Make crispy cheese sticks in your air fryer! Great for parties this recipe also includes a spicy dipping sauce that pairs perfectly with the cheese sticks. Leave out the jalapeños if you want less spice.
Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients
300 g Perfect Italiano™ Mozzarella Cheese, Block
3 eggs, lightly beaten
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
1 ⅓ cups panko breadcrumbs
1 tsp. dried Italian herbs
2 tbsp. plain flour
Method
Cut Mozzarella block in half crossways. Cut each half into 6 equal rectangular sticks
Whisk eggs and mustard in a shallow dish until combined. Place breadcrumbs and dried herbs in a separate shallow dish
One at a time, dust cheese sticks in seasoned flour, shaking off excess. Dip into egg mixture, then into breadcrumb mixture, pressing to coat. Repeat, dipping sticks into egg mixture then in breadcrumb mixture. Place on a tray. Cover tightly with plastic wrap. Freeze for at least 6 hours, or overnight until firm
Place half the Mozzarella sticks into air fryer basket. Cook on 200°C for 6 to 7 minutes, turning halfway through cooking, or until golden and crisp. Remove. Repeat with remaining Mozzarella sticks
Serve Mozzarella sticks immediately with dipping sauce
Dipping Sauce
Ingredients
1 tbsp. olive oil
½ small (40g) brown onion, finely chopped
1 tbsp. tomato paste
1 tbsp. finely chopped jalapenos
1 tsp. garlic salt
1 tsp. white sugar
400 g can diced tomatoes
Salt and pepper, to taste
Method
Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until soft. Add tomato paste, jalapenos, garlic salt and sugar. Cook, stirring for 30 seconds
Stir in tomatoes. Bring to the boil. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes, or until thickened slightly. Remove from heat. Season with salt and pepper. Cool
Tips & Hints
This recipe is best prepared the day ahead, freezing is essential so that the cheese doesn’t melt before the crumb gets golden
Mozzarella sticks are best served immediately. Sauce can be made up to one day ahead. Keep stored in the fridge
Alternatively, to cook mozzarella sticks heat 3 tbsp. of vegetable oil in a non-stick frying pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until crumb is just golden and crisp. Drain on paper towel and serve immediately
