Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut in half
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Cooking spray
- Marinara sauce or ranch dressing, for dipping
Instructions:
1. Freeze the Mozzarella Sticks:
- Place the halved mozzarella sticks in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape during cooking.
2. Prepare Breading Station:
- In three separate shallow dishes, set up a breading station. Place flour in one dish, beaten eggs in another, and a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in the third.
3. Bread the Mozzarella Sticks:
- Remove the mozzarella sticks from the freezer.
- Dredge each stick in flour, ensuring it’s coated evenly.
- Dip the floured stick into the beaten eggs.
- Roll the stick in the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs.
4. Repeat the Breading:
- If you prefer a thicker coating, you can repeat the process by dipping the sticks back into the beaten eggs and breadcrumbs.
5. Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
6. Cook in Batches:
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Place the breaded mozzarella sticks in the basket, ensuring they are not touching.
- Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
7. Air Fry:
- Air fry the mozzarella sticks at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes or until they are golden brown and the cheese is melty.
8. Serve:
- Carefully remove the mozzarella sticks from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute.
- Serve the mozzarella sticks with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
9. Enjoy:
- Enjoy your homemade air fryer mozzarella sticks as a delicious and crispy snack!
Nutrition Information (per serving – 3 mozzarella sticks):
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 1g
- Sodium: 700mg
