Mozzarella Sticks
Mozzarella Sticks are a crispy, golden snack featuring gooey, melted mozzarella cheese inside a crunchy breadcrumb coating. Perfect for dipping in marinara or your favorite sauce, they’re an irresistible appetizer or party treat that can be air fried, baked, or deep fried.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5–12 minutes
- Total Time: 45–60 minutes (including freezing)
- Yield: 8–12 mozzarella sticks
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 8–12 mozzarella sticks (from block or string cheese, cut to size)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk or water
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain, seasoned, or panko)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or mix of oregano, basil, garlic powder)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray or oil (for air frying or baking)
- 1 cup marinara sauce or preferred dipping sauce
Instructions
- Cut mozzarella into sticks (¾–1 inch thick). If using string cheese, halve each piece.
- Prepare three bowls: one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, one with whisked eggs and milk, and one with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge each cheese stick in flour, dip in egg wash, then coat in breadcrumbs. For extra crispiness, repeat egg wash and breadcrumb steps for a double coat.
- Place breaded sticks on a lined tray and freeze for at least 30 minutes (up to 1 hour) to firm up.
- For air fryer: Preheat to 200°C (390–400°F), spray lightly with oil, and cook 5–7 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden.
- For baking: Preheat to 220°C (425°F), place on a greased or parchment-lined sheet, spray with oil, and bake 8–12 minutes until crisp.
- For deep frying: Heat oil to 180°C (350–360°F) and fry 1–2 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Serve immediately with warm marinara or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Freezing helps prevent cheese from melting too quickly during cooking.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- Seal breading well to avoid cheese leakage.
- Try different cheeses like pepper jack or cheddar for variation.
- For gluten-free sticks, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 mozzarella sticks
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/mozzarella-sticks/
