Step by step

Method

5 steps

1. 1

   Set up three bowls: ¼ cup flour; 2 large eggs beaten with 1 tablespoon water; 1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs (or plain + 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning) mixed with ½ teaspoon garlic powder and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.

2. 2

   Coat each of 12 mozzarella string-cheese sticks in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. Dip again in egg and breadcrumbs for a second coat — the double layer is what keeps cheese from exploding out.

3. 3

   Place on a tray, cover, and chill at least 30 minutes (up to overnight). Cold coating sets and stays put in the hot basket.

4. 4

   Preheat the air fryer to 390°F. Spray or lightly oil the sticks and basket. Air fry in a single layer 6–8 minutes, flipping once, until golden. Pull as soon as they're browned — extra minutes turn into cheese leaks.

5. 5

   Rest 2–3 minutes so the molten cheese settles, then serve with warm marinara. You want crisp golden mozzarella sticks that stretch when you break them — not soggy pale crumbs or empty breaded shells with cheese puddles in the basket.