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 quickly became a family favorite as it offers the perfect balance of crispy coating and gooey cheese in each bite.
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 This dish brings the whole family together especially during weekends when comfort food is a must.
Required Tools
Air fryer, Bread knife, Shallow bowls (for dipping), Tongs
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (bread, panko), Milk (cheese, Parmesan), Egg. Marinara sauce may contain additional allergens check labels.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 330, Total Fat: 16 g, Carbohydrates: 32 g, Protein: 15 g per serving
Save Enjoy these crispy, cheesy fingers fresh from the air fryer for the best flavor and texture.
Recipe Guide
- → What type of bread works best?
Soft white sandwich bread is ideal for wrapping the cheese sticks, providing a crisp texture when fried.
- → Can I use different cheeses?
Yes, cheddar or fontina can be substituted for mozzarella to vary flavor and meltiness.
- → How do I keep fingers crispy after air frying?
Serve immediately for best crispiness; lightly spraying with olive oil before air frying enhances crunch.
- → What seasonings are included in the coating?
The coating blends panko, Parmesan, dried Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for a flavorful crust.
- → Can these fingers be made gluten-free?
Yes, using gluten-free bread and breadcrumbs allows a gluten-free version without sacrificing taste.
- → What temperature and time for air frying?
Preheat to 200°C (390°F), air fry fingers for 4 minutes, flip, then cook 3-4 minutes more until golden.