Step 1

Unwrap the cheese sticks and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze them for at least 1 hour or until solid. This step is crucial for keeping the cheese from melting too quickly while cooking.

Step 2

Set up three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place the all-purpose flour. In the second, beat the eggs. In the third, mix the Panko, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 3

Roll a frozen mozzarella stick in the flour and shake off any excess.

Step 4

Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.

Step 5

Finally, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Place the coated stick back on the baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining sticks.

Step 6

Once all the mozzarella sticks are coated, freeze them again for at least 10 minutes, up to 30 minutes. This step helps the coating stay on during cooking.

Step 7

Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) for about 5 minutes.

Step 8

Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray. Place the mozzarella sticks in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they're not touching. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Spray the tops of the sticks lightly with cooking spray.

Step 9

Cook them for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking. The mozzarella sticks should be golden brown and crispy.

Step 10

Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!