Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Cut each cheese stick in half crosswise to make 12 short cheese sticks. Place cut mozzarella sticks in a zip-top bag and freeze until frozen, at least 1 hour.

Set out three small shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place flour, salt, and pepper; mix lightly.

In the second bowl, add 1 egg and beat lightly.

In the third bowl, combine panko, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.

One at a time, coat mozzarella pieces in the flour mixture, then dip into the beaten egg, and finally coat with the panko mixture, pressing lightly to help the coating adhere.

Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze again for 30 minutes.

RESERVE bread crumbs. In a small shallow bowl, beat the second egg.

Remove mozzarella sticks from freezer and dip in egg and then coat again in bread crumb mixture.

Return to freezer for 30 more minutes (see note).

Heat air fryer to 400ºF. Place breaded mozzarella sticks in a single layer and spray with olive oil spray. (You might need to do them in batches - don’t stack them up or crowd the basket!)

Air fry to 5 to 6 minutes or until golden brown.