Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, these homemade mozzarella bites are a perfect snack for cheese lovers. Quick to prepare and cooked in the air fryer, they make a delicious appetiser or party treat. Serve with your favourite marinara or ranch dip.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Serves: 18 bites

Ingredients:

• 6 pieces string cheese
• 2 tablespoons (16 g) plain flour
• 1 teaspoon (3 g) cornflour (cornstarch)
• ½ teaspoon (3 g) salt
• ¼ teaspoon (1 g) black pepper
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) milk
• 100 g panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
• Cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cheese:
   Cut each string cheese stick into thirds to make 18 pieces.
2. Set Up Dipping Stations:
   • In the first bowl, mix together the flour, cornflour, salt, and pepper.
   • In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
   • In a third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and parsley flakes.
3. Coat the Cheese:
   • Roll each piece of cheese in the flour mixture.
   • Dip into the egg mixture.
   • Roll in the breadcrumb mixture.
   • For extra crunch, dip again in the egg and then the breadcrumbs.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer:
   Set your air fryer to 175°C (350°F) and allow it to preheat.
5. Chill the Bites:
   Place the coated mozzarella bites in the freezer while the air fryer preheats (about 5 minutes).
6. Cook the Bites:
   • Arrange the mozzarella bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
   • Spray liberally with cooking spray.
   • Cook for 8 minutes, shaking the basket or rotating trays halfway through to ensure even cooking.
7. Serve:
   Serve hot with your favourite marinara sauce or ranch dressing.

Notes:

• Freezing the coated cheese briefly helps prevent melting and leaking during cooking.
• For best results, do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.
• You can substitute dried parsley with Italian seasoning for extra flavour.

Enjoy your homemade mozzarella bites!