Description

These crispy air fryer mozzarella sticks are an easy, healthier alternative to deep-fried snacks, made with simple ingredients and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

12 mozzarella cheese sticks (about 24 oz or 680g), full-fat string cheese
½ cup all-purpose flour (60g)
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons milk (30ml)
1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (150g), preferably panko or Italian seasoned
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground if possible
Cooking spray (olive oil or neutral oil spray)

Instructions

Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with whisked eggs and milk, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper.
Dip each mozzarella stick first in the flour, shaking off excess.
Then dip in the egg wash, letting excess drip off.
Roll in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to coat well.
For extra crunch, repeat the egg wash and breadcrumb coating once more.
Place breaded sticks on a baking sheet or plate and freeze for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C) if needed and spray the basket lightly with cooking spray.
Arrange mozzarella sticks in a single layer without touching and spray tops with cooking spray.
Cook for 5-6 minutes, flip sticks, spray again, and cook for another 5-6 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Serve immediately with marinara sauce, ranch, or your favorite dip.

Notes

Freeze breaded mozzarella sticks for at least 30 minutes before air frying to prevent cheese from leaking. Double breading increases crunchiness. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket for even cooking. Reheat leftovers in the air fryer for best crispness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Snack
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 mozzarella sticks
Calories: 180
Sodium: 330
Fat: 10
Saturated Fat: 6
Carbohydrates: 12
Protein: 11

Keywords: mozzarella sticks, air fryer, crispy snack, easy appetizer, homemade snack, cheesy snack, healthier fried food