Ingredients:

  • 12 low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella string cheese sticks
  • 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 0.5 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp dried oregano
  • 0.25 tsp sea salt
  • Olive oil spray

Instructions:

  1. Unwrap your 12 string cheese sticks. If they feel oily, pat them dry with a paper towel.
  2. Place 0.5 cup all purpose flour in bowl one. Whisk 2 large eggs with 1 tbsp water in bowl two. Combine 1 cup Panko, 0.5 cup Italian breadcrumbs, 1 tsp garlic powder, 0.5 tsp onion powder, 0.5 tsp smoked paprika, 0.5 tsp dried oregano, and 0.25 tsp sea salt in bowl three.
  3. Roll each cheese stick in the flour until completely dusty and white. Tap off the excess.
  4. Dip the floured stick into the egg wash until no dry flour spots remain.
  5. Roll the stick in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
  6. This is crucial! Dip the breaded stick back into the egg wash and then back into the breadcrumbs. Note: This creates a thick, impenetrable shell.
  7. Place the breaded sticks on a parchment lined tray. Freeze for 2 hours until they are as hard as ice.
  8. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F. Generously spray the frozen sticks with olive oil spray until no dry white crumbs are visible.
  9. Arrange sticks in a single layer. Air fry for 5 to 6 minutes until the exterior is sizzling and golden.
  10. Let them sit for 2 minutes before eating. Note: This allows the molten cheese to set so it doesn't spray out on the first bite.