Mozzarella sticks are a beloved treat, perfect for parties, snacks, and even as a starter for meals.

However, traditional mozzarella sticks are often deep-fried, making them a less-than-ideal option for those looking to maintain a healthy diet.

Fortunately, you don’t have to give up on this delicious appetizer to stay healthy. This light recipe for mozzarella sticks offers all the cheesy, crispy goodness you crave with fewer calories and less fat.

The secret to this healthier version lies in the choice of ingredients and cooking methods.

The Ingredients

Part-skim Mozzarella Cheese: Using part-skim mozzarella instead of whole milk mozzarella helps reduce the fat content significantly without compromising on the melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes these sticks so irresistible.

All Purpose Flour: This absorbs any moisture from the cheese and helps the egg wash stick.

Egg: Binds with the flour to create a sticky coating that helps the breadcrumbs stick.

Italian Breadcrumbs: This gives the mozzarella sticks that nice crunchy coating.

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Making the mozzarella sticks in the air fryer instead of deep frying allows you to enjoy a crispy exterior without the extra oil, resulting in a healthier yet equally satisfying appetizer.

How to Make Homemade Mozzarella Sticks:

Place 3 bowls on the counter. In the first bowl add the all purpose flour.

In the second bowl add the egg. Add 1 tablespoon of water and whisk the egg.

Pour the Italian breadcrumbs in the third bowl.

Unwrap the string cheese and cut each one in half.

Begin the breading process by taking a cheese stick and coating it in the flour, making sure it’s fully covered. This helps the egg mixture adhere better.

Dip the floured cheese stick into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s completely coated.

Finally, roll the cheese stick in the breadcrumb mixture until it’s thoroughly covered.

Place the coated cheese stick on a baking sheet lined with wax paper.

Repeat the process until all of the cheese sticks are coated.

Place the baking sheet in the freezer for one hour. You can’t skip this step or the cheese will melt too fast giving you cheese blobs.

Once the mozzarella sticks have been frozen for at least one hour place them in the bottom of the air fryer basket.

Spray them with cooking spray and cook at 390 degrees F. for 5 minutes. Flip the mozzarella sticks half way through the cooking time and spray the other side with cooking spray.

Let the mozzarella sticks cool slightly then serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Ingredients

4 part-skim mozzarella cheese sticks (I used Kroger brand)
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
1 egg (plus 1 tablespoon water)
1/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs
Cooking spray

Instructions

Place 3 bowls on the counter. In the first bowl add the all purpose flour. In the second bowl add the egg plus 1 tablespoon of water. Whisk the egg and water. Pour the Italian breadcrumbs in the third bowl.
Unwrap the mozzarella cheese and cut each one in half.
Place a cheese stick in the flour to coat. Dip the floured cheese stick into the beaten egg, then roll the cheese stick in the breadcrumb mixture.
Place the coated cheese stick on a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Repeat the process until all of the cheese sticks are coated.
Place the baking sheet in the freezer for one hour. Do not skip this step or the cheese will melt too fast.
Once the mozzarella sticks have been frozen for at least one hour place them in the bottom of the air fryer basket.
Spray the mozzarella sticks with cooking spray and cook at 390 degrees F. for 5 minutes. Flip the mozzarella sticks half way through the cooking time and spray the other side with cooking spray.
Let the mozzarella sticks cool slightly then serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Here are some more Weight Watchers friendly recipes:

Ham and Pickle Pinwheels

Creamy Taco Dip

Everything Bagel Cheese Ball

If you’re looking for some zero point recipes, check out my post 20 Zero Point Recipes or my post 20 (More) Zero Point Recipes. Both are filled with delicious recipes that won’t cost you a single point! They’re perfect for days when you’re running low on points, or trying to save up points for a night out.

If you’re looking for dessert recipes you can visit 50 Weight Watchers Freestyle Desserts. It’s filled with delicious desserts perfect for Weight Watchers!

Are you looking for a meal plan that’s Weight Watchers friendly? I have over 200 meal plans that you can choose from and I post a new one each week. Click here to check them out!