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Crispy Homemade Mozzarella Sticks: Perfect Appetizer Snacks

A stack of four golden-brown, crispy homemade mozzarella sticks with the top one broken open showing melted cheese stretching out.
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Follow this guide to make perfectly crispy, restaurant-style mozzarella sticks at home that do not leak cheese during cooking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound low-moisture mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2-inch thick sticks
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (or cooking spray for air frying)
  • Marinara sauce, for serving

Instructions

  1. Freeze the mozzarella sticks for at least 2 hours, or until very firm. This prevents leakage.
  2. Set up a standard breading station with three shallow dishes. Place the flour in the first dish.
  3. Whisk the eggs and water together in the second dish.
  4. Combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, and salt in the third dish. Mix well.
  5. Working with one stick at a time, dredge the frozen mozzarella stick completely in the flour, shaking off any excess.
  6. Dip the floured stick into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
  7. Thoroughly coat the stick in the seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere the coating completely.
  8. Place the breaded sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze them again for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This sets the crust.
  9. To deep fry: Heat 2 inches of oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 375°F (190°C). Fry the sticks in batches for 1 to 2 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  10. To air fry: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C). Lightly spray the sticks with cooking oil. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
  11. Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce.

Notes

  • Freezing the cheese twice is the most important step to prevent cheese blowout during frying.
  • Use panko breadcrumbs for the best, crunchiest texture.
  • If baking, place the sticks on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://spoonswirl.com/crispy-homemade-mozzarella-sticks-perfect-appetizer-snacks/