An easy recipe for gluten-free mozzarella sticks. These crisp and crunchy fried mozzarella cheese sticks are a favorite gluten-free appetizer. These gluten-free mozzarella sticks can be fried, air-fried, or baked. The recipe also includes a how-to video!
1 1/2cupsplain gluten-free Panko breadcrumbs or plain gluten-free bredcrumbsI used 4C gluten-free Panko breadcrumbs.
3teaspoonsItalian seasoning
1/4teaspoongarlic powder
1/3cupgrated parmesan cheeseFor dairy-free use Follow Your Heart dairy-free grated Parmesan cheese.
¼teaspoontable salt
2largeeggs
1/4cupall-purpose gluten-free flour
1/4cupcorn starch
6mozzarella string cheese sticks I used Great Value (Walmart's brand). For dairy-free use Miyokos Cashew Milk Mozzarella and slice into small pieces.
Vegetable oil for fryingI like peanut oil for frying. Canola or corn oil will work as well.
Instructions
To Bread
Place the gluten-free crumbs in a plastic storage bag. Crush the gluten-free breadcrumbs using a rolling pin until you have fine crumbs.
Add the crushed gluten-free breadcrumbs into a shallow dish. Add the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and grated Parmesan cheese and stir to fully combine the ingredients.
Whisk the eggs together in a shallow dish.
Add the gluten-free all-purpose flour and cornstarch to a shallow bowl and stir to fully combine.
Cut the mozzarella cheese sticks in half.
Dip and roll the mozzarella cheese sticks, one at a time, in the gluten-free flour mixture. Shake off any of the excess gluten-free flour mixture.
Then dip the mozzarella cheese sticks in the whisked egg and let any excess drip off.
The, dip the mozzarella cheese sticks in the gluten-free breadcrumb crumb mixture, making sure the entire cheese stick is coated with the breadcrumb.
Repeat the 3 steps (dip in gluten-free flour mixture, whisked egg, and gluten-free breadcrumb mixture) to make a second coating.
Place the breaded mozzarella cheese sticks on a small baking sheet lined with parchment paper and transfer to the freezer to chill for at least one hour.
To Fry
About 5 minutes before the mozzarella sticks are finished chilling, fill a medium-sized saucepan 3-inch deep with vegetable oil, about 3 cups.
Heat the oil over medium heat until you reach a temperature of 350F.
Fry the breaded mozzarella sticks, 2 at a time, until golden brown (about 1 minute). Place the fried mozzarella sticks on a paper towel-lined plate to cool.
Enjoy the gluten-free mozzarella sticks while warm dipped in warmed gluten-free marinara sauce.
Store leftovers in an air-tight container and refrigerate.
Video
Notes
Instructions for baking: Preheat oven to 415°F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with gluten-free cooking spray. Place the breaded cheese sticks on the prepared baking sheet at least an 1-inch apart. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until they are beginning to turn light golden brown.
Instructions for air fryer: Heat the air fryer to 390°F. Spray the basket of your air fryer with gluten-free cooking spray. Place the breaded cheese sticks in the fryer and spray them lightly with the gluten-free cooking spray. Cook for 6-8 minutes, tossing halfway through, until they are crispy and light golden brown.
For the dairy-free option: Use Miyokos Cashew Milk Mozzarella and slice into small pieces and use Follow Your Heart dairy-free grated Parmesan.
Store leftovers in an air-tight container and refrigerate.
Reheat leftovers in the microwave for 10 seconds. Please watch the stick because all microwaves are different.
Mama says, "Make sure to always check your labels!"