Description
At its core, this popular dish is a bite-sized appetizer made from low-moisture mozzarella string cheese that is coated in a three-step breading system and cooked using rapid hot air circulation. Traditional versions rely heavily on deep frying, where the breaded cheese is completely submerged in hot oil. While delicious, deep frying can leave the exterior soaked in excess grease, making the snack heavy and caloric.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
Instructions
- Freeze the cheese:
Unwrap the mozzarella sticks and freeze them for at least 1–2 hours. This helps prevent the cheese from melting too quickly. - Prepare the coating:
Place flour in one bowl. Beat the eggs in a second bowl. In a third bowl, combine breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. - Coat the mozzarella:
Dip each frozen mozzarella stick into the flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. For extra-crispy sticks, dip them in the egg and breadcrumbs a second time. - Freeze again:
Place the coated mozzarella sticks back in the freezer for 30–60 minutes. - Air fry:
Preheat your air fryer to 200°C / 400°F. Lightly spray the basket and mozzarella sticks with cooking spray. Arrange them in a single layer without touching. - Cook:
Air fry for 5–7 minutes, turning halfway through. Keep a close eye on them—the moment the coating becomes golden and the cheese starts to soften, they’re ready. - Serve:
Let them cool for 1–2 minutes, then serve hot with warm marinara sauce.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5–7 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 mozzarella sticks
- Calories: 280 kcal
Keywords: air fried mozzarella cheese sticks, homemade air fryer cheese sticks, air fryer mozzarella cheese sticks, crispy air fryer string cheese