Description
Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside—these Golden Crispy Cheese Delights are the ultimate snack! Whether deep-fried for extra crunch or air-fried for a lighter option, these cheesy bites are packed with flavor and perfect for dipping in marinara, ranch, or spicy aioli. Easy to make and impossible to resist!
Ingredients
12 oz (340g) mozzarella cheese sticks or fresh mozzarella balls
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking oil for frying (or use an air fryer for a lighter option)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese – Cut mozzarella sticks into bite-sized pieces or pat fresh mozzarella balls dry to remove excess moisture.
- Set Up the Breading Station –
- In one shallow bowl, mix flour with salt and pepper.
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs.
- In a third bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and dried oregano.
- Coat the Cheese –
- Dredge each mozzarella piece in the flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip it into the beaten eggs.
- Roll it in the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to coat well.
- Cooking Time:
- For Frying: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry cheese bites in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- For Air Frying: Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Arrange coated bites in a single layer and cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Serve & Enjoy – Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or a spicy aioli.
Notes
- For extra crunch, double-coat the cheese by repeating the egg and breadcrumb step.
- Freeze breaded cheese bites for 30 minutes before frying to prevent cheese from oozing out.
- Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack, Appetizer
- Method: Frying, Air Frying
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired