Print

Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe Easy Homemade Appetizer

crispy air fryer mozzarella sticks - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy recipe for crispy, golden mozzarella sticks made in the air fryer with a gooey cheese center, served with tangy marinara sauce. Perfect for snacks, parties, and game nights with less oil than traditional frying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 g) fresh block mozzarella cheese sticks, cut into 3-inch by 1/2-inch sticks
  • 1/2 cup (65 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten, room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups (150 g) panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil spray)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) marinara sauce for dipping

Instructions

  1. Cut block mozzarella into sticks about 3 inches long and 1/2 inch thick. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. (5 minutes)
  2. Set up dredging stations: place flour in first bowl, beaten eggs in second bowl, and combine panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in third bowl. (5 minutes)
  3. Coat each mozzarella stick by rolling in flour, shaking off excess, dipping in egg, letting excess drip off, then coating thoroughly in breadcrumb mixture. For extra crunch, repeat egg and breadcrumb coating for a double layer. (10 minutes)
  4. Place coated sticks on a baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper and freeze for at least 30 minutes to prevent cheese leakage during cooking. (30 minutes)
  5. Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  6. Lightly spray air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place frozen sticks in a single layer without overcrowding. Spray tops lightly with oil. Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. (8 minutes)
  7. Remove sticks carefully and serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

Freezing the coated sticks before air frying is crucial to prevent cheese leakage. Use panko breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning and garlic powder for extra crunch and flavor. Lightly spray with oil before cooking to crisp the coating without greasiness. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket for even cooking. Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to maintain crispiness. For gluten-free, substitute almond flour and gluten-free panko. For vegan, use vegan mozzarella and flax or aquafaba egg substitute.

Nutrition

Keywords: mozzarella sticks, air fryer, crispy, appetizer, snack, easy recipe, homemade, party food, marinara sauce

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/crispy-air-fryer-mozzarella-sticks-recipe-easy-homemade-appetizer/