Deep-fried mozzarella sticks are one of our favorite appetizers. I figured out how to make them at home without having to haul out my deep fryer. Make sure to double-bread each one so they get nice and crunchy, and to keep the cheese from oozing out as they get warm.
PREP: 15 MIN. + FREEZING
COOK: 10 MIN
MAKES: 1 DOZEN
- 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 Tbsp. water
- 1 cup dry bread crumbs
- 2 ½ tsp. Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp. garlic powder
- ⅛ tsp. pepper
- 12 sticks string cheese
- Cooking spray
1 cup marinara sauce or meatless pasta sauce, warmed
1. Place flour in a shallow bowl. In another shallow bowl, beat eggs and water. In a third shallow bowl, combine bread crumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder and pepper. Coat cheese sticks with flour, then dip in egg mixture and coat with bread crumb mixture. Repeat egg and bread crumb coatings. Cover and freeze for at least 2 hours or overnight.
2. Preheat air fryer to 400°. Place cheese in a single layer on greased tray in air-fryer basket; spritz with cooking spray. Cook until golden brown and heated through, 6-8 minutes, turning halfway through cooking and spritzing with additional cooking spray. Allow to stand 3-5 minutes before serving. Serve with marinara or pasta sauce for dipping.
1 appetizer: 148 cal., 8g fat (4g sat. fat), 46mg chol., 384mg sod., 10g carb. (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 11g pro.
AIR-FRYING TIP
Regular mozzarella cheese, cut into 4x½-in. sticks, can be substituted for the string cheese.
