Description
Learn how to make delicious, crispy homemade mozzarella sticks. This easy recipe is perfect for appetizers, snacks, or parties. Enjoy the gooey, cheesy center and crunchy coating.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound mozzarella cheese, cut into 4-inch sticks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying (or cooking spray for baking/air frying)
Instructions
- Pat the mozzarella sticks dry with paper towels.
- Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each mozzarella stick first in flour, then in egg, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place the coated mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes until firm.
- For frying: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the frozen mozzarella sticks in batches for 1-2 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- For baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place frozen mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly spray with cooking spray. Bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- For air frying: Preheat air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Place frozen mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with cooking spray. Air fry for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Serve immediately with your favorite marinara sauce or dipping sauce.
Notes
- Ensure mozzarella sticks are well-coated for the best texture.
- Freezing the coated sticks helps them hold their shape during cooking.
- Adjust seasoning in the breadcrumbs to your preference.
- Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying, Baking, or Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 3-4 sticks
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
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