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 family favorite for busy weeknights and snack time treats.
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:
- 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 coatings:
- In a shallow bowl whisk together eggs and milk. 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:
- 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 has brought many smiles during family snack times and quick dinners.
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
Save Try serving with different dipping sauces to find your perfect match.
Recipe FAQs
- → What kind of cheese works best for these fingers?
Mozzarella provides the ideal melt and stretch, but cheddar or fontina are great alternatives for different flavors.
- → Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free bread and gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary needs.
- → How do I keep the fingers crispy after air frying?
Serve immediately for best crispiness or lightly spray with olive oil before air frying to enhance crunch.
- → What temperature should the air fryer be set at?
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (390°F) and cook the fingers in batches for evenly golden results.
- → Is marinara sauce the only good dipping option?
While marinara complements the flavors perfectly, ranch dressing or garlic aioli also pair well.