1. Prepare the Breading Station:
1.1 Set Up Dredging Stations:
- In a shallow dish, place the flour. In another shallow dish, beat the eggs. In a third shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Bread the Mozzarella Sticks:
2.1 Coat with Flour:
- Dredge each mozzarella stick in the flour, coating it evenly and shaking off any excess.
2.2 Dip in Egg:
- Dip the floured mozzarella stick into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated.
2.3 Coat with Breadcrumbs:
- Roll the egg-coated mozzarella stick in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the crumbs onto the cheese to adhere well. For extra crunch, you can repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating process.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer:
3.1 Preheat:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
4. Air Fry the Mozzarella Sticks:
4.1 Arrange in Basket:
- Place the breaded mozzarella sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if necessary.
4.2 Air Fry:
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 6-8 minutes, or until the mozzarella sticks are golden brown and crispy. You may want to flip them halfway through for even cooking.
5. Serve:
5.1 Enjoy:
- Remove the mozzarella sticks from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks:
- Freeze Before Cooking: For the best results, freeze the breaded mozzarella sticks for about 30 minutes before air frying. This helps them hold their shape and prevents the cheese from melting too quickly.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Cook in batches if necessary to ensure the sticks cook evenly and get crispy on all sides.
- Customize the Coating: Feel free to add additional spices or herbs to the breadcrumb mixture to suit your taste.
Enjoy your Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks with marinara sauce for a delicious and satisfying snack or appetizer that’s crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside!