Introduction
Air fryer mozzarella cheese bites are a quick and easy snack or appetizer that kids and adults love alike. The mozzarella is coated in a crunchy breadcrumb mixture and air fried to golden perfection without deep frying, making them lighter but still deliciously gooey. This recipe includes tips for coating so the cheese doesn’t leak and variations for extra flavor.
Ingredients
- 12 mozzarella sticks (string cheese or block cut into sticks)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon milk or water
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or 1–2 teaspoons oil
Optional Dipping Sauces
- Marinara sauce
- Ranch dressing
- Garlic aioli
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Three shallow bowls or plates (for flour, egg, and breadcrumb coating)
- Tongs
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Freezer (optional but recommended)
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Freeze the Cheese
Place the mozzarella sticks on a plate or tray and freeze for at least 30 minutes. This prevents the cheese from melting too quickly during air frying, helping it hold its shape.
Step 2: Prepare the Coatings
- Flour mixture: Place the flour in a shallow bowl.
- Egg wash: In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk or water.
- Breadcrumbs: In a third bowl, combine breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
Step 3: Coat the Cheese
- Roll each frozen mozzarella stick in the flour, covering all sides. Shake off excess.
- Dip into the egg wash, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Press into the breadcrumb mixture, covering completely. For an extra thick crust, repeat the egg and breadcrumb step a second time.
Place coated sticks on a tray and return to the freezer for 10–15 minutes. This helps the coating adhere better and prevents leakage.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 3–5 minutes.
Step 5: Air Fry the Cheese
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Place mozzarella sticks in a single layer, leaving space between them.
- Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray to ensure even browning.
- Cook for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Keep a close eye on the first batch; cooking times may vary depending on the air fryer model.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve immediately while hot for gooey cheese inside.
- Pair with marinara sauce, ranch, or garlic aioli for dipping.
Tips for Best Results
- Freezing is essential to prevent cheese from leaking.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary.
- For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- You can season the breadcrumbs with paprika or chili powder for a slight kick.
Variations
- Spicy Mozzarella: Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne or chili powder to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Herb & Garlic: Mix finely chopped parsley and dried oregano into the breadcrumbs.
- Cheese Cubes: Cut mozzarella into bite-sized cubes instead of sticks.
- Vegan Version: Use vegan cheese sticks and plant-based milk.
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