Air Fryer Vegan Cheese Sticks are a plant-based twist on the classic snack. These crispy, golden breaded sticks are filled with melted vegan cheese and make the perfect appetizer or party treat.
Recipe
Ingredients (Makes 12 sticks):
- 12 sticks of vegan mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup unsweetened plant-based milk
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crispiness)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray
- Marinara sauce for dipping
Preparation Instructions:
- Prepare the coating:
- In one bowl, mix flour and cornstarch.
- In a second bowl, add plant-based milk.
- In a third bowl, combine breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the cheese sticks:
- Roll each vegan cheese stick in the flour mixture, dip it in the plant-based milk, and coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat this process for a double coating to prevent leaks.
- Freeze the sticks:
- Place the coated cheese sticks on a tray and freeze for at least 30 minutes to ensure they hold their shape while cooking.
- Preheat the air fryer:
- Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the cheese sticks:
- Arrange the frozen cheese sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket and spray lightly with olive oil.
- Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Serve:
- Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve hot with marinara sauce for dipping.
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Freezing time: 30 minutes
- Cook time: 8 minutes
- Total time: 53 minutes
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Piece):
- Calories: 100 kcal
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
Key Notes
- Freezing the sticks is crucial to keep the cheese from melting too quickly while air frying.
- Adjust the seasoning in the breadcrumb mixture to your taste.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes.
Enjoy these crispy and gooey “Air Fryer Vegan Cheese Sticks,” perfect for any occasion! 🧀✨