Air Fryer Vegan Cheese Sticks are a plant-based twist on a classic snack. They feature crispy golden-brown breading on the outside and gooey, melty vegan cheese on the inside. Perfect for parties, appetizers, or a quick snack!
Recipe
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 8 vegan cheese sticks (store-bought or homemade, frozen)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup plant-based milk (unsweetened)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko works best)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil spray
Instructions:
- Prepare the coating station:
- Place the flour in one bowl.
- In another bowl, add plant-based milk.
- Mix breadcrumbs, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a third bowl.
- Coat the cheese sticks:
- Dip each vegan cheese stick into the flour, then the plant-based milk, and finally coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Repeat to double coat for extra crispiness.
- Freeze the coated sticks:
- Place the coated cheese sticks on a tray and freeze for 30 minutes. This step prevents the cheese from melting too quickly.
- Preheat the air fryer:
- Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the cheese sticks:
- Arrange the cheese sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Spray lightly with olive oil and air fry for 5-7 minutes, turning halfway through until golden and crispy.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately with marinara or your favorite dipping sauce.
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Freezing time: 30 minutes
- Cook time: 7 minutes
- Total time: 52 minutes
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving):
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
Key Notes
- Double-coating ensures a crispy exterior that holds the vegan cheese inside.
- Freezing before air frying is essential to maintain the stick’s shape.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F.
Enjoy these Air Fryer Vegan Cheese Sticks, a guilt-free, plant-based treat that’s irresistible! 🧀✨😊