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Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe with Easy Herb-Spiced Crust

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These crispy air fryer mozzarella sticks feature a flavorful herb-spiced crust and a gooey cheese center, offering a healthier, quick, and delicious snack perfect for entertaining or cozy nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 mozzarella cheese sticks (preferably low-moisture)
  • 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 ½ cups (150 g) Italian-style breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Olive oil spray

Instructions

  1. Freeze the mozzarella sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet for at least 1 hour to prevent melting too fast and losing shape.
  2. Prepare three bowls: one with 1 cup all-purpose flour, one with 2 beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of 1 ½ cups Italian breadcrumbs, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper.
  3. Dredge each frozen mozzarella stick in flour, shaking off excess.
  4. Dip the floured stick into the beaten eggs, coating fully.
  5. Roll the stick in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
  6. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating once more.
  7. Place the coated sticks back on the parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for another 30 minutes.
  8. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  9. Arrange mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding and lightly spray with olive oil.
  10. Air fry for 6-8 minutes at 390°F (200°C), flipping halfway through (around 3-4 minutes). Add 1-2 more minutes if needed, but avoid overcooking.
  11. Remove and serve immediately while hot and gooey.

Notes

Freeze mozzarella sticks before and after coating to prevent cheese from leaking. Double coating with egg and breadcrumbs yields extra crunch. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with olive oil to promote browning. Adjust cooking time based on your air fryer model. For gluten-free, substitute flour and breadcrumbs accordingly. For dairy-free, use vegan mozzarella sticks.

Nutrition

Keywords: mozzarella sticks, air fryer, crispy snack, herb crust, appetizer, easy recipe, quick snack, cheesy, party food

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