Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks – Lighter Version
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Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks – Lighter Version
These air-fried mozzarella sticks are a healthier take on the classic favorite. Enjoy the same cheesy goodness with fewer calories.
PREP TIME: 5 minutes
COOK TIME: 6 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 11 minutes
COURSE: Air Fryer Recipes, Appetizer
CUISINE: American
SERVINGS: 8 servings
CALORIES: Approximately 79 kcal per serving
INGREDIENTS:
- 4 pieces String Cheese (Each cut in half)
- 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs (gluten-free or regular breadcrumbs)
- ½ cup All-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (whisked)
- ½ teaspoon salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (divided)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the dip:
- ½ cup Favorite Marinara sauce (or Homemade Chipotle dipping sauce)
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F while you prepare the ingredients.
- Cut each string cheese into two equal pieces and set them aside.
- In a small bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs with the black pepper.
- Finally, put the panko with the remaining ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning in a third bowl.
- With the help of a fork and spoon, dip each stick in the egg mixture until fully coated, then using a fresh set of two forks, roll the cheese sticks in the flour mixture, then dip each floured stick back in the egg mixture, and finally roll them in panko until fully coated on all sides.
- Place the sticks in the preheated and sprayed air fryer basket, making sure they’re not touching each other.
- Spray each stick lightly with cooking oil.
- Cook them on air fry mode at 400°F (200°C) for 6 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Be sure to turn them on the other side halfway (after 3 minutes) during cooking to make sure the sticks cook evenly.
NOTES: Make Ahead of Time and Freeze Them for Later
Did you know that you can make the Mozzarella sticks ahead of time and freeze them for later? First, prepare the mozzarella sticks as per this recipe. Once they’re ready, lay them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and pop them in the freezer.
After they’ve frozen (about 3 hours), gently transfer them to a freezer-safe container, label with the date, and store them for up to 4 months.
When you’re ready to eat them, simply preheat your air fryer to 400°F, place the frozen mozzarella sticks in the greased air fryer basket or tray, spray them with cooking spray, and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes until they’re crispy and golden brown. Don’t forget to turn them on the other side halfway.
NUTRITION:
Weight Watchers SmartPoints (per serving):
- Green Plan: 2 SmartPoints
- Blue Plan: 2 SmartPoints
- Purple Plan: 2 SmartPoints (based on approximate calorie count)