Cheesy comfort food that’s perfect as an appetizer or snack:

Ingredients:

• String mozzarella cheese sticks cut into halves or thirds if larger
• Flour
• Eggs beaten
• Panko breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning and grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation: Set up stations: seasoned flour, egg wash, breadcrumb mixture. Dredge each cheese stick first in flour (shake off excess), then dip into egg wash, then coat generously with seasoned breadcrumbs. For added stability during frying, freeze coated sticks for about an hour before cooking.

Cooking: Preheat oven-safe tray inside the air fryer if using one; set temperature to 390°F (199°C). Place mozzarella sticks carefully inside basket lined lightly with parchment paper or sprayed non-stick spray; cook approximately six minutes until golden outside but gooey inside.

Tips: Frozen mozzarella sticks prevent melting issues during cooking—buy pre-frozen versions designed for frying if possible—or freeze homemade ones long enough so they don’t leak cheese during prep.