Easy Air Fryer Mozzarella | Crispy Gooey Cheese Bites Recipe
Craving crispy, gooey melted cheese? Our Air Fryer Mozzarella recipe uses a clever double-coat for maximum crunch. Quick, easy, and includes all steps plus nutrition info!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces whole milk mozzarella cheese (block or sticks)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray, as needed
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the mozzarella and dredging stations. If using a block of mozzarella, cut it into 1-inch thick sticks or bites. Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with Panko breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt.
- Step 2: Double-coat the mozzarella for extra crispiness. Dip each mozzarella piece first in flour, shaking off excess, then in the egg, and finally generously coat with the seasoned breadcrumbs. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb dip one more time for a thicker crust, ensuring all surfaces are covered.
- Step 3: Freeze the breaded mozzarella. Place the double-coated mozzarella bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate, ensuring they don't touch. Freeze for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, to help them hold their shape and prevent melting too quickly in the air fryer.
- Step 4: Preheat and air fry. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the frozen mozzarella bites in a single layer in the basket, ensuring not to overcrowd. Spray the tops of the mozzarella bites lightly with cooking spray.
- Step 5: Cook until golden and gooey. Air fry for 5-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and the cheese is soft and gooey inside. Watch them carefully, as cooking times can vary, and overcooking can cause the cheese to leak out.
- Step 6: Serve immediately. Carefully remove the crispy mozzarella bites from the air fryer and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara.
Notes
- For future cheesy cravings, you can freeze the double-coated, unfried mozzarella bites solid on a parchment-lined tray, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container; air fry directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the cooking time.
- To revive any refrigerated leftovers, pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes until hot and crispy again, ensuring that delightful gooey center returns without overcooking.
- Elevate your cheese bites beyond classic marinara with a sweet chili dip, a tangy honey mustard, or even a vibrant pesto for a fresh twist that your taste buds will adore.
- For the ultimate crispy exterior and gooey, leak-free interior, don't skimp on the freezing step; a solid chill creates a robust shield, giving your air fryer more time to crisp the breading before the cheese even thinks about escaping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 cheese bites
- Calories: 320
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 2g