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Particularly during Super Bowl season, crispy, melty mozzarella sticks are a beloved restaurant appetizer. However, in our opinion, making them at home is even better, particularly if you use an air fryer. (This technique guarantees crunchy outcomes without using a ton of oil.) Make sure to allow enough space in your air fryer between each piece of meat when cooking for gorgeous golden-brown sticks. The air circulation could be hampered by overcrowding the basket, which would yield less than ideal crispiness.
How long should mozzarella sticks be air-fried?
We advise checking on each batch after around 5 minutes because air fryers vary in size and power. You'll probably need 6 to 7 minutes at 390°F. A decent rule of thumb is that the food is prepared when cheese begins to bubble out.
How can mozzarella sticks in an air fryer be prevented from blowing up?
An excessive amount of cheese spillage in the air fryer can be avoided by freezing the mozzarella sticks and adding two coats of breadcrumbs. In this recipe, the mozzarella sticks are frozen for 30 minutes after being coated in eggs, flour, eggs (again), and breadcrumbs. They are frozen for the first 30 minutes, then are topped with extra breadcrumbs, dipped in eggs, then frozen for an additional 30 minutes. To ensure that the gooey cheese stays inside of the coating, make sure to firmly press the bread crumbs into each cheese stick.
How should mozzarella sticks be seasoned?
These snacks have the flavor of smoked mozzarella thanks to the use of paprika, which also adds another layer of flavor. However, there are countless spice combinations that can be used; Colby Jack or pepper Jack sticks can also be used in place of plain mozzarella.
Ingredients
- 8 mozzarella string cheese sticks
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tbsp. water
- 1/2 c. breadcrumbs
- 1/2 c. panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning blend
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp. smoked paprika
- 1/3 c. all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Marinara sauce, to serve
Steps
The cheese sticks should be cut in half crosswise. Put aside.
In a small dish, whisk the eggs and water together. Stir the breadcrumbs, panko, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika together in a separate small bowl. Mix the flour, salt, and pepper thoroughly in a third bowl.
Each cheese stick should be dipped in the eggs, then coated with the flour mixture. Re-dip into the eggs, then coat thoroughly in the bread crumbs mixture.
On a small baking sheet covered with parchment, arrange the sticks. For 30 minutes, freeze. After 30 minutes, re-dunk each stick in the eggs, then coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture by pressing it down. For another 30 minutes, freeze.
If necessary, preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees. Cooking spray should be used on the fryer basket. Cooking spray should be liberally applied to the frozen sticks. Put the sticks in the basket in two batches, one layer each. Cook for 6-7 minutes, until crisp and golden. (Watch them carefully to prevent overcooking, which will cause the cheese to bubble out.)
Marinara sauce should be served warm and right away.