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- 12 string cheese sticks - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs, beaten - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - ½ teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - Cooking spray - Marinara sauce for dipping (optional) Gather these ingredients before you start. The string cheese sticks are the star of this snack. They bring the gooeyness and flavor we all love. All-purpose flour helps the coating stick well. The beaten eggs act like glue. Breadcrumbs, especially panko, give that extra crunchy bite. Garlic powder and Italian seasoning add a nice kick. Salt and pepper balance out the flavors. Finally, cooking spray helps everything crisp up in the air fryer. If you like, marinara sauce is great for dipping. For the full recipe, follow the steps later in this article. You’ll love how easy it is to make these tasty treats! - Freeze the string cheese sticks for at least 1 hour. This helps them stay firm. - Set up a breading station: Place flour in one dish. In a second dish, beat two large eggs. In a third dish, mix breadcrumbs with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. - Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps cook the sticks evenly. - Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. This prevents sticking. - Place the breaded mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the basket. Do not overcrowd it. - Lightly spray the tops of the mozzarella sticks with cooking spray. This adds extra crispiness. - Air fry for 6-8 minutes. Flip the sticks halfway through for even cooking. They should turn golden brown. - Let the mozzarella sticks cool for a couple of minutes. This makes them easier to eat. - Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping, if you like. Enjoy your crunchy snack! For the full recipe, check out the details above. To get an even coating on your mozzarella sticks, follow these steps: - First, freeze the string cheese sticks for at least 1 hour. This helps keep their shape. - Set up a breading station. Use three shallow dishes: one for flour, one for beaten eggs, and one for seasoned breadcrumbs. - Roll each stick in flour first. Ensure it is fully coated to help the egg stick. - Dip the floured stick into the egg. Let the excess drip off. - Finally, roll the stick in the breadcrumbs. Press gently to ensure an even coating. Chilling the mozzarella sticks is key. It helps the breading stay on during cooking. The ideal cooking temperature for air frying mozzarella sticks is 390°F (200°C). Preheat your air fryer for about 5 minutes before cooking. To ensure maximum crispiness: - Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. - Arrange the sticks in a single layer. Do not crowd them; this ensures even cooking. - Lightly spray the tops of the sticks with cooking spray before air frying. Cook them for 6-8 minutes. Flip them halfway through for a golden brown finish. For an attractive presentation, arrange the mozzarella sticks on a platter. Garnish them with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color. Serve alongside a small bowl of warm marinara sauce for dipping. This adds a nice touch and makes the dish more inviting. For the full recipe, check the recipe section. Enjoy your deliciously crispy air fryer mozzarella sticks! {{image_2}} To add fun flavors to your mozzarella sticks, try mixing herbs and spices into the breadcrumbs. You can use: - 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky touch. - 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. - 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley for freshness. Mix these with the breadcrumbs before breading your cheese sticks. Each option gives a new taste! You can switch up the cheese for different tastes. Instead of string cheese, try: - Cheddar for a sharp flavor. - Pepper jack for heat. - Gouda for a creamy texture. Just make sure to freeze the cheese first. This helps keep its shape while cooking. While marinara is classic, you can explore other dips. Consider these options: - Ranch dressing for a creamy contrast. - Honey mustard for a sweet and tangy twist. - Sriracha for a fiery kick. These dips will elevate your air fryer mozzarella sticks. Enjoy mixing and matching! To store leftover mozzarella sticks, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for 2-3 days. If you want them to last longer, freeze them. Just make sure they are not touching each other. This will keep them from sticking together. For the best texture when reheating, use an air fryer. Set it to 350°F (180°C) and heat for about 5 minutes. This method keeps them crispy. You can also use an oven. Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 10 minutes. Avoid using a microwave. It can make them soggy. If you want to freeze mozzarella sticks, do it before cooking. After breading, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about 1 hour until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They will keep for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, air fry from frozen. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. You can find the Full Recipe for guidance. Yes, you can prepare these mozzarella sticks ahead of time. To do this, bread the sticks as usual and then freeze them. Place the breaded sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag. You can store them in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, you can cook them straight from the freezer. There’s no need to thaw, just add a minute or two to the cooking time. If you want a change from panko breadcrumbs, you have options. Regular breadcrumbs can work, but they may not give the same crunch. Crushed crackers or cornflakes are great alternatives too. For a gluten-free option, use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Each option will give your mozzarella sticks a different texture, so feel free to experiment. You’ll know your mozzarella sticks are done when they are golden brown and crispy. Check for a nice crunch on the outside. If you see some cheese starting to ooze out, that's a good sign! The inside should be melted and gooey. Keep an eye on them as they cook. Air frying takes only 6-8 minutes, so they cook fast. Enjoy them hot for the best experience! This post covered making crispy mozzarella sticks at home. We discussed the key ingredients and step-by-step instructions. I shared tips for breading and air frying, plus ideas for flavor and presentation. Proper storage can keep leftovers tasty, and I answered common questions for you. Enjoy trying out these recipes and impressing friends and family with your skills! With practice, you’ll make perfect cheesy bites every time.

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Indulge in the ultimate snack with these Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks! This easy recipe features gooey cheese coated in a flavorful, crunchy exterior that's perfect for dipping. Follow our simple steps for a delicious treat that’s ready in under 15 minutes. Whether for game day or a cozy movie night, these mozzarella sticks will be a hit! Click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your snacking game!
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Ingredients
  

12 string cheese sticks

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs, beaten

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

Cooking spray

Marinara sauce for dipping (optional)

Instructions
 

Start by freezing the string cheese sticks for at least 1 hour. This will help them hold their shape during cooking.

    Set up a breading station: In one shallow dish, place the flour. In a second dish, add the beaten eggs. In a third dish, mix the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

      Remove the frozen mozzarella sticks from the freezer. Roll each stick in flour, making sure it's fully coated, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally roll it in the seasoned breadcrumbs. Make sure to cover each stick evenly for a crispy exterior.

        Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

          Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the breaded mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the basket (do not overcrowd, you may need to do this in batches).

            Lightly spray the tops of the mozzarella sticks with cooking spray to enhance crispiness.

              Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

                Remove from the air fryer and let them cool for a couple of minutes before serving.

                  Serve hot with warm marinara sauce for dipping, if desired.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Servings: 4

                      - Presentation Tips: Arrange the mozzarella sticks on a platter, garnished with fresh basil or parsley, and serve alongside a small bowl of marinara sauce for an appealing look.