Is there anyone who does not enjoy mozzarella sticks? This game-day treat of gooey cheese covered in a crispy, fried coating is legendary. Although they’re a popular party app at casual neighborhood bars and the grocery store’s freezer section, they’re also effortless to make at home! What is the secret? Everything is in the magical air fryer. They require some patience (trust us, the freezing time is worth it), but the crispy result is worth every second of preparation.
The secret to the best mozzarella sticks.
Although it may seem like a long time, you must freeze your mozzarella sticks for at least 2 hours before coating and frying. Before diving into your dredging station, ensure your mozzarella sticks are entirely frozen and dry; if they are slightly damp or soggy, the coating will not stick.
Top air fryer mozzarella stick tips:
- Increase the heat. These puppies require high heat to crisp up the coating. Preheat your air fryer (or oven) to 400°F and cook for 6 minutes in the air fryer or 8-10 minutes in the oven.
- Halfway through, flip. Flip your sticks halfway through cooking to ensure each side gets perfectly crispy.
- Avoid overbaking. We all want that extra-crispy coating, but if you cook your sticks too long, the cheese will ooze out—err on the side of caution.
- Don’t have an air fryer? Not a problem! As previously said, these mozzarella sticks can be produced entirely in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°, place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 8-10 minutes.
Ingredients
- 12 sticks of mozzarella
- 2 tablespoons panko bread crumbs
- Kosher salt is kosher salt.
- fresh ground black pepper
- 2 big well-beaten eggs
- a third cup of all-purpose flour
- Warm marinara, ready to serve
Directions
For Air Fryer
Step 1
Freeze mozzarella sticks for at least 2 hours or until solid.
Step 2
Set up a breading station after 3 hours: Separate the panko, eggs, and flour into three shallow dishes. Season the panko liberally with salt and pepper.
Step 3
Coat frozen mozzarella sticks in flour, then in egg, allowing excess egg to drip back into the bowl, then in panko, back in the egg, then back in the panko.
Step 4
In the basket of your air fryer, arrange frozen breaded mozzarella sticks in a uniform layer. Cook for 6 minutes at 400°F, or until the outside is golden and crisp and the middle melts.
Step 5
Serve with warm marinara sauce on the side.
For Oven
Step 1
Freeze mozzarella sticks for at least 2 hours or until solid.
Step 2
Preheat the oven to 400° and line a small baking sheet with parchment paper when ready to bake. Create a breading station: Separate the panko, eggs, and flour into three shallow dishes. Season the panko liberally with salt and pepper.
Step 3
Coat frozen mozzarella sticks in flour, then in egg, allowing excess egg to drip back into the bowl, then in panko, back in the egg, then back in the panko. Place them on a baking pan.
Step 4
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, checking frequently to ensure the cheese does not ooze.
Step 5
Serve with warm marinara sauce on the side.