I can hardly contain my excitement because today I’m going to share with you one of my absolute favorite snacks—Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks! Oh, the nostalgia of cheesy indulgence brings back memories of late-night pizza runs and satisfying those mid-movie cravings. I can still picture those cheesy gooey strings stretching out, and it’s a sight that always makes me smile. The best part? You can whip these up in no time, thanks to the air fryer, which makes them just crispy enough on the outside while keeping that delightful melty cheese on the inside.
Whenever I have friends over or a movie marathon lined up, these mozzarella sticks have become my go-to treat. They’re super easy to make and the aroma that fills the kitchen will have everyone dropping what they’re doing to come snack! What’s even better is that you can easily customize them to your taste. So, let’s dive right in!
What’s in Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks?
String Cheese Sticks: The star of the show! I love using full-fat variety for that extra creaminess, but you can opt for reduced-fat if you’re watching calories.
All-Purpose Flour: This will be the first layer of the breading process. It helps the egg adhere to the cheese.
Large Eggs: Eggs are essential for creating a bond between the cheese and the breadcrumbs, giving that lovely crunchy texture.
Breadcrumbs: Italian seasoned breadcrumbs are my go-to, as they add extra flavor. But feel free to switch things up with panko for even more crunch!
Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Dried Oregano: These seasonings add a depth of flavor that elevates the mozzarella sticks from good to absolutely phenomenal!
Cooking Spray: A light mist of cooking spray ensures that the sticks turn golden brown without absorbing too much oil.
Marinara Sauce: Can you even call them mozzarella sticks without some marinara on the side? This is perfect for dipping!
Is Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Good for You?
Now, let’s talk about health. While mozzarella sticks might not be a health food, they can be a fun treat!
String Cheese: This is a good source of protein and calcium, which is a win in my book! Just be mindful of the portion size, especially since it’s easy to devour these delicious bites.
Breadcrumbs: The Italian seasoned breadcrumbs have some added flavor profiles but come with carbs. So moderation is key, especially if you’re pairing them with marinara.
This recipe is a far better alternative to deep-fried mozzarella sticks, owing to the air fryer’s magical ability to make things crispy with way less oil. So, treat yourself once in a while—these cheesy goodies are certainly worth it!
Ingredients List
– 8 string cheese sticks
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian seasoned)
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
– Cooking spray
– Marinara sauce (for serving)
– Serves: 4 (approximately 4 pieces each)
How to Make Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks?
1. Start by cutting each string cheese stick in half, resulting in 16 delicious pieces of cheesy goodness.
2. Set up a breading station: In a shallow dish, place the all-purpose flour; in another, beat the eggs; and in a third, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano.
3. Roll each piece of string cheese in the flour, shaking off any excess flour.
4. Dip the floured cheese into the beaten eggs, coating it fully.
5. Lastly, roll the egg-coated cheese in the breadcrumb mixture, applying a little pressure to ensure it’s well coated. Do this for all cheese portions.
6. Once breaded, arrange the mozzarella sticks on a plate or baking sheet. Freeze them for at least 30 minutes. Believe me, this step is crucial for keeping that cheese intact while cooking!
7. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
8. After preheating, spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the mozzarella sticks in a single layer. Leave a little room for them to breathe.
9. Lightly spray the tops of the mozzarella sticks with cooking spray to achieve that golden, crispy finish.
10. Cook them for about 6-8 minutes or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Pop in halfway to flip if necessary for even cooking.
11. Carefully remove the mozzarella sticks from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Trust me, the anticipation is worth it!
12. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping and enjoy every cheesy bite!
Cheesy Tips & Variations for Your Mozzarella Heaven
– Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; you want each stick to have its moment in the spotlight (and to cook evenly). This might mean cooking in batches.
– Looking for a flavor twist? Try adding some red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick, or think about experimenting with different flavored string cheeses—who knew cheddar or pepper jack would work wonders?
– If you’re feeling ambitious, you could even make a double batch, freeze half, and have these cheesy delights ready for your next snack attack!
I hope you’re as excited to make these Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks as I am! They’re perfect for parties, movie nights, or whenever the craving hits. Try them out, and don’t forget to share your experience. I can’t wait to hear how they turned out! Happy cooking!
