air fryer and let them sit for one minute. Using a tiny dab of marinara sauce or a small piece of melted cheese as “glue,” attach the candy eyes to the top of each stick to create your monsters.