Can I make mozzarella sticks in an air fryer?

Yes, making mozzarella sticks in an air fryer is an easy and healthier alternative to deep frying. To prepare, freeze the breaded mozzarella sticks for at least 30 minutes first to prevent cheese leakage. Then, preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and cook the sticks for 6-8 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy. This method reduces oil use while still delivering a crunchy exterior and melted cheese center.

Why does the cheese sometimes leak out of mozzarella sticks when cooking?

Cheese can leak out if the sticks are cooked at too high a temperature or for too long. Other common reasons include not freezing the coated sticks before frying or baking, and insufficient breading layers, which fail to contain the melting cheese. To avoid this, chill the sticks thoroughly and apply multiple coatings of breadcrumbs for a solid seal.

Can I use string cheese to make homemade mozzarella sticks?

While string cheese can be used to make mozzarella sticks, block mozzarella is usually preferred for better flavor and texture. Block cheese allows for larger sticks and a creamier melt. String cheese tends to be slim and can release less cheese per stick, making block mozzarella a more popular choice for homemade recipes.

What dipping sauces go well with mozzarella sticks?

Classic marinara sauce is the most popular pairing for mozzarella sticks, providing a tangy contrast to the rich cheese. Other great options include ranch dressing, garlic aioli, spicy sriracha mayo, or even a basil pesto dip. Offering a variety of sauces can enhance the snacking experience and cater to different taste preferences.

How can I make mozzarella sticks crispy without deep frying?

To get crispy mozzarella sticks without deep frying, you can bake or air fry them. Bake pre-frozen sticks at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes on a wire rack to allow air circulation. For extra crispiness, lightly spray them with cooking oil before baking. This approach creates a crunchy outer layer while keeping the cheese melted inside, with less oil and cleanup.

Mozzarella Sticks Recipe Crispy Golden Coating 2024

Name: Mozzarella Sticks
Prep time: 1 h 25 min
Cook time: 3 min
Total time: 1 h 28 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 1 ½ cups plain Panko breadcrumbs lightly crushed for texture; – ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning; – ½ teaspoon dried parsley; – ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; – ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; – ¼ teaspoon table salt; – 2 large eggs beaten; – ½ cup all-purpose flour; – 1 pound whole milk mozzarella block cut into sticks or 15 whole milk string cheese sticks; – Vegetable oil for frying; – Marinara sauce for dipping

Description

🧀 Enjoy irresistibly crispy and golden mozzarella sticks made right at home, perfect for snacking or entertaining.
🍅 The easy coating and freezing steps ensure a crunchy exterior while keeping the cheese deliciously melty inside.

Ingredients

– 1 ½ cups plain Panko breadcrumbs lightly crushed for texture

– ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

– ½ teaspoon dried parsley

– ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

– ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

– ¼ teaspoon table salt

– 2 large eggs beaten

– ½ cup all-purpose flour

– 1 pound whole milk mozzarella block cut into sticks or 15 whole milk string cheese sticks

– Vegetable oil for frying

– Marinara sauce for dipping

Instructions

1-First, prepare the Panko breadcrumbs by slightly crushing them with a rolling pin or mallet, then mix in the Italian seasoning, dried parsley, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. This creates a flavorful coating that sticks well.

2-Next, beat the eggs in a shallow bowl and place the flour in another shallow bowl for easy dipping.

3-If you’re using a mozzarella block, cut it into sticks; string cheese works straight from the package. Coat each stick in flour, shaking off any excess, then dip it into the beaten eggs, letting the extra drip off, and finally roll it in the seasoned Panko mixture for an even coat.

4-Freezing and Frying Steps: Arrange the coated sticks on a wire rack over a baking sheet and freeze for at least one hour to help the coating set. This step is crucial to prevent the cheese from leaking during cooking. Once frozen, heat vegetable oil to 350°F in a deep pot and fry the sticks two at a time for about one minute until golden brown.

5-Let the oil return to the right temperature between batches, then drain the sticks on paper towels. Serve them warm with marinara sauce for the best experience.

Notes

🧀 Use block whole milk mozzarella for better flavor and optimal cheese pull.
🥖 Lightly crush Panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy coating.
❄️ Freeze coated sticks for at least one hour to set coating and reduce cheese leakage during cooking.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Freezing time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 3 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Frying, Baking, Air Frying
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 stick
Calories: 80
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 120mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: Mozzarella sticks, Homemade, Crispy coating, Easy snacks