Air-Fried Mozzarella Sticks

Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Servings: 4
Yield: 4 servings

Description

Learn how to make mozzarella sticks in the air fryer with this easy recipe. These ooey, gooey mozzarella sticks are better for you than their deep-fried cousin!

Ingredients

1/2 cup water
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
5 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon cornmeal
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup panko bread crumbs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon parsley flakes
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, or as needed
5 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2-inch strips
cooking spray

Directions

1 Make batter: Place water, flour, cornstarch, cornmeal, garlic powder, and salt in a shallow bowl; mix until thick like pancake batter. Adjust ingredients if needed to get the right consistency.
2 Make coating: Stir together panko, salt, pepper, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and basil in a second shallow bowl. Place flour in a third bowl.
3 Make mozzarella sticks: Lightly press each mozzarella stick in flour. Dip in batter, then toss in panko mixture until evenly coated. Place sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for at least 1 hour.
4 Heat an air fryer to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) according to manufacturer's instructions.
5 Place a row of mozzarella sticks in the fryer basket. Spray lightly with cooking spray and close the lid.
6 Cook sticks in the preheated air fryer for 6 minutes. Open the lid and flip sticks with tongs. Close the lid and continue cooking until golden brown, 7 to 9 minutes.