Ingredients:

  • 6 pieces low-moisture part-skim string cheese, halved crosswise
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp water
  • Olive oil spray

Instructions:

  1. Peel the wrappers off the string cheese and cut each stick in half crosswise to create 12 even pieces.
  2. Prepare the dredging station with three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with the eggs whisked together with 1 tablespoon of water, and one with Panko breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt.
  3. Roll a cheese stick in the flour and shake off the excess. Dip the stick into the egg wash, then coat thoroughly in the seasoned panko.
  4. For a reinforced crust, dip the stick back into the egg wash and then into the panko for a second time. Repeat for all 12 sticks.
  5. Place the breaded sticks on a plate and freeze for 30 minutes. Do not skip this step or the cheese will melt before the crust browns.
  6. Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F). Spray the frozen sticks generously with olive oil spray.
  7. Air fry for 6 minutes until the exterior is golden and a tiny bead of cheese just starts to peek out.