Quick Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

Quick Mozzarella Cheese Sticks are the perfect snack or appetizer for cheese lovers! Each bite features a crispy golden breadcrumb coating that gives way to gooey, melted mozzarella cheese. These air fryer cheese sticks are easy to make and perfect for serving with a side of marinara sauce or ranch for dipping. With just a few ingredients, you can create the ultimate cheesy, crispy treat in no time!

Times:

1. Preparation Time:
   • Coating and preparing cheese sticks: ~10 minutes
   • Freezing time: ~30 minutes
2. Cooking Time:
   • Air frying: ~6–8 minutes
3. Total Time:
   • With freezing: ~45 minutes (including freezing)
   • Without freezing: ~15 minutes (if you skip freezing)
4. Serve 4 people

Ingredients:

• Mozzarella cheese sticks – 8 sticks (store-bought or fresh mozzarella cut into sticks)
• Egg – 1, beaten
• Breadcrumbs – 1 cup (Panko breadcrumbs work best for extra crunch)
• Parmesan cheese – 2 tablespoons, grated
• Garlic powder – 1/2 teaspoon
• Dried Italian seasoning – 1 teaspoon
• Salt – 1/4 teaspoon
• Black pepper – 1/4 teaspoon
• Flour – 1/2 cup (for dredging)
• Cooking spray – for air frying

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cheese Sticks:

• If using fresh mozzarella, cut it into sticks about 3–4 inches long and 1/2 inch thick.

2. Set Up the Dredging Station:

• In one shallow bowl, add flour.
• In the second shallow bowl, beat the egg.
• In the third bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

3. Coat the Cheese Sticks:

• Dredge each mozzarella stick in flour, making sure it’s fully coated.
• Dip it into the beaten egg, and then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure the breadcrumbs stick.
• For extra crispy cheese sticks, repeat the egg and breadcrumb process (double-coating).

4. Freeze the Cheese Sticks:

• Place the coated cheese sticks on a tray and freeze them for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent the cheese from melting out during cooking.

5. Air Fry the Cheese Sticks:

• Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
• Lightly spray the cheese sticks with cooking spray, then arrange them in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
• Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 6–8 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the cheese is melted inside.

6. Serve:

• Serve warm with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or a garlic dipping sauce of your choice.

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Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving – 2 cheese sticks):

(Note: Based on using regular mozzarella cheese sticks and breading ingredients)

Sugar: ~2g

Calories: ~200–250 kcal

Carbohydrates: ~20g

Protein: ~12g

Fats: ~12g

Saturated Fat: ~7g

Fiber: ~1g

Sodium: ~500mg (varies with cheese and seasoning)

Key Notes:

1. Cheese Choice:
   • You can use regular mozzarella cheese sticks, but fresh mozzarella (cut into strips) works wonderfully too for an even gooier experience.
2. Freezing Tip:
   • Freezing the cheese sticks is key to preventing the cheese from leaking out during cooking. Don’t skip this step!
3. Breadcrumbs:
   • Panko breadcrumbs give the sticks a crispier, crunchier texture, but regular breadcrumbs work as well.
4. Dipping Sauces:
   • Serve with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for a bit of heat. Garlic dipping sauce or creamy blue cheese also work great!
5. Storage:
   • If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 3–4 minutes to restore their crispiness.