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Triple-Coated Air Fryer Mozzarella Balls
These air fryer mozzarella balls have a thick, triple-coated panko crust seasoned with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika around a gooey, melted center.
Servings: 4
Calories: 368kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 oz mozzarella balls (ciliegine) (cherry-size fresh mozzarella balls) packed in water, drained (about 22 to 24 balls)
- 3/4 cup all purpose flour
- 1 egg whisked
- 2 cups panko
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3/4 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 1/4 teaspoons paprika
- olive oil spray
To Serve
- marinara
- fresh basil
Instructions
- Drain the mozzarella balls and pat them dry with paper towels.8 oz mozzarella balls (ciliegine)
- Set up 3 bowls: the flour in the first, the whisked egg in the second, and the panko mixed with the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and paprika in the third.3/4 cup all purpose flour, 1 egg, 2 cups panko, 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 3/4 teaspoons kosher salt, 1 1/4 teaspoons paprika
- Roll the mozzarella balls in the flour, then the egg, then the panko, working in batches of about 6 to avoid clumping. Repeat the flour, egg, and panko twice more, for 3 coats in all.
- Place the breaded mozzarella balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F and spray the basket with olive oil. Add the mozzarella balls in a single layer without them touching, and spray them generously with olive oil all over.olive oil spray, marinara, fresh basil
- Air fry for 4 to 5 minutes, until golden. Serve with marinara and fresh basil.
Notes
- Make ahead: After the 30-minute freeze, move the breaded balls to a zip-top bag or airtight container and keep them frozen. Air fry from frozen without thawing, adding 1 to 2 minutes.
- Mozzarella sticks: Cut them into bite-size pieces and bread and air fry them the same way. The size will vary a bit depending on how big you cut them.
- Bread crumbs: You can use traditional or Italian bread crumbs instead of panko if you prefer.
- Smaller air fryer: Work in batches so the mozzarella balls stay in a single layer without touching.
Nutrition
Calories: 368kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 61mg | Sodium: 713mg | Potassium: 132mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 380IU | Vitamin C: 0.03mg | Calcium: 281mg | Iron: 3mg
