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Easy Air Fryer Mozzarella | Crispy Cheese Snack Recipe

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Unlock perfectly crispy, gooey air-fried mozzarella! Our simple breading method, featuring garlic Panko and optional double-dip, guarantees golden, cheesy perfection every time.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12–16 pre-made mozzarella sticks (or 1 block mozzarella, cut into sticks)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, whisked
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Cooking spray or 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Set up a breading station. In three separate shallow dishes, place the 1/2 cup flour, the 2 whisked eggs, and the 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder and salt.
  2. Step 2: Dredge each mozzarella stick: first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip completely in the egg mixture, and finally coat thoroughly with the seasoned Panko breadcrumbs. For extra crispiness, double-dip: repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating.
  3. Step 3: Place the breaded mozzarella sticks on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they don't touch. Freeze for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, to prevent cheese from oozing out during cooking.
  4. Step 4: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with olive oil.
  5. Step 5: Arrange the frozen mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Cook for 5-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy, with the cheese just beginning to melt.
  6. Step 6: Carefully remove the mozzarella sticks from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce like marinara.

Notes

  • For future cravings, breaded but uncooked mozzarella sticks can be frozen in an airtight container for up to a month, ready to air fry directly from frozen whenever the mood strikes.
  • If you happen to have any leftovers (a rare feat!), re-crisp them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for just 2-3 minutes until warm and perfectly gooey inside.
  • Elevate your snack game by pairing these crispy delights with unexpected dips like a tangy honey mustard, a smoky BBQ sauce, or even a vibrant pesto for an exciting flavor twist.
  • That initial freezing step for your breaded sticks is non-negotiable; it's the magical key to locking in the mozzarella and ensuring your sticks come out perfectly golden and gooey, not a cheesy mess.
  • Author: alanya
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 air-fried mozzarella sticks (60g)
  • Calories: 220
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Fat: 13g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Protein: 1g

Find it online: https://yummyplatess.com/easy-air-fryer-mozzarella-crispy-cheese-snack-recipe/