Crispy Homemade Mozzarella Sticks
Enjoy delicious homemade mozzarella sticks with a crispy golden crust and melty cheese inside. Perfect for snacking or serving at parties.
Ingredients
For the mozzarella sticks
- 16 oz block of mozzarella cheese (or string cheese)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 0.5 tsp salt
- Oil for frying (or olive oil spray for air fryer)
Instructions
Preparation
- Cut mozzarella block into sticks (about 3 inches long).
- Set up breading stations: flour in one dish, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt in the third.
- Dredge each stick in flour, dip in egg, then coat in breadcrumbs. For extra crispiness, repeat egg + breadcrumb coating once more.
- Place breaded sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 1 hour.
Cooking
- Heat oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry mozzarella sticks in small batches for 1–2 minutes until golden brown.
- (Air fryer option: spray with olive oil and cook at 380°F for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway.)
- Drain on a paper towel, let cool slightly, and serve hot with marinara dipping sauce.
Notes
Keep leftovers in the fridge for 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness. Store breaded, uncooked sticks in the freezer for up to 2 months—cook straight from frozen. For variations, try using cheddar, pepper jack, or smoked gouda.