Why We Love Mozzarella Sticks In Air Fryer
Crispy fried cheese sticks, with hot molten mozzarella inside, are always a treat! However, like most deep-fried foods, they’re extremely heavy on the hips. If you have never learned how to make homemade mozzarella sticks, now’s the time! Make your own Mozzarella Cheese Sticks at home and cook them in the air fryer to create a slightly lighter version of this amazing comfort food… Even with a thick and crunchy double breading, they still have fewer calories and fat than heavy fried snacks. Plus, homemade frozen mozzarella sticks in the air fryer have much better flavor and seasoning than the store-bought frozen variety. Make them ahead and freeze so you can have them anytime you like!
Ingredients You Need
Mozzarella string cheese sticks – use low-fat if you like Eggs – to bind the breadcrumbs to the sticks Milk – combined with the eggs for a non-too-thick binder Breadcrumbs – can use gluten-free Italian seasoning – try our easy homemade Italian seasoning Garlic powder – adds even more delicious savory flavor to the breading Salt and pepper – just a bit All-purpose flour – use gluten-free if you prefer Oil spray – your favorite high-heat cooking spray, like avocado or canola oil
Plus your favorite dipping sauces, of course!
How to Make Homemade Mozzarella Sticks
Set out three bowls. Place the eggs and milk in one bowl, and whisk to combine. In the second bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and ground black pepper. Mix well. Place the all-purpose flour in the third bowl. Unwrap the cheese sticks and cut them in half to create 24 pieces. Toss the cheese sticks in the flour until well coated. Set out a large baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. One at a time, dunk the floured cheese sticks in egg wash. Then dunk in breadcrumbs, then back into the egg wash, then in the breadcrumbs again. That’s one coating of flour, but two coatings of egg wash and breadcrumbs, for a thick double coating to hold in the melted cheese. Place on a baking sheet. Then repeat, repeat, repeat. Once all the cheese sticks are breaded, place the baking sheet in the freezer for at least one hour. When the cheese sticks are frozen solid you can air fry right away, or place them in a freezer bag and keep them frozen for later use.
How to Air Fry Frozen Mozzarella Sticks
One of the many (many!) reasons we love this recipe: There’s no need to thaw the sticks before baking! When ready to air fry, preheat the air fryer to 360°F. Spray the air fryer basket with oil spray, then place half the frozen cheese sticks in the basket in a single layer. Spray the tops of the cheese sticks with the oil spray. Air fry for 5 minutes. Gently shake the basket, then air fry for another 1 to 3 minutes. Be sure to check the air fryer after 6 minutes to make sure they do not overcook and bust open. Repeat with the remaining mozzarella sticks.
Recipe Variations
Make gluten-free homemade mozzarella sticks with your favorite GF breadcrumbs and all-purpose flour. Yes, you can even make dairy-free cheese sticks! Use whatever plant-based “cheese” sticks you like, and swap dairy milk for soy or oat milk. Try this air fryer recipe with cheddar or pepper jack cheese sticks! Change up the spices! Add crushed red pepper for a kick of heat. Try a Cajun seasoning or taco seasoning blend. For cheddar or pepper jack sticks, swap the Italian spice blend with paprika or ranch seasoning.
Serving Suggestions
Crunchy, hot, and cheesy mozzarella sticks practically beg for a delicious dipping sauce. Marinara sauce (warm or cold!) and ranch dressing are classics, of course. But don’t stop there! Here are some other tasty options to try:
Southern Comeback Sauce – creamy, tangy, and bold Remoulade Sauce – terrific with Cajun spice mozz sticks Tzatziki Sauce – for a delicious Greek-inspired flavor Avocado Crema – delightful for sticks made with southwestern spices
Do mozzarella sticks need to be frozen before air frying?
Yes, freezing the sticks for at least one hour ensures that the breading sticks when air fried.
How do you keep mozzarella sticks from exploding in air fryer?
Keep an eye on the cooking time! After they air fry for 5 minutes, shake the basket and continue to check them every minute or so. Remove immediately when the outside is evenly golden.
Is it cheaper to make mozzarella sticks at home?
It is more cost-effective to make your own mozzarella sticks at home. You can simply freeze them and have them on hand whenever you want to pop some into the air fryer or oven!
Are air-fried mozzarella sticks healthy?
Are they healthy? No. Are they healthier? Yes! Homemade cheese sticks do not have any artificial fillers in the breading. Air frying with a light spray of oil vs deep frying cuts the calories and fat per serving.
How long will homemade cheese sticks keep well in the freezer?
Store in an airtight ziplock bag and keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Looking for More Easy Snack Recipes? Be Sure to Also Try:
Air Fryer Zucchini Chips Homemade Onion Rings in Air Fryer Halloumi Fries (Air Fryer or Baked) Sweet and Spicy Fiddlesticks Crispy Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli
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