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Mozzarella Sticks · Air Fryer

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

String cheese double-coated in seasoned crumbs, frozen so it holds its shape, then air-fried until golden and gooey. Game-day crunch with far less oil than deep-frying.

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Prep
20 min
Cook
9 min
Total
1 hr 29 min
Serves
6 · 12 sticks
Level
Medium

Ingredients

  • 12 string cheese, mozzarella sticks, unwrapped
  • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs, Italian-style, or plain plus 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ cup panko
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • cooking spray

To serve

  • 1 cup marinara sauce, warmed, for dipping

Steps

  1. Line a sheet pan with parchment. Set up three shallow dishes: flour in one, beaten eggs in the second, and the breadcrumbs, panko, Parmesan and garlic powder mixed in the third.
  2. Roll each cheese stick in flour, dip it in egg and roll it in the crumbs, then dip it in the egg and the crumbs a second time, pressing so the coating sticks. Set it on the pan.
  3. Freeze the coated sticks until solid so the cheese doesn't melt out before the crust browns.
  4. Heat the air fryer to 390°F and spray the basket with cooking spray.
  5. Arrange the frozen sticks in the basket in one layer with space between them, in batches, and spray the tops lightly.
  6. Air-fry until golden and just starting to soften. Watch closely after 5 minutes; once cheese leaks, they are done.
  7. Let them sit for 1 minute, then serve with warm marinara.

Tip: The double coat is what keeps the cheese inside; don't skip the second dip.

Tip: Freeze extra breaded sticks in a bag up to 2 months and air-fry them straight from frozen.

Storage: Best eaten hot. Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days and reheat in the air fryer at 360°F for 2 to 3 minutes.

Make ahead: Freeze the breaded, uncooked sticks in a freezer bag up to 2 months and air-fry from frozen.

Estimated nutrition per serving: 340 calories · protein 21 g · carbohydrates 29 g · fiber 2 g · sugars 5 g · fat 16 g (saturated 8 g) · sodium 830 mg. Estimate from USDA FoodData Central; not medical or dietary advice. Based on 8 of 8 ingredients.