Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. In a shallow bowl, add the flour. Season with salt and pepper.

In a second shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and water.

In a third shallow bowl, whisk together the panko, Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper.

Cut each string cheese in half. Dip one string cheese in the flour and shake off the excess.

Coat the floured string cheese in the egg mixture and let the excess drip off.

Roll the string cheese in the seasoned panko and transfer to the prepared sheet pan. Repeat with the remaining string cheese.

Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer and freeze for 30 minutes. While the mozzarella sticks are freezing, wrap the egg wash and the seasoned panko with plastic wrap and transfer them into the refrigerator. Discard the flour.

Remove the mozzarella sticks from the freezer. Remove the seasoned panko and the egg wash from the refrigerator. Dip a mozzarella stick into the egg wash. 

Roll the mozzarella stick into the seasoned panko, packing the panko into the mozzarella stick as you roll them. Examine each stick to make sure they are completely covered and there are no bare or thin spots including the ends. If there are, press on the panko to make sure they are covered. Transfer the baking sheet into the freezer again and freeze for 45-60 minutes. Discard the remaining egg wash and seasoned panko. (See notes.)

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Coat the inside of the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray before placing the mozzarella sticks inside. Place the mozzarella sticks in a single layer without overlapping. If there is not enough room, fry the mozzarella sticks in batches. Fry the mozzarella sticks for about 6-8 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.

Serve with a side of marinara sauce. Enjoy!