Everything you could ever want in a stretchy, cheesy, and crunchy snack all rolled into one! All of this without any of that superfluous grease. You can indulge in this magnificent appetizer as a light snack, or you can give it to your guests as part of the spread that you have prepared for the appetizer table. This recipe includes step-by-step directions for freezing the finished product.
Something about the consistency of the crispy panko breadcrumb crust that conceals the gooey mozzarella cheese on the inside is enticing to me. My purpose in life is to find methods to make my go-to comfort meals healthier without sacrificing their deliciousness. To be crunchy, something does not necessarily need to be deep-fried.
Even if sloppy fingers and soiled napkins have their place in the realm of comfort food, there are times when they are just unnecessary. These mozzarella sticks cooked in an air fryer are a wonderful example. Recently, I have become completely preoccupied with my air fryer. When I use this tool, the results of any dish that requires a breadcrumb dredge are just as satisfying, if not even crispier than before. Now is the time to test it out on your own!
Ingredients
Mozzarella sticks –
If you are unable to find sticks, you can make your own by slicing up a block of wood. The recipe works better with mozzarella that has a greater degree of firmness. Because my mozzarella sticks were very lengthy, I halved each one to make more sticks out of the same amount of mozzarella.
Breadcrumbs made using panko –
Even either normal breadcrumbs or Italian breadcrumbs will work, panko will give you the crunchiest results possible.
Italian seasoning –
You can use as little or as much as you like.
Salt & pepper –
Adjust seasonings according to taste.
Eggs –
Use large eggs.
Flour –
All-purpose.
Instructions for making mozzarella sticks in an air fryer
Trying out your air fryer for the first time? Before beginning work on this dish, you absolutely must ensure that you have read the entire instruction booklet.
Prep:
Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit. In a wide, shallow basin, combine the breadcrumbs with the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. The eggs should be beaten in a separate shallow basin, and the flour should be added to a third shallow bowl.
Dredge:
Each mozzarella stick should be dipped in the flour to completely coat it, followed by the beaten eggs, the breadcrumb mixture, the eggs one more time, and then the breadcrumb mixture for the final time. So flour, eggs, breadcrumbs, eggs, breadcrumbs. Repeat this process until all of the sticks have been dredged and then place them on the baking sheet.
Cook:
Put the mozzarella sticks in the basket of the air fryer so that they are arranged in a single layer. If there is not enough space, you will probably have to cook them in separate batches. Spray a little bit of cooking spray on the sticks, close the lid, and cook for about six to seven minutes, or until the sticks are golden brown.
How to serve mozzarella sticks
This recipe is ideal for making a cheesy appetizer or snack for guests to enjoy. In most restaurants, they are served with a generous helping of marinara sauce on the side for dipping. You may also serve them with a dip that has more creaminess, such as ranch or thousand island dressing.
The proper way to store any leftovers.
Before you put any leftover mozzarella sticks in the fridge, let them come to room temperature first. You can move them to a container that doesn’t let air in or a freezer bag that can be sealed. These leftovers will keep for one to two weeks.
You can reheat any leftovers in the oven or in the air fryer, whatever appliance you have. Bring the temperature in your oven or air fryer up to 350 degrees. If you will be using the oven, place the sticks on a baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper. Bake or air fry for five to ten minutes, or until the food is completely heated.
How to freeze mozzarella sticks
These can be frozen either cooked or uncooked depending on your preference.
Uncooked:
Following the dredging of the mozzarella sticks and the placement of each stick on the baking sheet, cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap. Place the sheet in the freezer for at least two hours, or until the sticks have reached the desired consistency. Now you may separate the sticks from one another after they freeze by placing them in a container that is airtight or a freezer bag that can be sealed.
Put the frozen mozzarella sticks into an air fryer that has been heated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare for 10 to 12 minutes, or until it reaches a golden brown color.
Cooked:
Before moving the mozzarella sticks to a large freezer bag or an airtight container, you should wait until they have completely cooled down to room temperature.
Reheat in the oven or the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for ten to twelve minutes, or until the cheese has melted, whichever comes first.