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Crispy Air Fryer Cheese Sticks

Incredibly easy and quick air fryer cheese sticks with a crispy golden coating, perfect for movie nights or any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Servings 12 sticks

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Shallow dishes Three needed for coating
  • Paper towel
  • Baking Sheet For freezing if prepping ahead
  • Parchment paper For baking sheet
  • Airtight container For storage

Ingredients
  

Hauptzutaten

  • 12 frozen low-moisture mozzarella sticks Firm, frozen kind for best results
  • 0.25 cup all-purpose flour Trusty binder
  • 1 tsp salt Divided
  • 0.5 cup panko bread crumbs For ultimate crispiness
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds savory, nutty flavor
  • 3 tbsp minced fresh basil For aroma and taste
  • 2 large eggs Glue that holds coating together
  • 1 tbsp water Splash to help whisk eggs smoothly
  • fresh, chopped basil Optional garnish

Instructions
 

  • Prep your stations: Grab three shallow dishes. In the first one, whisk together the all-purpose flour and ½ teaspoon of salt. This is your first layer of deliciousness.
    12 frozen low-moisture mozzarella sticks
  • Egg wash time: In the second shallow dish, whisk those two large eggs with 1 tablespoon of water until they're nicely combined. This is our sticky bath.
    12 frozen low-moisture mozzarella sticks
  • The crispy coating: In the third shallow dish, mix up the panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced fresh basil, and the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt. This is where the magic happens – all the flavor and crunch!
    12 frozen low-moisture mozzarella sticks
  • Dry them off: Gently pat your frozen mozzarella sticks dry with a paper towel. This helps the coating stick better.
    12 frozen low-moisture mozzarella sticks
  • Flour power: Dredge each frozen mozzarella stick in the flour mixture. Give it a little shake to get rid of any excess. You want a nice, even coating.
    12 frozen low-moisture mozzarella sticks
  • Egg bath: Now, dip the floured mozzarella stick into the egg mixture. Make sure it’s completely covered, letting any excess drip back into the dish.
    12 frozen low-moisture mozzarella sticks
  • Coat it up: Finally, roll the egg-coated stick in the panko and Parmesan mixture. Press gently with your fingers to make sure that glorious coating adheres really well.
    12 frozen low-moisture mozzarella sticks
  • Air fryer ready: Carefully place the coated mozzarella sticks in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Don't overcrowd them; they need a little space to get perfectly crispy!
    12 frozen low-moisture mozzarella sticks
  • Air fry to perfection: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 6-8 minutes. Keep an eye on them – you’re looking for that beautiful golden brown and crispy texture.
  • Garnish and enjoy: Once they’re done, carefully remove them from the air fryer. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle a little fresh chopped basil on top. Now, dive in and enjoy that cheesy, gooey goodness!
    12 frozen low-moisture mozzarella sticks

Notes

For an extra thick, crispy coating, you can dip the cheese sticks in the egg wash a second time after the panko coating, and then dredge them in panko again. You can coat the cheese sticks and freeze them for about 30 minutes until firm, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for faster cooking on busy days.