Pin It Golden, crispy grilled cheese fingers stuffed with gooey mozzarella, air-fried for a healthier twist on classic mozzarella sticks perfect for dipping and sharing.
I first served this to my family and they loved the crispy texture combined with gooey cheese inside
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℃ (390℉) 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.
Pin It This recipe always brings the family together as everyone loves to dunk these crispy fingers into marinara sauce
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
Pin It This simple recipe delivers a perfect snack in under 20 minutes ideal for any occasion
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I prevent cheese from leaking during cooking?
Press the sandwich firmly before cutting and ensure the coating is well adhered to seal the edges, reducing cheese leakage.
- → Can I use different cheeses for these fingers?
Yes, cheddar or fontina can be used as alternatives for varied flavors and textures.
- → What is the best temperature for air frying these fingers?
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (390°F) and cook each side for about 4 minutes until crisp and golden.
- → How can I make these fingers gluten-free?
Substitute regular bread and breadcrumbs with gluten-free options to accommodate dietary needs.
- → What dipping sauce pairs well with these mozzarella fingers?
Warm marinara sauce complements the crispy cheese fingers perfectly with its rich, tangy flavor.