Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe: Golden & Gooey (Print Version)

Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks: your easy path to golden, gooey goodness! My recipe shares kitchen hacks for perfect homemade sticks, no deep-fry mess.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Star of the Show

01 - 12 part-skim mozzarella sticks (about 12 oz total)

→ Breading Essentials

02 - ½ cup all-purpose flour
03 - 2 large eggs, whisked
04 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

→ Flavor Boosters

05 - 1 tsp Italian seasoning
06 - ½ tsp garlic powder
07 - ¼ tsp salt
08 - ⅛ tsp black pepper
09 - Cooking spray (for air fryer)

→ Dipping Companions

10 - 1 cup marinara sauce, warmed

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, unwrap those mozzarella sticks. Lay them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This might seem like a small step, but it's crucial for our Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe. Pop them in the freezer for at least 30 minutes, or even an hour. This really helps them hold their shape and prevents them from melting too quickly in the air fryer. Honestly, I’ve skipped this before, and the cheese just kinda oozed out everywhere, so don't be like me!
02 - Grab three shallow dishes. In the first, put your flour. In the second, whisk those eggs until they're nice and uniform. In the third, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix it all up really well! This is where you get to smell all those lovely herbs. I usually give it a good stir with a fork; you want all those flavors distributed for the best Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks.
03 - Take your chilled mozzarella sticks. One by one, dredge each stick in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg, letting any extra drip off. Finally, coat it generously in the panko mixture, pressing gently to make sure it really sticks. Place them back on that parchment-lined baking sheet. This is the first layer! Back into the freezer they go for another 30 minutes. Yes, more freezing. It's a non-negotiable step for that ultimate crispiness.
04 - Once that first breading layer is frozen solid, it's time for round two! Repeat the entire process: flour, then egg, then a final, generous coating of the seasoned panko breadcrumbs. This double-breading technique is my secret for truly Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks. It creates a robust shell that locks in all that gooey cheese. I always get a little messy here, flour everywhere, but it's worth it.
05 - While your double-coated mozzarella sticks are getting their final chill, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Don't skip this! A hot air fryer ensures instant crisping and less time for the cheese to escape. I always forget to preheat, then I'm just standing there, tapping my foot, impatiently waiting. Learn from my mistakes, hon. A properly preheated air fryer makes all the difference for this Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe.
06 - Working in batches so you don't overcrowd the basket (this is key for air circulation and crispiness!), arrange the mozzarella sticks in a single layer. Spray them lightly with cooking spray – this helps with browning. Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they're golden brown and the cheese is just starting to ooze a tiny bit. They should look perfectly crispy and smell absolutely divine. Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce!

# Notes:

01 - Always double-bread and double-freeze your mozzarella sticks; it’s my secret to preventing cheese blowouts.
02 - Leftover mozzarella sticks are best reheated in the air fryer or toaster oven to regain crispness; microwaving makes them sad.
03 - Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the breading for a subtle, smoky flavor twist, I loved it!
04 - Serving these with a side of creamy ranch alongside the marinara is a game-changer, trust me.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Air fryer
02 - shallow dishes
03 - whisk
04 - parchment paper
05 - baking sheet

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 280
Total Fat: 15g
Total Carbohydrate: 20g
Protein: 18g

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