Freeze the Cheese Sticks

• Unwrap the mozzarella sticks and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Freeze for at least 1 hour or until solid. This helps prevent the cheese from melting too quickly.

2. Prepare the Coating Station

• Set up three shallow bowls:
  • Bowl 1: Add all-purpose flour.
  • Bowl 2: Beat the eggs until smooth.
  • Bowl 3: Combine Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

3. Bread the Mozzarella Sticks

• Roll a frozen cheese stick in the flour, shaking off excess.
• Dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring full coverage.
• Roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
• Place the coated stick back on the baking sheet. Repeat with all cheese sticks.

4. Freeze Again

• Freeze the breaded cheese sticks for another 10-30 minutes to set the coating.

5. Preheat the Air Fryer

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

6. Cook the Mozzarella Sticks

• Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray.
• Arrange the mozzarella sticks in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch.
• Lightly spray the tops of the sticks with cooking spray.
• Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

7. Serve and Enjoy

• Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli.
• Relish the cheesy, crispy delight!