Save Golden, crispy grilled cheese fingers stuffed with gooey mozzarella, air-fried for a healthier twist on classic mozzarella sticks perfect for dipping and sharing.
This recipe quickly became a favorite in my household because it combines the comfort of grilled cheese with the fun of mozzarella sticks all in one finger food.
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 Mixture:
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
- Prepare Breadcrumb Mixture:
- 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 in Air Fryer:
- 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.
Save This recipe always brings the family to the table faster and makes snack time a lot more fun and delicious.
Notes
For gluten-free options, 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.
Save Feel free to experiment with different cheeses and dipping sauces to personalize this easy snack.
Common Questions
- → What type of cheese can be used instead of mozzarella?
Cheddar or fontina are great alternatives that melt well and offer unique flavors.
- → How do you ensure the fingers stay crispy after air frying?
Lightly spraying with olive oil before air frying helps achieve extra crunch and golden color.
- → Can this be adapted for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, substituting gluten-free bread and panko breadcrumbs will make it suitable for gluten-free needs.
- → What’s the best way to cut the bread for even cooking?
Trim crusts and assemble sandwiches, then cut each into three even fingers for uniform cooking and crispiness.
- → How hot should the air fryer be preheated?
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for about 3 minutes to ensure proper cooking temperature.
- → What dipping sauce pairs well with these fingers?
Warm marinara sauce is ideal, complementing the cheesy and crispy flavors perfectly.