Ingredients:

  • 8 oz (227 g) block of whole mozzarella cheese, cut into 8 sticks
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups (150 g) panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
  • Cooking spray or lightly olive oil spray

Instructions:

  1. Slice mozzarella into 8 sticks and freeze for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Set up breading stations: place flour in a bowl, beaten eggs in another, and a mixture of panko, Parmesan, herbs, and seasonings in a third.
  3. Coat each cheese stick in flour, dip into eggs, then coat thoroughly in breadcrumb mixture. Repeat for a double coating if desired.
  4. Place breaded sticks on a tray and freeze for an additional 15-20 minutes to set the coating.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
  6. Spray the coated mozzarella sticks with cooking spray, arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket, and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway if necessary, until golden and crispy.
  7. Serve immediately with your preferred dipping sauces such as marinara or ranch.