These crispy mini mozzarella sticks are a delightful snack that combines gooey cheese with a crunchy coating. Perfect for parties or movie nights, they are easy to make and healthier when cooked in an air fryer!
Author:Clara
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:8 minutes
Total Time:23 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Snack
Cuisine:Italian
Ingredients
Scale
8 oz mozzarella cheese ((string cheese or mozzarella block))
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 cup breadcrumbs ((preferably Italian-style))
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes ((optional for a bit of heat))
Cooking spray or olive oil spray ((for air frying))
Marinara sauce ((for serving, optional))
Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 190 °C. While it heats, prepare the mozzarella sticks.
If using a block of mozzarella, cut it into sticks about 1 cm thick, ensuring they are uniform for even cooking.
Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Dredge each mozzarella stick first in the flour, then dip in the eggs, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring each stick is well covered to prevent cheese from leaking during frying.
Place the breaded mozzarella sticks in the air fryer basket and lightly spray them with cooking spray or olive oil for a golden finish.
Cook the mozzarella sticks in the air fryer for 6-8 minutes. Check them after 6 minutes; they should be golden brown and crispy. Be careful not to overcook, or the cheese may leak out.
Carefully remove the mozzarella sticks from the air fryer and serve hot with marinara sauce, if desired.