Save Golden, crispy grilled cheese fingers stuffed with gooey mozzarella, air-fried for a healthier twist on classic mozzarella sticks perfect for dipping and sharing.
This recipe is a family favorite for snack time because it offers the perfect blend of crispiness and gooey cheese with minimal oil thanks to the air fryer.
Ingredients
- Bread & Cheese: 8 slices white sandwich bread, 8 slices mozzarella cheese (or 200 g block mozzarella, cut into sticks)
- Coating: 2 large eggs, 2 tbsp milk, 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (optional), 1/2 tsp garlic powder, Salt and pepper, to taste
- For Serving: 1 cup marinara sauce, warmed
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for 3 minutes.
- Step 2:
- Trim crusts off bread slices. Lay out 4 slices, top each with mozzarella (slice or stick), then cover with remaining bread to make sandwiches.
- Step 3:
- Press down firmly and cut each sandwich into three fingers (sticks).
- Step 4:
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
- Step 5:
- In another bowl, mix panko, Parmesan, Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Step 6:
- Dip each sandwich finger first in the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Step 7:
- Arrange fingers in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if needed).
- Step 8:
- Air fry for 4 minutes, flip, then air fry another 3 4 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Step 9:
- Serve hot with warmed marinara sauce for dipping.
Save We enjoy making these together as a family; the kids love dipping the crispy fingers into marinara sauce while sharing stories from their day.
Notes
For gluten-free options use gluten-free bread and breadcrumbs. Best enjoyed immediately for maximum crispiness.
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (bread, panko), Milk (cheese, Parmesan), Egg. Marinara sauce may contain additional allergens check labels.
Nutritional Information
Per serving Calories 330 Total Fat 16 g Carbohydrates 32 g Protein 15 g
Save Enjoy these air fryer mozzarella grilled cheese fingers as a delicious snack or appetizer that’s quick and crowd-pleasing.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of bread works best?
Soft white sandwich bread is ideal for creating a tender yet sturdy wrap around the cheese sticks, allowing for even crisping.
- → Can I use other cheeses instead of mozzarella?
Yes, cheeses like cheddar or fontina melt well and add different flavor profiles while maintaining the melty center.
- → How do I achieve extra crispiness?
Lightly spraying the seasoned breadcrumb coating with olive oil before air frying helps produce a golden, crunchy crust.
- → Is the air frying temperature important?
Setting the air fryer to 200°C ensures the bread crisps quickly while the cheese melts inside without oozing out.
- → Can this be made gluten-free?
Using gluten-free bread and panko breadcrumbs allows for a gluten-free version without sacrificing texture.