Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
- Cook Time: 1 hour 21 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 21 minutes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Olive oil cooking spray
Instructions
- Unwrap the mozzarella string cheese sticks. Place them on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer for at least 30 to 45 minutes. Freezing the cheese ensures it doesn’t melt and leak out before the breading has a chance to get crispy in the air fryer.
- Set up three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place the flour. In the second bowl, whisk the eggs. In the third bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. Stir the breadcrumb mixture well to distribute the spices.
- Remove the cheese sticks from the freezer. Dredge each stick in the flour, shaking off the excess. Dip it into the egg wash until fully coated, then roll it in the seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing firmly to adhere. For an extra-thick crust, dip the breaded stick back into the egg and then into the breadcrumbs a second time.
- Place the breaded cheese sticks back onto the baking sheet and freeze for another 30 minutes. This second chill time is the secret to preventing “cheese explosions” during the cooking process.
- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the frozen, breaded sticks in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch. Lightly spray the tops of the sticks with oil. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the coating is golden brown and crisp.