Description
Crispy, cheesy mozzarella sticks made in the air fryer with minimal oil! Perfect for parties, snacks, or appetizers, these homemade sticks are easy, freezer-friendly, and ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese)
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
- Marinara sauce (for dipping, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Sticks
- Cut mozzarella sticks in half to create 24 pieces.
- Freeze for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for best results).
- Set Up the Breading Stations
- In a shallow dish, mix flour with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
- In a third dish, combine Italian-style breadcrumbs and panko.
- Bread the Mozzarella Sticks
- Roll each frozen mozzarella stick in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
- Dip into the egg mixture, coating fully.
- Roll in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Repeat egg and breadcrumb coating for extra crispiness.
- Freeze Again
- Place coated mozzarella sticks on a tray and freeze for another 15-30 minutes.
- Air Fry the Mozzarella Sticks
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Lightly spray air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Arrange mozzarella sticks in a single layer without touching.
- Air fry for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Let mozzarella sticks cool slightly before serving.
- Enjoy with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce!
Notes
- Extra Crispy Coating: Double-coat the sticks for a crunchier bite.
- Spicy Option: Add cayenne or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mix.
- Cheese Variations: Swap mozzarella for pepper jack or cheddar.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.
- Make Ahead: Freeze breaded mozzarella sticks for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: air fryer
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: air fryer mozzarella sticks, crispy mozzarella sticks, easy air fryer appetizers, homemade mozzarella sticks, party snacks