Easy Healthy Mozzarella Sticks

Ingredients

• 12 mozzarella sticks
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten with 1 Tbsp water
• 1/3 cup Italian style bread crumbs – use gluten-free if needed
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika or smoked paprika 
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Place flour in the ziplock bag, whisk the egg in a small, shallow plate or dish, combine bread crumbs along with the seasonings in another small, shallow plate or dish.
2. Put the cheese sticks in the ziplock bag with the flour. Gently toss the cheese sticks with flour. 
3. Transfer the flour covered cheese sticks to the egg wash and completely coat the cheese stick with egg wash.
4. Then coat each cheese stick in the bread crumbs and cover completely. 
5. Place cheese sticks on a baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper.
6. Freeze the cheese sticks on the baking sheet for at least 2 hours. The key is to freeze the cheese sticks before cooking, this ensures the cheese doesn’t overcook or leak out before the outer coating gets golden and crispy!

• Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees.
• Place frozen mozzarella sticks in a single layer, not touching. 
• Spray the tops with nonstick cooking spray.
• Cook for 5-7 minutes.