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 has quickly become a family favorite because it combines all the best parts of grilled cheese and mozzarella sticks without the mess of frying.
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 recipe always brings smiles when served at family gatherings, making snack time more fun and delicious.
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 mozzarella stick grilled cheese fingers fresh for the best texture and flavor every time.
Kitchen Tips & Answers
- → What type of cheese works best?
Mozzarella is ideal for its meltiness and mild flavor, but you can substitute cheddar or fontina for different tastes.
- → How do I get extra crunchiness?
Lightly spraying the cheese fingers with olive oil before air frying enhances crispiness and golden color.
- → Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free bread and gluten-free breadcrumbs to keep the fingers crisp without gluten.
- → What’s the best dipping sauce?
Warmed marinara sauce pairs perfectly, adding a tangy and savory contrast to the crunchy, cheesy fingers.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in the air fryer or oven to restore crispiness.