Homemade Mozzarella Sticks

With so many people loving cheese, these are a no brainer! Mozzarella Cheese Sticks are a favorite everywhere. In my home, we can never have enough, however, they are too expensive to buy already made, from the frozen foods department.

So when I thought about it, I figured that I could come up with a way to make them myself and save some money without risking the flavor.

This version is perfect to make in the air fryer and it saves calories and means you do not need to use added fats. Mozzarella Sticks seem to be one of those foods that would take many ingredients to get them just perfect, this is not the case!

Trust me!! As an added tip, I just want to say that I double coat mine before heating, this helps to prevent the cheese from finding a way through the breading.

Frequently Asked Questions:

            Can I use Cheddar Cheese or another variety?

You certainly can. You do want to choose one that melts somewhat easily, but not overly easy. For instance, do not use cream cheese for this recipe. They will not hold up in the Air Fryer or oven, or even in deep frying.

            Do I have to use Italian Seasoning?

Italian seasoning is the most common seasoning that is used for Mozzarella sticks or balls. You can experiment and use whichever herb or spice makes your family happy.

            The recipe calls for Panko bread, can I use a different type of bread crumb?

Of course. There are many options available, or you could make your own. I like to use the Panko as it is more of a coating on the cheese. I have bought my favorite stuffing mix and processed that into crumbs and used that as the bread coating on the cheeseballs.

            Can I add spice to the bread crumbs?

Garlic, chili powder, ranch mix, cumin or any number of spices will make these taste great!

            How do I store these?

As long as these are in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they will last for up to one week.

What do you need to make Homemade Mozzarella Sticks

            6 Mozzarella Sticks

            1 cup Panko or other bread crumbs

            1 tbsp Italian seasoning

            2 eggs, beaten

            ¼ black pepper, optional

            ½ tsp salt, optional

            ¼ cup all purpose flour

How to make Homemade Mozzarella Sticks

FIRST STEP:

In a small bowl, whisk the eggs

In another bowl, combine the bread crumbs, seasoning and salt and pepper if using

The flour is placed into a small dish by itself

SECOND STEP:

Cut each mozzarella stick into three pieces and set to the side

One cheese piece at a time, roll it in the flour and then the egg mix, then quickly roll the stick into the breading mix

a)

b)

THIRD STEP:

Dip the same stick into the egg mix again and then the breading

Using a mister, spray the Air Fryer basket with Olive Oil, do not use a non stick spray as it can damage the lining of the basket

a)

b)

FOURTH STEP:

Place the cheese bites in a single layer of the Air Fryer basket, do not overfill the basket. There should be room between each stick.

Set the temperature at 400* and the timer for 6 minutes, if they need more time, add an additional 2 minutes.

a)

b)

c)

Remove and set on a plate, repeat until all cheese bites are done.

Dip into your favorite sauce.

YAY!

Enjoy!

YUM!