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 made these for a family movie night and everyone loved the crispy outside and 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
- Preheat Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for 3 minutes.
- Prepare Sandwiches:
- Trim crusts off bread slices. Lay out 4 slices, top each with mozzarella slice or stick, then cover with remaining bread to make sandwiches.
- Cut Fingers:
- Press down firmly and cut each sandwich into three fingers sticks.
- Prepare Egg Wash:
- In a shallow bowl whisk together eggs and milk.
- Prepare Coating:
- In another bowl mix panko Parmesan Italian herbs garlic powder salt and pepper.
- Coat Fingers:
- Dip each sandwich finger first in the egg mixture then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture pressing gently to adhere.
- Arrange for Frying:
- Arrange fingers in a single layer in the air fryer basket work in batches if needed.
- Air Fry:
- Air fry for 4 minutes flip then air fry another 3 4 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Serve:
- Serve hot with warmed marinara sauce for dipping.
Pin it Making these grilled cheese fingers was a hit at my family gatherings bringing fun and yum together.
Notes
For gluten-free use gluten-free bread and breadcrumbs Best enjoyed immediately for maximum crispiness
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 Always verify ingredient labels for allergens if unsure
Pin it These mozzarella stick grilled cheese fingers are quick to make and delightfully crispy every time.
Common Questions
- → How do I prevent mozzarella from oozing during cooking?
Removing crusts and cutting sandwiches tightly helps hold cheese in place, while a proper breadcrumb coating seals the fingers. Air frying at the right temperature crisps the exterior quickly, reducing cheese leakage.
- → Can I use other cheeses instead of mozzarella?
Yes, mild melting cheeses like cheddar or fontina work well, offering different flavor profiles but similar melting textures perfect for this method.
- → What is the best way to ensure extra crispiness?
Lightly spraying olive oil on the coated fingers before air frying enhances browning and crunch while keeping them moist inside.
- → Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Using gluten-free bread and breadcrumbs lets you enjoy this snack without gluten, maintaining the crispy texture through air frying.
- → What dipping sauce pairs best with these fingers?
Warm marinara sauce is classic for dipping, offering a tangy contrast that complements the rich, melty cheese and crispy coating.