Description
These air-fried mozzarella sticks, coated in garlic-herb panko, turn golden crisp and crackle with each bite. A melt-in-your-mouth cheese pull follows, brightened by aromatic herbs. Perfect hot from the air fryer with a side of marinara.
Ingredients
- 8 sticks mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Wrap the mozzarella sticks in plastic wrap and freeze for 30 minutes.
- Place the flour in a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs with water in another bowl, and combine panko, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper in a third bowl.
- Remove the frozen mozzarella sticks and coat each one in flour, shake off excess, dip into the egg mixture, then press into the breadcrumb mixture.
- Lightly brush or spray the air fryer basket with olive oil, arrange the coated sticks in a single layer, and spray the tops with more oil.
- Air fry for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Let the mozzarella sticks rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Freeze the sticks properly to keep the cheese from oozing out during cooking.
- Double-coat with egg and breadcrumbs for extra crispy results.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
- Serve hot with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.