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One of America's favorite snacks just became healthier with these air fryer mozzarella sticks. This recipe is so easy and full of delicious flavor. Makes a great snack, or appetizer for your next party.
Mozzarella sticks are one of those comforting appetizers that bring people together around a table. They are ooey gooey cheesy goodness. I have fond memories of meeting up with a group of friends at a chain restaurant and ordering a basket of mozzarella sticks to share. It was something everyone could agree on, and we all dug in. With a crunchy outside, and a warm melty inside dipped in your favorite sauce, mozzarella sticks are a classic American appetizer that are sure to please a crowd.
Not typically thought of as a healthy food, restaurant style mozzarella sticks are breaded and deep fried. These air fryer mozzarella sticks retain all that stretchy melty cheesiness we all love, but use whole wheat breadcrumbs, and no oil to create a crunchy breaded outer shell without the added fat and calories.
Tools and Equipment You'll Need for This Recipe
How to Make Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks - Step by Step
Step 1: Freeze the mozzarella cheese sticks, either still in their individual package or on a cookie sheet. Freeze until fully firm (about 3 hours) or you can also freeze overnight. Leave in the freezer until you're ready to prepare.
Step 2: Pour the flour, panko breadcrumbs, and eggs into three separate bowls. Add pinch of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning into the breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with cooking oil spray, set aside. Roll each frozen mozzarella stick in the flour making sure to thoroughly coat it on all sides.
Step 4: Then dip the stick into the lightly beaten eggs, again making sure it's completely coated.
Step 5: Next, dredge in the seasoned breadcrumbs and making sure to fully coat the entire cheese stick.
Step 6: Lay on baking sheet and continue until all of the cheese sticks have been breaded. Place in the freezer for 10 minutes, do not discard breading ingredients.
Step 7: After freezing for 10 minutes, make sure your air fryer is ready to go and that the basket is on the counter. Dip the cheese stick into the remaining beaten eggs.
Step 8: Next, dip into the remaining breadcrumbs and then lay inside the air fryer basket. (It's not necessary to spray the battered cheese stick again with the oil spray, but you can if you'd like.)
Step 9: Continue until you have enough sticks to fit comfortably in the basket but without overcrowding.
Step 10: Set air fryer to 390 F and 5 minutes. Cook the sticks for 5 minutes, flip and cook an additional 2 to 3 minutes until golden. Remove from air fryer and place on a serving dish.
Step 11: Continue air frying the remaining mozzarella sticks until all have been fried. Serve with your favorite marinara sauce or any other dipping sauce of choice.
What makes these Air Fryer Mozzarella sticks healthy?
- Lower in Fat: These mozzarella sticks are lower in fat because they are fried in the air fryer without oil and using cooking spray.
- Added Whole Grains: Most mozzarella sticks are breaded with white flour and breadcrumbs made from white bread. These mozzarella sticks are made with whole wheat panko breadcrumbs and whole wheat flour, making them higher in whole grains and less processed than traditional fried mozzarella sticks.
- High in Calcium: Mozzarella cheese sticks are naturally high in calcium. One stick has 15% of your recommended daily calcium.
Will kids enjoy these Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks?
Kids will absolutely love these! Most kids enjoy eating cheese sticks for snacks. These mozzarella sticks have a crunchy and flavorful outer crust, without added spice, and a melty gooey center. Pair it with your kids favorite dipping sauce!
How long do you cook mozzarella sticks in the air fryer?
These mozzarella sticks require 7-8 minutes of total cooking time. They need to be flipped at 5 minutes, and cooked for an additional 2-3 minutes in a preheated air fryer at 390 F.
How do you make air fryer mozzarella sticks crispy?
The key to making air fryer mozzarella sticks crispy is the double coating of breadcrumbs and using the cooking spray to make sure the coating sticks to the mozzarella. Flipping the mozzarella half way through also ensures that you get a crispy shell on all sides.
What do you serve with Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks?
These mozzarella sticks pair well with a variety of dipping sauces. Give these sauce ideas a try!
- Marinara Sauce
- Ranch Dressing
- Honey Dijon
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Freeze mozzarella sticks prior to air frying
- After you bread the sticks the first time, freeze for at least 10 minutes before breading again.
- Make sure your air fryer is preheated and ready to go before adding mozzarella sticks.
- You can switch up the seasonings if you'd like! For a more "Mexican" inspired mozzarella stick, try using a mix of chili powder, paprika, onion powder and garlic powder (instead of the Italian Seasoning).
- Flip after five minutes.
Top Tips for Making Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Check-Out These Other Air Fryer Recipes!
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