Meaningful Eats
Gluten-Free Mozzarella Sticks (FRY OR AIR-FRY!)
6 servings
These gluten-free mozzarella sticks are the ultimate party appetizer! Melty, gooey cheese in the center, perfectly crispy on the outside! These mozzarella sticks can be made in advance and can be deep-fried or air-fried. Either way they're delicious!
Ingredients
- 16 ounce block whole milk mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour any kind brand will work
- 3 large eggs
- 10-14 ounces gluten-free panko breadcrumbs
- Oil of choice for frying I use vegetable oil
Instructions
- Cut the block of mozzarella in half lengthwise. Then cut those halves into sticks that are about ½-inch thick.
- Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Set up 3 bowls for a dipping station. - Gluten-free all purpose flour- Eggs whisked together until smooth with a pinch of salt - Gluten-free panko breadcrumbs
- Dip each cheese stick in the gluten-free flour, followed by the egg and finally the gluten-free panko. Place each coated stick on the baking sheet.
- Freeze the mozzarella sticks, on the baking sheet, for at least for two hours.
TO FRY:
- In a heavy bottomed 8-inch saucepan, heat the oil of choice to 365F. You want there to be a few inches of oil in the pan.
- Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches (about 4-5 at a time) for about 2-3 minutes, until golden brown. Flipping once halfway through.
- Let the cheese sticks drain briefly on a paper towel, then serve immediately with marinara sauce. Enjoy!
TO AIR FRY:
- Set your air fryer to 390°F. Spray the air fryer basket and the mozzarella sticks with a nonstick cooking spray. Air fry the mozzarella sticks (in batches if desired or necessary, as space permits) for 6 to 8 minutes until the exterior is golden and crispy.
Notes
Mozzarella: You can use pre-sliced cheese sticks to save time, but I've found that slicing a block of mozzarella fresh creates meltier cheese sticks.
Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs: I've tried this recipe with a lot of breadcrumbs — gluten-free panko breadcrumbs always work best to create a crispy coating!
Seasoning: Feel free to add more seasoning to the breadcrumbs! You can add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, or black pepper for extra flavor.
To Make-Ahead: This is a great make-ahead recipe! Prep the mozzarella sticks, then freeze them until you're ready to fry.
To Store: These mozzarella sticks are best eaten right after frying, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
To Freeze: Freeze uncooked or cooked mozzarella sticks in a freezer bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. Fry uncooked sticks from frozen. Reheat cooked sticks in the air fryer or warm them in the oven.
Nutrition
Calories: 514kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 157mg | Sodium: 694mg | Potassium: 88mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 630IU | Calcium: 407mg | Iron: 1mg