Air Fryer Hottzarella Sticks are a crispy and cheesy appetizer. It is made in the air fryer to make them quickly. They contain mozzarella string cheese, eggs, milk, all-purpose flour, Italian-style breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, and cooking spray. Air Fryer Hottzarella Sticks prepare quickly in 23 minutes, making them perfect for a quick snack. Serve this dish with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or spicy mayo. This recipe stores well for meal prep when frozen before cooking. It contains 280 kcal and 16g of protein per serving.
STATS:
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Time for preparation: Fifteen minutes
- Portion size: 3 mozzarella sticks
- Required Cooking Duration: 8 minutes
- Cuisine: American
- Total time: 23 minutes
- Course: Appetizer, Snack
- Diet: Vegetarian
- Servings: 4
EQUIPMENT:
- Air fryer
- 3 shallow bowls
- Small whisk
- Tongs
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 large eggs
- Twelve mozzarella string cheese sticks
- 2 tbsp. milk
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp. paprika
- Cooking spray
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- Marinara sauce
INGREDIENT NOTES:
MOZZARELLA CHEESE:
- We have to utilize the low-moisture containing mozzarella cheese sticks to provide good melt and stretch. We have to freeze them, then breed them to avoid leaking cheese at the time of cooking.
EGGS:
- Use the eggs to help the coating stick strongly to the cheese. Mix the eggs with the milk by using it to coat them evenly.
MILK:
- Milk is used to add to the eggs to prepare the smooth egg wash. Use whole or low-fat milk to make these sticks; both of them work well.
ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR:
- This flour is utilized to make the coating layer of the sticks and also helps the egg mixture adhere to the cheese well.
BREADCRUMBS:
- Use the seasoned breadcrumbs to make the flavorful crust. You can also use the panko breadcrumbs to make them crunchier.
PARMESAN CHEESE:
- Use the Parmesan cheese to provide the savory flavor, and it also offers a nutty profile. Grate them fresh to boost the crispy coating.
SEASONINGS:
- Add the onion powder, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika to season these sticks. Onion powder adds a slightly sweet taste, Italian seasonings offer the herby aroma, garlic powder will provide the savory flavor, and paprika offers the smoky taste.
COOKING SPRAY:
- Use the olive or avocado oil-containing cooking spray to help the breading get crisp in the air fryer without the need for additional oil.
MARINARA SAUCE:
- Use the marinara sauce to pair it with these sticks. Use the warm marinara to offer the tangy flavor.
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Add the sticks to the freezer for one hour.
- Now make three vessels with flour, eggs + milk, and breadcrumbs + parmesan cheese + seasonings.
- Then we coat each sticks in flour, then immerse in eggs, & in last coat in breadcrumbs mixture last.
- Repeat the steps to create the thicker crust and make all in the same way.
- Put these sticks in the tray and freeze for 20 to 30 minutes
- Pre-heat the air fryer at 390° F.
- Put the sticks in the basket at some distance and spray them lightly with oil.
- Now air-fry the sticks for 6 to 8 minutes by turning them in between till they get golden & crisp.
- Serve the sticks with marinara sauce:
SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
DIPPING SAUCE:
- Marinara Sauce
- Ranch Dressing
- Garlic Aioli
- Spicy Sriracha Mayo
- Honey Mustard
- Buffalo Sauce
- Pizza Sauce
- Garlic Butter
SIDE DISHES:
- French Fries
- Sweet Potato Fries
- Onion Rings
- Garlic Bread
- Potato Wedges
- Coleslaw
SALADS:
- Caesar Salad
- Garden Salad
- Greek Salad
- Italian Chopped Salad
- Cucumber Salad
VEGETABLES:
- Roasted Broccoli
- Air Fryer Zucchini
- Roasted Bell Peppers
- Steamed Green Beans
PARTY SNACKS:
- Jalapeño Poppers
- Chicken Wings
- Mini Sliders
- Nachos
- Stuffed Mushrooms
BEVERAGES:
- Lemonade
- Iced Tea
- Sparkling Water
- Cola
- Fruit Punch
TIPS:
- We have to freeze the cheese, then breed to avoid cheese leakage.
- You can coat the sticks twice to make them crispier.
- Avoid adding lots of sticks to the basket, or else they don’t get crisp well.
- We have to spray the oil lightly to brown them evenly.
- Serve the sticks warm for the classic cheese pull.
- Coat the sticks with the panko breadcrumbs to make them even crisper.
STORAGE INFORMATION:
FRIDGE:
- Add the cooled mozzarella sticks to the tight vessel and store for more than three days.
FREEZER:
- Add the uncooked sticks to the tight box and freeze for 2 months.
FAQs:
Why did the mozzarella stick burst?
- You might not freeze the stick properly, and air fry for an extra time.
Will I prepare them in advance?
- Yes, bread, then freeze it, then air fry directly.
Would I utilize panko breadcrumbs to coat these sticks?
- Yes, we would easily utilize the panko bread crumbs to coat these sticks to make them crispier.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:
Calories: 280 kcal
Protein: 16 g
Total Carbohydrates: 18 g
Net Carbohydrates: 17 g
Fiber: 1 g
Fat: 15 g
Calcium: 360 mg
Iron: 1.3 mg
Vitamin A: 0.10 mg
Sodium: 610 mg
Potassium: 140 mg