Are you ready to elevate your snacking game with a mouthwatering treat that’s crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside? Say hello to Homemade Mozzarella Sticks made effortlessly in your air fryer! This Italian classic is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a healthier alternative to traditional frying. With just 28 minutes from prep to plate, you’ll be indulging in these cheesy delights in no time. Perfect for game day, movie nights, or simply satisfying that cheese craving, this recipe will have you saying goodbye to store-bought snacks forever. Let’s dive into the cheesy goodness!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 8 mins
Total Time: 28 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into sticks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Cooking spray
- Marinara sauce, for serving
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Cut the mozzarella cheese into sticks, each about 3-4 inches long and 1/2 inch thick. This will ensure they cook evenly and are easy to handle.
- Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place the all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, crack the two large eggs and whisk them until well combined. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and the teaspoon of Italian seasoning, mixing well to distribute the seasoning evenly.
- Take each mozzarella stick and first coat it in the flour, shaking off any excess. This helps the egg adhere better.
- Next, dip the floured mozzarella stick into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated. Allow any excess egg to drip off.
- Finally, roll the egg-coated mozzarella stick in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick well. Repeat this process for all mozzarella sticks.
- Once all the mozzarella sticks are coated, place them on a plate and refrigerate for about 10 minutes. This helps the coating set and prevents it from falling off during cooking.
- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures that the mozzarella sticks will cook evenly and become crispy.
- After the air fryer is preheated, lightly spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Cook the mozzarella sticks in the air fryer for 6-8 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket gently to ensure even cooking.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the mozzarella sticks from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute.
- Serve the hot mozzarella sticks with marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious homemade mozzarella sticks!
Tips
- Choose the Right Cheese: For the best results, use high-quality mozzarella cheese. Look for blocks of mozzarella rather than pre-shredded cheese, as they hold their shape better during cooking.
- Chill Before Cooking: After breading the mozzarella sticks, refrigerate them for at least 10 minutes. This step is crucial for ensuring that the coating adheres well and doesn’t fall off while cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: When placing the mozzarella sticks in the air fryer, make sure they are in a single layer and not touching each other. This allows hot air to circulate evenly, resulting in perfectly crispy sticks.
- Experiment with Seasonings: While Italian seasoning is a great choice, feel free to get creative! Try adding garlic powder, paprika, or even a pinch of cayenne for an extra kick.
- Adjust Cooking Time as Needed: Air fryers can vary in cooking times, so keep an eye on your mozzarella sticks. They should be golden brown and crispy—if they need a little more time, check them every minute until they reach perfection.
- Serve Immediately: For the best taste and texture, serve your mozzarella sticks right after cooking. Pair them with warm marinara sauce for dipping, and watch them disappear!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 498kcal
Carbohydrates: 47g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 141mg
