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Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Stick Skewers: Best Easy Snack

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These Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Stick Skewers are the ultimate easy snack, featuring a perfectly golden, crunchy panko crust and melty cheese inside. Made in the air fryer with simple ingredients, they’re ready in about 15 minutes and perfect for game days, movie nights, or any time a craving hits.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese style, such as Polly-O or Frigo)
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour (60g)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon water or milk
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (100g)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Non-stick cooking spray (avocado or canola oil)
  • Marinara sauce for serving

Instructions

  1. Prep the Cheese: Take 12 mozzarella sticks out of the refrigerator. Pat them dry with a paper towel. Place them in the freezer for 15-20 minutes.
  2. Set Up Breading Station: In a shallow bowl, combine ½ cup flour, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. In a second bowl, beat 2 eggs with 1 tablespoon water. In a third bowl, mix 1 cup panko, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder.
  3. Thread Skewers: Remove cheese from freezer. Thread 3 whole mozzarella sticks onto each of 4 skewers.
  4. Bread the Skewers: Working one at a time, roll each skewer in flour mixture to coat all sides. Shake off excess. Dip in egg, letting excess drip off. Roll in panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere. For extra crunch, repeat egg and panko steps.
  5. Chill Again (Optional but Recommended): Place breaded skewers on a plate and freeze for another 10-15 minutes.
  6. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. Lightly spray basket or skewers with non-stick cooking spray.
  7. Air Fry: Place skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 390°F (200°C) for 6-8 minutes, until deep golden brown and cheese just starts to ooze. Check at 5 minutes.
  8. Rest and Serve: Carefully remove skewers with tongs. Let rest 2-3 minutes. Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce.

Notes

Freezing the cheese sticks before and after breading is crucial to prevent cheese from leaking. For gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and panko. For a spicier version, add sriracha to the eggs or cayenne to the panko. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer mozzarella sticks, mozzarella stick skewers, crispy cheese sticks, easy snack, game day appetizer, air fryer appetizer

Find it online: https://cookluma.com/crispy-air-fryer-mozzarella-stick-skewers-best-easy-snack/