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- 12 string cheese sticks - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs, beaten - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Cooking spray - Marinara sauce (for dipping) - String Cheese Sticks: These are the heart of the dish. They melt well and taste great. - All-Purpose Flour: This helps the egg and breadcrumbs stick. Use regular flour for best results. - Eggs: Beaten eggs coat the sticks and help the breadcrumbs stick firmly. - Breadcrumbs: I prefer panko for a crispy finish. They add a nice crunch! - Garlic Powder: This gives the mozzarella sticks a savory kick. - Italian Seasoning: A mix of herbs that adds flavor and depth. - Paprika: Adds color and a hint of smokiness. - Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning. Adjust to your taste. - Cooking Spray: This helps achieve that golden, crispy crust in the air fryer. - Marinara Sauce: A classic dip that pairs perfectly with these cheesy sticks. - You can use low-fat string cheese if you want a lighter snack. - Substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour for a healthier twist. - For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour. - If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs work too, but they might be less crunchy. - You can add other spices like cayenne pepper for some heat if you like! To start, cut each string cheese stick in half. You will have 24 pieces. Next, place the cheese pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze them for about 30 minutes. This step helps the cheese stay firm during cooking. Set up your breading station while the cheese is freezing. Use three bowls for this. In the first bowl, add 1 cup of all-purpose flour. Season the flour with salt and pepper. In the second bowl, beat 2 large eggs. In the third bowl, mix 1 cup of breadcrumbs with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika. Once the cheese is firm, take it out of the freezer. Dip each cheese stick into the flour first. Make sure to cover it well and shake off any extra flour. Next, dip the stick into the beaten eggs. Ensure it is completely coated. Finally, roll the stick in the breadcrumb mix. Press gently so the breadcrumbs stick well. Place the breaded sticks back onto the baking sheet and repeat with all the cheese pieces. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. While it heats, spray the basket with cooking spray. Place a batch of mozzarella sticks in the basket, but do not overcrowd them. Air fry the sticks for 6 to 8 minutes. They should turn golden brown and crispy. Halfway through, gently shake the basket or flip the sticks to cook evenly. Once done, take the sticks out and let them cool slightly. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy your tasty snack! To get that perfect crunchy outer layer, use panko breadcrumbs. They give a great crunch. Make sure to freeze the cheese sticks before breading. This helps keep them firm. Dip them well in the flour and egg. This ensures the breadcrumbs stick well. One common mistake is overcrowding the air fryer. If you add too many sticks at once, they won’t cook evenly. Always leave space between them. Another mistake is skipping the freeze step. If you don’t freeze, the cheese can ooze out while cooking. Preventing the cheese from exploding is easy. First, keep the cheese sticks frozen before cooking. Second, don’t cook them for too long. Check for doneness around the 6-minute mark. Lastly, shake the basket gently during cooking. This helps them cook evenly and reduces the chance of mess. {{image_2}} You can switch up the cheese for fun. Try cheddar or pepper jack cheese sticks. Provolone adds a nice twist too. Each cheese gives a new flavor. You can even blend cheeses for a tasty mix. Just remember, use cheese that melts well for the best results. Adding flavors to the breading makes these sticks even better. Mix in some herbs like oregano or basil. You can also add a pinch of cayenne for heat. Try using Parmesan cheese in the breadcrumb mix for a savory touch. Get creative with spices to match your taste! Marinara sauce is classic, but you have options. Try ranch dressing for a creamy dip. A spicy aioli adds a nice kick. You can also use honey mustard for a sweet twist. Experiment with different sauces to find your favorite pairing. To store leftover mozzarella sticks, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing instead. Reheat leftover mozzarella sticks in the air fryer for the best results. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the sticks in the basket. Heat them for about 3-5 minutes. This method keeps them crispy. You can also use an oven if you prefer. Just heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Freezing mozzarella sticks is easy and great for meal prep. After you bread the sticks, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze them for about an hour. Once they are firm, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can stay frozen for up to three months. When you want to cook them, you can air fry them straight from the freezer. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time. Yes, you can use frozen mozzarella sticks. They will cook faster than fresh ones. Just remember to adjust the cooking time. Check them after 6 minutes to see if they are golden and crispy. Air fryer mozzarella sticks last about 3 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. Just reheat them in the air fryer for a quick snack. Absolutely! To make baked mozzarella sticks, follow the same steps. Instead of air frying, place them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. In this blog post, I shared how to make delicious air fryer mozzarella sticks. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips for success. Exploring different variations revealed fresh cheese and sauce options to try. Remember, proper storage and reheating can keep your mozzarella sticks tasty for longer. With these insights, you'll enjoy perfect snacks every time. Dive into your cooking with confidence and have fun experimenting!

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Indulge in the ultimate snacking experience with these crispy air fryer mozzarella sticks! Made with simple ingredients like string cheese, flour, and panko for that extra crunch, these cheesy delights are perfect for appetizers or game day bites. Follow our easy step-by-step guide to achieve golden perfection, and don't forget the marinara sauce for dipping! Click through to explore the full recipe and bring this delicious treat to life.
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Ingredients
  

12 string cheese sticks

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs, beaten

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking spray

Marinara sauce (for dipping)

Instructions
 

Begin by cutting each string cheese stick in half so you have 24 pieces. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for about 30 minutes until they are firm.

    While the cheese sticks are freezing, set up your breading station: in one bowl, place the flour seasoned with salt and pepper; in the second bowl, add the beaten eggs; and in the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika.

      Once the cheese sticks are firm, take them out of the freezer. Dip each stick first into the flour, coating thoroughly and shaking off any excess.

        Next, dip the floured stick into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is well-coated.

          Finally, roll the stick in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well.

            Place the breaded mozzarella sticks back onto the baking sheet and repeat with the rest of the cheese sticks.

              Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

                Lightly spray the basket of the air fryer with cooking spray. Place a batch of mozzarella sticks in the basket, making sure not to overcrowd them.

                  Air fry the mozzarella sticks for about 6-8 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Halfway through, gently shake the basket or flip the sticks for even cooking.

                    Once cooked, remove the sticks and allow them to cool slightly before serving with marinara sauce for dipping.

                      Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4