Crispy, Cheesy, and Absolutely Delicious Mozzarella Sticks Made in Your Air Fryer!
Who doesn't love a good mozzarella stick? The gooey cheese, the crispy breading, and the irresistible golden crunch. Traditionally, these cheesy delights are deep-fried, but thanks to the air fryer, you can enjoy them with far less oil and a much easier cleanup.
These Palitos de Muçarela are super simple to make, and with a little patience during the freezing step, you’ll get perfectly crispy cheese sticks every time. Whether you’re making them as a snack or serving them as a fun appetizer for friends, they’re sure to be a hit!
🛒 Ingredients (Makes about 12 sticks)
- 300g mozzarella sticks (or mozzarella cut into thick strips)
- 80g all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg (about 50g), beaten
- 80g breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crispiness)
- 20g grated Parmesan cheese
- 5g garlic powder (1 tsp)
- 5g dried Italian seasoning (1 tsp)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 10g olive oil (for spraying)
🔪 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Mozzarella Sticks
- If using whole mozzarella, cut it into 12 thick strips, about 7–8 cm long.
- Place the mozzarella sticks on a tray and freeze them for at least 30 minutes (this helps them hold together when air frying).
Step 2: Set Up a Breading Station
- In one bowl, place the flour.
- In another bowl, beat the egg.
- In the third bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3: Bread the Mozzarella Sticks
- Roll each mozzarella stick first in the flour, coating it completely.
- Dip it into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s fully covered.
- Finally, roll the stick in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks.
- Repeat for all mozzarella sticks.
Step 4: Freeze Again
- After breading, place the mozzarella sticks back in the freezer for at least 15 minutes. This step is crucial to prevent the cheese from melting too fast during cooking.
Step 5: Air Fry the Mozzarella Sticks
- Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for about 3–5 minutes.
- Spray the mozzarella sticks lightly with olive oil.
- Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them.
- Air fry for 6–8 minutes, or until the mozzarella sticks are golden brown and crispy. You may need to flip them halfway through for even cooking.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Once done, remove the mozzarella sticks from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara or ranch dressing.
🔢 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving — 3 mozzarella sticks)
Approximate values:
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Sodium: 400mg
💡 Tips & Tricks
- Freeze the sticks well: The freezing step is the most important to prevent the cheese from oozing out during cooking.
- Use panko breadcrumbs: They give a much crispier result than regular breadcrumbs.
- Add some spice: For a little extra kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the sticks ahead of time, freeze them, and air fry them when you’re ready to serve. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Dipping sauces: Marinara, ranch, or even a tangy barbecue sauce work wonderfully with these sticks.
🍽️ From My Kitchen to Yours
Palitos de Muçarela na Airfryer Fácil is one of those recipes that proves you can enjoy all the crispy, cheesy goodness without needing to deep-fry. The air fryer does its magic, giving you the same perfect crunch with a fraction of the oil. These are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party, need a quick snack, or just want to treat yourself to something indulgent.
They’re quick, easy, and guaranteed to disappear within minutes. So, get your cheese ready, and let’s make some crispy magic!
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