air fryer mozzarella sticks Recipe

Set up three shallow bowls: one with the all-purpose flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with the breadcrumb mixture combined with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This assembly line will make the breading process efficient.

Take one mozzarella stick at a time and roll it thoroughly in the flour, shaking off any excess to ensure an even, light coating that helps the egg stick.

Fully submerge the floured mozzarella stick into the beaten eggs to coat it completely; this moisture helps the breadcrumbs adhere perfectly.

Transfer the egg-coated stick into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure the crumbs stick well. Repeat these steps for all mozzarella sticks for uniform breading.

Place all the breaded mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze them for 10-15 minutes. This chilling step is crucial to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly and leaking during air frying.

Heat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to crisp the cheese sticks without sogginess.

Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the frozen mozzarella sticks in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch, to allow proper crispy airflow.

Cook the sticks for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through to promote even browning. Watch for a golden exterior and oozy cheese inside.

Carefully remove the sticks with tongs or a spatula and let them cool for a couple of minutes to avoid burning your mouth.

Serve your homemade air fryer mozzarella sticks hot with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.