Ingredients
Scale
- 8 to 10 mozzarella string cheese sticks
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Non-stick cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil preferred)
- Marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Start by unwrapping your mozzarella sticks. If they are too long for your liking, cut them in half. Place the cheese sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and put them in the freezer for at least 30 to 60 minutes. This step is critical; freezing the cheese prevents it from melting and leaking out before the breadcrumbs have a chance to crisp up in the air fryer.
- Set up three shallow bowls for your breading station. 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. Take a frozen cheese stick and coat it in flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the egg wash, then roll it thoroughly in the seasoned breadcrumbs. For an extra thick crust, dip the stick back into the egg and once more into the breadcrumbs. Return the coated sticks to the freezer for another 15 minutes to set the breading.
- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the chilled, breaded mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the basket, making sure they do not touch. Lightly spray the tops of the sticks with oil. Air fry for 6 to 8 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. Watch them closely during the last two minutes to ensure the cheese doesn’t burst out.
- Carefully remove the mozzarella sticks from the air fryer using tongs. Let them rest for 1 to 2 minutes so the cheese can set slightly. Serve them warm on a platter with a side of heated marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
- Cook Time: 23 minutes