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Mozzarella sticks have carved out a special place in American cuisine since their inception in the 1970s. Initially, this cheesy delight emerged as a simple innovation in Italian-American restaurants, where chefs sought to create a fun and shareable appetizer. Today, they are a ubiquitous feature on menus, from casual diners to upscale bistros. The combination of melted mozzarella cheese, encased in a crisp, golden-brown coating, creates a sensory experience that is hard to resist.

Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Elevate your snacking game with crispy air fryer mozzarella sticks that are sure to impress! This delicious appetizer combines a gooey interior with a perfectly crunchy exterior, perfect for gatherings or family movie nights. Learn how to create these crowd-pleasers with simple ingredients and easy techniques. Discover serving suggestions and flavorful dips that will take your cheese sticks to the next level. Get ready for a cheesy adventure that everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

12 string cheese sticks

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs

1 tablespoon water

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking spray

Marinara sauce, for dipping

Instructions
 

Prep the Cheese: Cut each string cheese stick in half to create shorter pieces. This will make them easier to dip and eat.

    Set Up Breading Station: In three separate shallow bowls, set up your breading station:

      - In the first bowl, place the all-purpose flour.

        - In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and water until smooth.

          - In the third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.

            Bread the Cheese Sticks:

              - Take a piece of cheese stick and coat it in the flour first, shaking off any excess.

                - Next, dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.

                  - Finally, roll it in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs.

                    - Place the breaded stick on a plate and repeat with the remaining cheese sticks.

                      Freeze for Firmness: Once all the cheese sticks are breaded, place them in the freezer for about 30 minutes. This helps prevent the cheese from melting too quickly during cooking.

                        Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

                          Cooking Time: Arrange the frozen mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. Spray the sticks lightly with cooking spray to help achieve a golden-brown color.

                            - Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them as cooking times may vary based on your air fryer model.

                              Serve: Carefully remove the mozzarella sticks from the air fryer. Allow them to cool slightly before serving with marinara sauce for dipping.

                                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

                                  15 minutes | 45 minutes | 6 servings