Ingredients
- 6 mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut in half
- 1/4 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
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
Instructions
- Cut each mozzarella stick in half to make 12 pieces.
- Set up a breading station: one bowl with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge each cheese piece in flour, then dip in egg, then coat with breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, repeat egg and breadcrumb steps.
- Place breaded cheese sticks on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and lightly spray basket with oil.
- Arrange frozen mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the basket. Spray tops lightly with oil.
- Air fry for 6–8 minutes, checking around the 6-minute mark to prevent cheese from leaking out.
- Serve hot with marinara or desired dipping sauce.
Notes
- Freezing is essential to prevent cheese from melting too quickly.
- Try using different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for variety.
- For a gluten-free version, use almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Double-coating ensures maximum crispiness.
- Store uncooked breaded sticks in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 mozzarella sticks
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
