- Prepare Ingredients:
- Cut the mozzarella cheese into sticks, ensuring they are all approximately the same size for even cooking.
- Set Up Breading Station:
- In the first shallow bowl, place the all-purpose flour.
- In the second shallow bowl, beat the eggs until well-combined.
- In the third shallow bowl, mix the panko bread crumbs with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. Stir well to combine.
- Coat the Mozzarella Sticks:
- Working one at a time, coat each mozzarella stick in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the floured stick into the beaten egg, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Roll the egg-coated stick in the seasoned panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs to the cheese. Ensure the stick is evenly coated.
- Repeat Coating Process:
- For an extra crispy coating, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating process once more for each mozzarella stick. This double coating ensures a thicker, crunchier crust.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. If your air fryer does not require preheating, you may skip this step.
- Air Fry the Mozzarella Sticks:
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or use an oil mister to coat it.
- Arrange the coated mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching.
- Cook the mozzarella sticks in the air fryer for 6-8 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the cheese is melted inside. Depending on the size and capacity of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.
- Serve Hot:
- Carefully remove the mozzarella sticks from the air fryer and serve them immediately while they’re hot and the cheese is gooey. Serve with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce on the side for extra flavor.
Tips for Perfect Panko Breaded Mozzarella Sticks:
- Freezing: For best results, freeze the mozzarella sticks for about 30 minutes before coating and air frying. This helps them hold their shape and prevents excessive melting during cooking.
- Bread Crumbs: Panko bread crumbs provide the best crunch, but you can use regular breadcrumbs if preferred.
- Spacing: Ensure there is enough space between the mozzarella sticks in the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.
Enjoy these delicious panko breaded mozzarella sticks as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack that’s sure to disappear fast! With their crispy exterior and gooey cheese center, they’re bound to be a hit at any gathering.