Description
Crispy and gooey homemade mozzarella sticks made quickly and easily using an air fryer. These cheesy snacks are coated with a flavorful mix of panko breadcrumbs, parmesan, and fresh basil, then cooked to golden perfection in just minutes, making them a perfect appetizer or party treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese
- 12 low-moisture mozzarella sticks (frozen)
Coating
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt (divided in half)
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3 tbsp minced fresh basil
Egg wash
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp water
Optional garnish
- Fresh, chopped basil
Instructions
- Freeze the Mozzarella Sticks: Ensure the mozzarella sticks remain completely frozen before starting. Do not remove them from the freezer until you are ready to coat and cook to prevent melting during breading.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (177°C) and preheat it if your model requires it to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare Flour Mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk together ¼ cup all-purpose flour and ½ teaspoon salt. Set this aside for coating.
- Prepare Panko Mixture: In another shallow bowl, combine ½ cup panko bread crumbs, ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese, 3 tablespoons minced fresh basil, and the remaining ½ teaspoon salt. Set aside.
- Prepare Egg Wash: In a third shallow bowl, beat 2 large eggs with 1 tablespoon of water thoroughly. Place this bowl between the flour and panko bowls.
- Coat Mozzarella Sticks – First Dip: Remove 6 mozzarella sticks from the freezer. One at a time, roll each stick in the flour mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
- Coat Mozzarella Sticks – Egg Dip: Immediately dip the floured stick into the egg wash, coating it fully to help the breadcrumbs adhere.
- Coat Mozzarella Sticks – First Panko Dip: Place the egg-coated stick into the panko mixture and turn it several times to get a light, even coating.
- Coat Mozzarella Sticks – Second Egg Dip: Dip the coated stick back into the egg wash for a second coating.
- Coat Mozzarella Sticks – Final Panko Dip: Again, roll the stick in the panko mixture to finish with a thick, crispy breading.
- Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
- Air Fry the Mozzarella Sticks: Place the coated mozzarella sticks in a single, non-touching layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 6-8 minutes at 350°F until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcooking as cheese may leak.
- Cook Remaining Sticks: While the first batch cooks, coat the remaining 6 sticks following the same steps (6 through 10). After the first batch finishes, air fry the second batch similarly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the mozzarella sticks rest for 1-2 minutes to set. Garnish with fresh chopped basil if desired, and serve warm with marinara or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Keep mozzarella sticks frozen until ready to bread and cook to prevent cheese melting before cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches to ensure even crisping.
- If your air fryer does not require preheating, you can skip that step but cooking times may vary.
- Use fresh basil in the breadcrumb mixture for enhanced flavor, and garnish if desired.
- Serve immediately for best texture; mozzarella sticks can become soggy if left too long.
