✨ Turn up the heat with these Nashville-inspired mozzarella sticks! Crispy, gooey, and packed with bold spices, they’re perfect for parties, game nights, or any time you’re craving a flavorful snack. 🌶️🧀
📝 Ingredients:
- 🧀 12 mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese)
- 🌾 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 🥚 2 large eggs, beaten
- 🌿 1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
- 🧀 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 🧄 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 🌶️ 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 🌶️ 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
- 🌶️ 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- ⚫ 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 🧂 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 🌶️ 2 tablespoons hot sauce (for egg wash)
- 🥄 Cooking spray
- 🥣 Ranch or marinara sauce (for dipping)
📋 Directions:
- Prepare the Cheese Sticks:
- Unwrap the mozzarella sticks and cut them in half to create 24 smaller sticks.
- Place the sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for at least 1 hour.
- Set Up the Breading Station:
- In one bowl, place the flour.
- In a second bowl, whisk the eggs with 2 tablespoons of hot sauce.
- In a third bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, chili powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Bread the Cheese Sticks:
- Dip each frozen mozzarella stick into the flour, coating evenly.
- Next, dip it into the egg wash, letting any excess drip off.
- Finally, roll it in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- For a spicier, crispier coating, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a double layer.
- Air Fry the Mozzarella Sticks:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the breaded mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch.
- Lightly spray them with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 6–8 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Serve:
- Carefully remove the mozzarella sticks from the air fryer and let them cool for 1–2 minutes.
- Serve warm with ranch or marinara sauce to balance the spicy kick.
📊 Nutritional Information:
- ⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus freezing)
- 🔥 Cooking Time: 8 minutes
- ⏳ Total Time: 1 hour 23 minutes
- 🔥 Kcal: 95 kcal per stick
- 🍽️ Servings: 24 mozzarella sticks