Cheese in air fryer
Air fryer cheese sticks are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or snack that delivers the perfect combination of crispy exterior and gooey melted cheese interior. Using an air fryer to cook cheese sticks reduces the need for deep frying, making this a healthier alternative while still retaining all the delicious flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks string cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Prepare the Ingredients:
- Unwrap the mozzarella cheese sticks and cut them in half to create 24 pieces.
- In one bowl, place the flour. In a second bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper.
Coat the Cheese Sticks:
- Roll each cheese stick in the flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Ensure each stick is fully coated for maximum crunch.
- For an extra crispy coating, you can repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps once more.
Freeze the Cheese Sticks:
- Place the coated cheese sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for at least 30 minutes. This step helps prevent the cheese from melting too quickly in the air fryer.
Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
Cook the Cheese Sticks:
- Lightly spray the frozen cheese sticks with cooking spray and place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 6-8 minutes, turning halfway through, until the cheese sticks are golden brown and crispy.
Serve Hot:
- Carefully remove the cheese sticks from the air fryer using tongs. Serve immediately with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Tips:
- Ensure the cheese sticks are completely frozen before air frying to prevent the cheese from oozing out.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Experiment with different types of cheese sticks, such as cheddar or pepper jack, for variety.