Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks (Print-Friendly Version)

Air fryer makes these mozzarella sticks crispy and gooey for a quick snack or starter.

# Ingredients List:

→ Dairy

01 - Half a pack (340 grams) of string mozzarella cheese, cut in halves

→ Dry Ingredients

02 - 120 grams panko crumbs
03 - 60 grams plain flour
04 - A pinch (1/4 teaspoon) of salt
05 - A tiny bit (1/8 teaspoon) of black pepper

→ Wet Ingredients

06 - 2 big eggs, well beaten

→ Other

07 - Non-stick cooking spray

# Detailed Cooking Steps:

01 - Pop the halved mozzarella pieces in the freezer for at least an hour so they get firm and don’t melt right away while cooking.
02 - Lay out three shallow bowls: one with flour, another with the beaten eggs, and the last with the panko mix that has salt and pepper stirred in.
03 - First, cover each frozen mozzarella half in flour, then dunk into the eggs, and finally roll it all over in the panko crumbs so they're nicely coated.
04 - Set the breaded cheese sticks side by side on a plate or tray, making sure they don’t touch, ready for cooking.
05 - Turn your air fryer up to 190 degrees Celsius and let it heat completely before you start cooking.
06 - Spritz a little cooking spray on the basket to keep the cheese sticks from sticking.
07 - Put the mozzarella sticks in the basket in a single layer, leaving space between them. You might need to cook them in separate rounds.
08 - Cook for six minutes flipping halfway through until they’re golden and crunchy all over.
09 - Enjoy right away with marinara sauce for the best taste and crunch.

# Helpful Hints:

01 - Freezing helps keep the cheese from oozing out and keeps the shape during cooking.
02 - Make sure the coating is even so they crisp up nice and don’t melt all over.
03 - Eating them fresh from the fryer gives you the best texture and flavors.