Easy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Ingredients

• 8 pieces Mozzarella sticks (Notes: Cut in half)
• 3 large Eggs (Notes: Beaten)
• 1 tablespoon Water
• 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs
• 0.5 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 0.25 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 0.25 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 0.33 cup All-purpose flour
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
• Nonstick cooking spray (Notes: For spraying the air fryer basket)
• Marinara sauce (Notes: For serving)

Instructions

1. 1
   Cut the cheese sticks in half and set aside.
2. 2
   In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and water. In another bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, panko, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. In a third bowl, combine the flour, salt, and pepper.
3. 3
   Dip each cheese stick into the egg mixture, then dredge in the flour mixture. Dip back into the eggs, then dredge in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to coat well.
4. 4
   Place the sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, dip each stick back into the eggs, then dredge in the breadcrumb mixture again and freeze for another 30 minutes.
5. 5
   Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (199°C). Spray the fryer basket with cooking spray. Generously coat the frozen sticks with cooking spray. Working in batches, place the sticks in the basket in a single layer. Cook for 6 to 7 minutes or until browned and crispy.
6. 6
   Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce.

Tips & Variations:

• Double coat the mozzarella sticks for extra crunch.
• Freeze the sticks for at least 30 minutes before cooking to prevent cheese spillage.
• Serve with a variety of dipping sauces like marinara or ranch.