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Air Fryer Olive Garden Fried Mozzarella

Name: Air Fryer Olive Garden Fried Mozzarella
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 58 min
Ingredients: 16 ounces mozzarella cheese (whole); 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup water; 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs; 1 teaspoon garlic salt; 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning

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You will love this air-fried version if you love Olive Garden’s fried mozzarella appetizer. With this copycat recipe, you can make it right in your air fryer!

This is my air fryer version of Olive Garden Fried Mozzarella.

If you love Olive Garden’s fried mozzarella appetizer, you will love this air-fried version. You can make this copycat recipe right in your air fryer. This is my version of Air Fryer Olive Garden Fried Mozzarella.

The menu selection is simply a mozzarella piece coated with panko breadcrumbs and deep-fried if you are familiar with them. Today, I made the same recipe but used my air fryer. These mozzarella bites were so light and flavorful.

Air fryers and mozzarella sticks are an experience everyone has, and if you love Olive Garden as much as my family does, this is a MUST-TRY recipe for your next air fryer adventure.

If you are looking for even more appetizers, some of my favorites are Air Fryer Loaded Potato Skins, Air Fryer Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms, or even a batch of Air Fryer Zucchini Chips.

Olive Garden Fried Mozzarella

At Olive Garden, Fried Mozzarella is a beloved appetizer combining a crispy exterior with warm, gooey cheese. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch followed by melted mozzarella’s rich, creamy flavor. Served with marinara sauce for dipping, it’s a delightful starter that never fails to please the taste buds, making it a favorite choice for sharing or enjoying as a delicious snack.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Olive Garden Fried Mozzarella

Indulge in the crispy perfection of Olive Garden-inspired fried mozzarella, made effortlessly in the air fryer. This dish combines classic flavors with modern convenience.

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

Fresh Mozzarella Cheese: Use your favorite brand of fresh mozzarella cheese.
Eggs: These are used to create a binding layer to help the breading stick to the cheese.
Italian-Style Breadcrumbs: Adding a flavorful crunch to the outer layer of the mozzarella sticks.
Garlic Salt or Garlic Powder: Infuse each bite with a hint of savory garlic flavor.
Italian Seasoning: For added flavor.
Marinara sauce: Perfect for dipping, providing a tangy contrast to the cheesy richness.
Olive Oil Spray or Parchment Paper

How To Make Fried Mozzarella Olive Garden In Air Fryer

To make Fried Mozzarella Olive Garden style in the air fryer, follow these simple steps:

Spray a baking sheet with olive oil spray. Cut your mozzarella into about 1-inch pieces. In a small mixing bowl, beat the eggs and water.

Mix the Italian breadcrumbs, garlic salt, and Italian seasoning in another small bowl. Dip your mozzarella slices into the egg mixture and the breadcrumb mixture.

As you coat the mozzarella slices, place them on the baking sheet. Place the baking sheet into the freezer for about 30 minutes. Then, bread again with the egg mixture and the bread crumb mixture. Freeze them for another 30 minutes.

Spray your air fryer basket with olive oil or line the bottom of the air fryer with parchment paper.

Set the breaded mozzarella into the air fryer for 6-8 minutes at 390 degrees F, air fryer setting. Spray the breading with olive oil, which will help them crisp up.

Pro Tips For Making Fried Mozzarella Olive Garden

Freeze the Mozzarella: Before breading, freeze the mozzarella sticks for about 30 minutes to firm them up. This helps prevent them from melting too quickly in the air fryer, resulting in a gooey center and crispy exterior.
Double Coating: For an extra crunchy coating, double coat the mozzarella sticks by dipping them in egg and breadcrumbs twice before air frying.
Panko Breadcrumbs: For an even crispier texture, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. Panko creates a lighter and crunchier coating.
Spray with Cooking Oil: Lightly spray the breaded mozzarella sticks with cooking oil before air frying. This helps achieve a golden brown color and crispiness without using excessive oil.
To avoid Overcrowding, Arrange the mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch each other. Overcrowding can result in uneven cooking and soggy breading.
Monitor Closely: Keep an eye on the mozzarella sticks as they cook in the air fryer, as cooking times may vary depending on the size and brand of your air fryer. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they are cooked to perfection.
Serve Immediately: Fried mozzarella is best enjoyed hot and fresh from the air fryer. Serve immediately with marinara sauce for dipping to preserve the crispy texture.

Following these pro tips, you can recreate the delicious fried mozzarella olive garden style with ease and perfection in your air fryer.

Faq’s

What kind of cheese does Olive Garden use for their fried mozzarella? Olive Garden typically uses mozzarella cheese for their fried mozzarella sticks. These sticks are made from real mozzarella cheese, which melts beautifully when fried.

Can I make Fried Mozzarella Olive Garden style in an air fryer? Yes, you can! Using an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep frying, resulting in crispy and delicious fried mozzarella sticks. Follow our easy recipe and tips for the best results.

How do I prevent the cheese from oozing out while frying? Freezing the mozzarella sticks before breading and ensuring the air fryer is preheated can help. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.

What is the best dipping sauce for fried mozzarella sticks, Olive Garden style? Marinara sauce is the classic dipping sauce. However, for a unique twist, you can also try other sauces like ranch, garlic aioli, or spicy marinara.

Can I make fried mozzarella sticks ahead of time? While fried mozzarella sticks are best enjoyed fresh and hot, you can prepare and freeze them before frying. When ready to serve, simply air fry them until heated through and crispy.

Can I bake fried mozzarella instead of frying it? Yes, you can bake fried mozzarella sticks in the oven instead of frying them. Follow the same breading process and bake them in a preheated oven until golden brown and crispy.

Are fried mozzarella sticks gluten-free? Traditional fried mozzarella sticks are not gluten-free, as they are coated in breadcrumbs containing gluten. However, you can make gluten-free versions using gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for coating.

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