Indulge in the crispy crunch of air-fried mozzarella bites, a delectable appetizer or snack that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. With the convenience of an air fryer, you can effortlessly create these golden-brown delights in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Mozzarella cheese sticks
- Eggs
- All-purpose flour
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Dried parsley flakes
- Salt and pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Cheese: Cut the mozzarella sticks into desired sizes, typically into thirds or halves.
- Create the Coating: In separate bowls, whisk together the eggs, combine the flour with salt and pepper, and mix the Panko breadcrumbs with parsley flakes.
- Coat the Cheese: Dip each cheese piece into the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, and finally the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a thicker coating.
- Freeze the Bites: Place the coated cheese bites on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour to firm up. This step helps prevent the cheese from oozing out during air frying.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 350-360°F (175-180°C).
- Air Fry the Bites: Place the frozen cheese bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 4-6 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese begins to melt.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the air-fried mozzarella bites immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara or ranch.
Tips for Perfect Mozzarella Bites:
- Use high-quality mozzarella cheese: Fresh, full-fat mozzarella will result in the best flavor and texture.
- Double-coat the cheese: This creates a thicker, crispier coating that helps keep the cheese inside.
- Freeze the bites before air frying: This prevents the cheese from melting out and ensures even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket: Give the bites enough space to circulate hot air for optimal crispiness.
- Check for doneness: Keep an eye on the bites to prevent overcooking. The cheese should be melted and gooey, but not browned.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use frozen mozzarella bites?
Yes, you can air fry pre-made frozen mozzarella bites. Follow the package instructions for cooking times and temperatures.
What dipping sauces go well with mozzarella bites?
Popular dipping sauces include marinara, ranch, barbecue sauce, and honey mustard.
Can I make these bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can coat and freeze the bites for up to a month. When ready to cook, simply remove from the freezer and air fry as directed.
How do I store leftover mozzarella bites?
Store leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven before serving.
Air-fried mozzarella bites are a quick and easy way to satisfy your cravings for a crispy, cheesy snack. With just a few simple ingredients and the convenience of an air fryer, you can enjoy these delectable bites in no time. Experiment with different dipping sauces to find your favorite combination and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills.
Making these cheese bites
I’ve included step-by-step instructions below so you can see how simple it is to prepare these air fryer mozzarella bites.
I use string cheese for the center. Because of its low moisture content, my bite of breaded cheese produces less steam. By doing this, numerous tiny explosions where the cheese might melt out the side are avoided.
Perfectly prepared pizza dough can be found in the grocery store’s freezer or refrigerator section. If your local pizzeria makes its own pizza dough, you can also ask them to sell you a ball of it.
I tried to bake mozzarella cheese bites in the oven, but had the most success in a traditional air fryer. The intense convection heat quickly cooked and browned the doughy outside and melted the center. There was much less cheese leakage – if you will – than when baked in the oven.
Homemade Farm Rich Mozzarella Bites recipe
For parties and summertime snacks, I adore the branded mozzarella bites found in the freezer section (try my Mozzarella Bites with Peach Salsa!). So I decided to make some melty cheese bites that I could always have on hand, wrapped in pizza dough.
All I needed was some butter, Parmesan cheese, string cheese sticks, and store-bought pizza dough. Using the air fryer, I created my own version of Farm Rich Mozzarella Bites. It was super easy!.
You have a tasty, cheesy snack if you serve them with marinara, your preferred salsa, or another fantastic dip like my onion bacon dip.