Description

Make ultra-crispy Air Fryer Frozen Mozzarella Sticks with a crunchy panko crust in just 30 minutes! A quick, easy, and cheesy appetizer perfect for game nights and parties.

Ingredients

Scale

12 frozen mozzarella sticks
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon milk
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking spray

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Breading Stations

Set up three shallow bowls:
- Bowl 1: Add flour.
- Bowl 2: Whisk together eggs and milk.
- Bowl 3: Mix panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Coat the Mozzarella Sticks
2. Remove frozen mozzarella sticks from the package.
3. Coat each mozzarella stick in flour, shaking off excess.
4. Dip into the egg mixture, ensuring full coverage.
5. Roll in the panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
6. For extra crispiness, repeat steps 3-5 for a double coating.
7. Place the coated sticks on a plate and freeze for 15-20 minutes.

Step 3: Air Fry the Mozzarella Sticks
8. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
9. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
10. Arrange mozzarella sticks in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch.
11. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
12. Air fry for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
13. Remove and let sit for a minute before serving.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
14. Serve immediately with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or your favorite dip.

Notes

Spicy Version: Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper to the panko mixture.
Cheesy Boost: Mix finely grated Parmesan into the breadcrumb coating.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and panko.
Different Seasonings: Swap Italian seasoning for Cajun spice or smoked paprika.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Freeze Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Snack
Method: air fryer
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Air fryer mozzarella sticks, frozen mozzarella sticks air fryer, crispy mozzarella sticks, panko crust mozzarella sticks, easy appetizer