Ingredients

The following ingredients have 4 Servings
  • 12 low-moisture mozzarella sticks (frozen)
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt (divided in half)
  • ½ cup panko bread crumbs
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 3 tbsp minced fresh basil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp water
  • Optional garnish: fresh, chopped basil

Instruction

  • Be sure to have your mozzarella sticks completely frozen before you begin this recipe. Do not remove them from the freezer until you are ready to coat and cook them.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, if your model requires preheating.
  • In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour and ½ teaspoon of salt. Set aside.
  • In a separate, shallow bowl whisk together the panko bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, fresh basil and ½ teaspoon of salt. Set aside with the bowl of flour.
  • In a third shallow bowl, beat together the eggs and water with a fork or wire whisk. Place in between the other bowls and remove 6 mozzarella cheese sticks from the freezer.
  • One at a time, coat the mozzarella sticks in the flour, making sure that they are completely covered. Following the flour, dip the sticks into the egg mixture, covering them completely.
  • Place the mozzarella sticks in the panko mixture and turn multiple times, until they are lightly covered in the mixture.
  • Place the sticks back in the eggs and recoat them.
  • Finish by placing them back in the panko bowl and coating them a final time.
  • Spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with cooking oil and then place the sticks in the air fryer in a single, non touching layer and cook for 6-8 minutes or until lightly golden brown all over. Do not overcook them or the cheese may bubble out and make a mess in the bottom of your air fryer!
  • While the first batch is cooking, remove the remaining sticks from the freezer and prepare them following steps 6 through 9. When the first batch finishes, cook the second batch in the same way.
  • Let the cheese sticks set for 1-2 minutes after cooking and garnish with fresh, chopped basil, optional. Serve with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.