Ingredients
Mozzarella Sticks
- 16 ounces whole milk mozzarella cheese block
Breading & Coating
- 3 large eggs
- 3 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 pinch salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Other
- Oil spray for cooking
Instructions
- Cut the cheese: Slice the 16-ounce mozzarella block into approximately 20 sticks about ½ inch thick each. Set aside.
- Prepare the egg wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the 3 large eggs thoroughly until smooth.
- Season and crush breadcrumbs: Add 3 cups of panko breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, a pinch of salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper to a large Ziploc bag. Seal the bag and use a rolling pin to crush the crumbs into finer pieces. Shake the bag well to evenly combine all seasoning with the breadcrumbs, then transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl.
- Coat the mozzarella sticks: Dip each cheese stick in the whisked egg, letting the excess drip off. Then, roll and turn it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture until completely coated. Place each coated stick on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat for all sticks.
- Freeze the sticks: Freeze the breaded mozzarella sticks for at least 90 minutes (1 hour 30 minutes) to ensure they hold together during cooking and prevent melting too quickly.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat fully before cooking.
- Cook the mozzarella sticks: Place the frozen sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket lined with air fryer parchment paper, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Generously spray the sticks with oil spray. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Serve: Use tongs to carefully remove the cooked sticks and place them on a serving plate. Repeat cooking in batches as necessary. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy the crispy, melty appetizer.
Notes
- Freezing the coated mozzarella sticks is critical to prevent cheese from oozing out during air frying.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even crisping.
- Use air fryer parchment paper to avoid sticking and for easier cleanup.
- Spraying the sticks generously with oil helps achieve a golden, crispy crust.
- For a spicier kick, add cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the breadcrumb mix.
- Best served immediately for optimal crispness before cheese starts to harden.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
