Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside – air fryer mozzarella sticks are the ultimate snack hack! Perfect for parties, movie nights, or anytime you’re craving cheesy goodness, these golden bites are quick, easy, and mess-free, thanks to the magic of the air fryer.
Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks: The Snack That Wins Every Time
Deep frying? That’s so last decade. Say hello to the ultimate snack upgrade: air-fried mozzarella sticks. Think golden, crispy perfection on the outside and gooey, stretchy cheese on the inside—all without the grease guilt. Thanks to the magic of air frying, you can enjoy all the flavour and crunch you love without the mess or the oil slick on your plate.
If mozzarella sticks were a sport, air-frying would take home the gold medal every single time. This recipe from An Organized Chaos hits the spot every time. It’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to hit the spot, whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a movie night, or just treating yourself to some cheesy goodness.
Ready to give it a go? Grab your ingredients, fire up the air fryer, and prepare to wow your taste buds with this unbeatable snack. Trust us, you’ll never look at frozen mozzarella sticks the same way again!
What You’ll Need
Serves 12
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks, or vegan substitute, halved (like Bega Stringers, or supermarket equivalent)
- 1 cup plain flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten, or vegan alternative of choice
- 2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Olive oil spray
- Marinara sauce for dipping (optional)
Method
Prepare the Cheese sticks
- Unwrap the mozzarella sticks and cut each one in half.
- Place the flour in a shallow bowl.
- In a second bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth.
- In a third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Coat The Sticks
- Dredge each piece of mozzarella in the flour, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Dip it into the beaten eggs, then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating.
- Place the coated sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between them.
Freeze
- Freeze the mozzarella sticks on the baking sheet for at least 30 minutes to help the coating stick and prevent the cheese from oozing during cooking.
Cook
- Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (390°F).
- Lightly brush the frozen mozzarella sticks with olive oil or spray them with cooking spray.
- Arrange the sticks in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one for even cooking.
- Air fry for 5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Watch closely to prevent the cheese from escaping.
Serve
- Remove from the air fryer immediately and serve warm with marinara sauce or your favourite dipping sauce.
Variations
- Cheese Swap: Try cheddar or pepper jack for a different flavour.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free ones.
- Keto-Friendly: Use crushed pork rinds or almond flour as a coating.
- Spicy Twist: Add cayenne or chilli powder to the breadcrumb mixture
Store
Refrigerator
Let the mozzarella sticks cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezer
Mozzarella sticks can be frozen for up to 3 months. Flash-freeze them first on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy, air fry them straight from frozen!
Get ready to level up your snack game with this crowd-pleasing favourite! With just a few steps and your trusty air fryer, you can enjoy a healthier yet equally delicious version of this classic snack. Perfectly crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and guaranteed to satisfy any cheese lover’s craving!
