Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Ingredients

• 12 low-moisture mozzarella string cheese sticks
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tbsp water
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Olive oil cooking spray
• 1 cup warm marinara sauce

Instructions

Follow each step in order. The directions below are written so a beginner can understand what to do, what to look for, and when to move on to the next step.

1. Step 1.Cut each cheese stick in half crosswise, arrange the pieces on a tray, and freeze for 30 minutes before beginning the breading process.
2. Step 2.Place flour in one shallow dish, whisk eggs with water in a second, and combine both breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and garlic powder in a third.
3. Step 3.Coat each frozen cheese piece in flour, dip it completely in egg, and press it firmly into the breadcrumb mixture on every side.
4. Step 4.Repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating to create a sealed double crust, paying special attention to covering both cut ends without gaps.
5. Step 5.Return all breaded sticks to the freezer for at least 30 minutes, because a firm frozen center gives the crust time to set before cheese melts.
6. Step 6.Preheat the air fryer to 390°F, spray the basket and sticks lightly with oil, and arrange one uncrowded layer with room between pieces.
7. Step 7.Air-fry for 5 to 7 minutes without turning, removing each stick as soon as the crust is golden and the first tiny spot of cheese appears.
8. Step 8.Rest for 2 minutes so the molten centers settle slightly, then serve hot with warmed marinara while the coating remains crisp.