Description
These homemade gluten-free mozzarella sticks offer a crispy exterior with gooey, melty cheese inside. Perfectly breaded and lightly seasoned, they make a great snack or appetizer. Chilling the cheese sticks before cooking helps prevent cheese leakage during frying or air frying.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup gluten-free flour or finely ground white rice flour (4 ounces; 113 grams)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried gluten-free bread crumbs (4 ounces; 113 grams)
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- Vegetable oil or cooking spray (for frying or spraying)
Main Ingredient
- 12 pieces string cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Coatings: Line up three plates. On the first plate, whisk together gluten-free flour, dried basil, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt. On the second plate, whisk the eggs until smooth. On the third plate, place the gluten-free bread crumbs.
- Cut and Coat Cheese Sticks: Cut each string cheese piece in half. Roll each piece in the gluten-free flour mixture, ensuring full coverage, including the ends to prevent leakage.
- Egg Dip and Re-flour: Dip the floured cheese sticks into the beaten eggs, coating thoroughly. Return them to the gluten-free flour mixture and coat again. Then dip back into the eggs for full coverage.
- Final Coating with Bread Crumbs: Roll the double-coated sticks in the gluten-free bread crumbs. Place the prepared sticks on a baking pan or large dish. Repeat until all sticks are coated. Chill the coated sticks in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to firm up.
- Frying Method: Heat ½-inch vegetable oil in an 8-inch frying pan over medium heat until hot (test by sprinkling bread crumbs in oil; they should sizzle). Fry six cheese sticks at a time for 30 seconds, then turn them over and fry another 30 seconds or until golden brown. Remove any sticks if cheese starts to leak. Drain on paper towels and repeat with remaining sticks.
- Air Frying Method: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F for 3 minutes. Lightly spray the chilled sticks with nonstick cooking spray. Place them in the air fryer basket or tray. Cook for 3 minutes, then turn and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Serve and Store: Serve mozzarella sticks warm with your preferred dipping sauce. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the air fryer or toaster oven until warmed through.
Notes
- Chilling the mozzarella sticks before cooking is crucial to prevent cheese from leaking.
- You can use either frying or air frying methods depending on your preference.
- Ensure to coat both ends of the cheese sticks thoroughly to help seal the cheese inside.
- Use gluten-free bread crumbs and flour to keep this recipe gluten-free.
- Leftover sticks should be reheated in an air fryer or toaster oven for best texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 minute
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
