I Tested Homemade Mozzarella Cheese Sticks AIR FRIED VS DEEP FRIED

mozzarella cheese

🥗Healthier: part-skim mozzarella

💰Cheaper: string cheese

Part-skim mozzarella has less fat, while string cheese is often less expensive.

all-purpose flour

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: cornstarch

Whole wheat flour adds fiber, while cornstarch can be a cheaper option for coating.

bread crumbs

🥗Healthier: panko breadcrumbs

💰Cheaper: crushed crackers

Panko breadcrumbs are lighter, while crushed crackers can be used for a more budget-friendly option.

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated pecorino

Nutritional yeast is lower in calories, while grated pecorino can be a more affordable cheese option.

Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one for beaten eggs, one for seasoned flour, and one for Italian bread crumbs.

In the first bowl, add 3 large eggs and beat them with a fork.

In the second bowl, add 2/3 cup of all-purpose flour and season it with 1 teaspoon of garlic salt, then whisk to combine.

In the third bowl, add 1 cup of Italian style bread crumbs.

Remove string cheese from individual packages.

Double bread the cheese sticks: first, coat in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess.

Dip the floured cheese stick into the beaten eggs, letting excess egg drip back into the bowl.

Coat the egg-coated cheese stick with Italian bread crumbs.

Repeat the double breading process: coat again in seasoned flour, dip back in the egg, and coat once more with Italian bread crumbs.

Set the double breaded cheese sticks aside and repeat the process for the remaining cheese sticks.

Transfer the breaded cheese sticks to the freezer for 1 hour or overnight.

Heat canola oil in a skillet over medium heat until it reaches 350°F.

Fry the cheese sticks in batches until crispy and golden brown, flipping them after about 1 minute.

Remove the fried cheese sticks from the oil and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels.

To make air-fried cheese sticks, preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.

Place the cheese sticks in the air fryer basket and spray them with cooking spray.

Air fry the cheese sticks for 5 minutes, flipping them halfway through and spraying the other side with cooking spray after flipping.

Serve the mozzarella cheese sticks with pizza sauce or marinara sauce.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens