Ingredients
Scale
- 8 low-moisture mozzarella string cheese sticks
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Green gel food coloring
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (for “bloody” dipping)
- Small candy eyes (edible)
- Cooking oil spray
Instructions
- Set up three shallow bowls for your dredging station. In the first bowl, place the all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, whisk the two eggs with several drops of green gel food coloring until you achieve a deep, vibrant green hue. In the third bowl, mix the Panko breadcrumbs with the garlic powder and onion powder. For the best “monster” look, you can also add a drop of green food coloring to the breadcrumbs and toss them well to distribute the color evenly.
- Unwrap your mozzarella sticks. If they feel soft, pop them in the freezer for 10 minutes first. Take one stick and roll it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the green egg wash until it is completely submerged and coated. Finally, roll it in the Panko breadcrumbs, pressing firmly to ensure the crumbs stick. For an extra-crunchy shell that prevents leaking, dip the stick back into the green egg wash and then once more into the breadcrumbs. Repeat for all sticks.
- Place the breaded mozzarella sticks on a small tray lined with parchment paper. Put them in the freezer for at least 30 to 60 minutes. This is a crucial step! Freezing the cheese ensures the outside gets crispy in the air fryer before the inside melts completely and leaks out through the breading.
- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Place the frozen mozzarella sticks in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch. Lightly spray the tops of the sticks with more cooking oil to help them brown. Air fry for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the breading is crisp. Watch closely around the 6-minute mark to ensure no cheese is escaping.
- Remove the sticks from the air fryer carefully. While the cheese is still hot, gently press the edible candy eyes into the breading. Use different sizes of eyes and place them randomly to create a “monster” look. Serve immediately with a side of warm marinara sauce for a “bloody” dipping effect.
- Cook Time: 28 minutes