Air Fryer Halloween Monster Mozzarella Sticks
- Cook Time: 26 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 15–20 drops green liquid food coloring
- 24 edible candy eyes
- Small amount of cream cheese (to act as glue)
- 1 cup marinara sauce (for “bloody” dipping)
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Remove the wrappers from the mozzarella sticks and place them in the freezer for at least 1 hour. This is a crucial step that prevents the cheese from melting completely before the crust has a chance to crisp up.
- Place the Panko breadcrumbs in a small bowl or a zip-top bag. Add the green food coloring and shake or stir vigorously until the crumbs are an even, vibrant green. Adjust the number of drops to achieve your desired “monster” shade.
- Place the flour in one shallow bowl and the beaten eggs in a second bowl. Place your green breadcrumbs in a third bowl. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to hold the sticks as you coat them.
- Dredge each frozen cheese stick in flour, shaking off the excess. Dip it into the egg wash, then roll it in the green breadcrumbs until fully coated. For an extra thick crust, dip the stick back into the egg and then into the breadcrumbs a second time.
- Place the coated sticks back in the freezer for another 15 to 20 minutes. This helps the breading adhere better and prevents blowouts during the cooking process.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the sticks in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the coating is crispy but before the cheese starts to burst through.
- Remove the sticks carefully from the air fryer. While they are still warm, use a tiny dot of cream cheese to “glue” two candy eyes onto the top of each stick. Serve immediately while the cheese is stretchy and hot.