Save Golden, crispy grilled cheese fingers stuffed with gooey mozzarella, air-fried for a healthier twist on classic mozzarella sticks& perfect for dipping and sharing.
This is a favorite snack in my family and perfect for quick appetizers that everyone loves.
Ingredients
- Bread & Cheese: 8 slices white sandwich bread, 8 slices mozzarella cheese (or 200 g block mozzarella, cut into sticks)
- Coating: 2 large eggs, 2 tbsp milk, 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (optional), 1/2 tsp garlic powder, Salt and pepper, to taste
- For Serving: 1 cup marinara sauce, warmed
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for 3 minutes.
- Step 2:
- Trim crusts off bread slices. Lay out 4 slices, top each with mozzarella (slice or stick), then cover with remaining bread to make sandwiches.
- Step 3:
- Press down firmly and cut each sandwich into three fingers (sticks).
- Step 4:
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
- Step 5:
- In another bowl, mix panko, Parmesan, Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Step 6:
- Dip each sandwich finger first in the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Step 7:
- Arrange fingers in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if needed).
- Step 8:
- Air fry for 4 minutes, flip, then air fry another 3 4 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Step 9:
- Serve hot with warmed marinara sauce for dipping.
Save This recipe always brings my family together for a fun snack time.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 330 calories, 16 g total fat, 32 g carbohydrates, 15 g protein.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (bread, panko), milk (cheese, Parmesan), and egg. Marinara sauce may contain additional allergens; check labels carefully.
Required Tools
Air fryer, bread knife, shallow bowls (for dipping), and tongs are needed to prepare and cook this recipe efficiently.
Save Enjoy these crispy and gooey grilled cheese fingers fresh out of the air fryer for the best taste and texture.
Recipe FAQs
- → What cheese works best for these sticks?
Mozzarella is ideal for its meltability and mild flavor, but cheddar or fontina can add different tastes and textures.
- → How can I make these sticks gluten-free?
Use gluten-free bread and substitute panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs to maintain the crunchy coating.
- → Can I prepare these sticks ahead of time?
For best crispiness, assemble and air fry just before serving. You can prepare the coated sticks in advance and refrigerate briefly.
- → What is the ideal temperature for air frying?
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (390°F) and cook for about 7-8 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness.
- → Any tips for extra crunchy coating?
Lightly spray the coated sticks with olive oil before air frying for enhanced golden crunch.
- → What sauce pairs well with these sticks?
Warm marinara sauce complements the cheesy, crispy sticks perfectly for dipping.