Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside and with an extra kick: the spicy breaded mozzarella (not fried) is an irresistible treat, perfect to prepare in a few minutes! They are very easy to make and, in this version, also egg-free, so they turn out lighter but still super tasty. Cooking them in an air fryer makes them golden and crunchy without frying, but in the procedure you’ll also find all the instructions to bake them in the oven, so you can choose the solution you prefer. Alternatively, they can of course be fried.
The special touch? They are brushed with a very easy sweet-and-sour sauce that gives an irresistible contrast of flavors and makes them even more delicious and distinctive. Perfect as an appetizer, for drinks or as a snack different from the usual, one leads to another!
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- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Affordable
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Cooking time: 12 Minutes
- Portions: 10 pieces
- Cooking methods: Air fryer
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All seasons
Ingredients
- 14 oz mozzarella for pizza
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (00) (or rice flour for a gluten-free version)
- 2/3 cup water (about 150 ml)
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- as needed oil spray
- as needed breadcrumbs (also available in gluten-free version)
Tools
- Air fryer
Steps
To prepare the spicy breaded mozzarella (not fried), start by cutting the mozzarella block for pizza into slices about 3/8 inch thick, then cut each slice in half.
Prepare the batter by mixing the flour with the water, a pinch of salt and the paprika in a bowl until you obtain a smooth, lump-free mixture.
Dip each piece of mozzarella first in the batter, then in the breadcrumbs, pressing well so the coating adheres. Repeat the step a second time to obtain a double coating, essential to prevent the cheese from leaking during cooking.
Arrange the mozzarellas in the basket of the air fryer, slightly spaced apart, and spray a little oil on top. Cook at 356°F for about 10–12 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they are golden and crispy. Alternatively, bake in the oven at 392°F for about 15–20 minutes, until golden. As another option, you can also fry the breaded mozzarellas in a pan with plenty of hot vegetable oil, a few minutes per side, until golden.
Meanwhile, prepare the sauce: in a pan (off the heat) combine ketchup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey and a pinch of chili powder (optional). Turn the heat to medium-low and stir well. Separately, dissolve the cornstarch in a little water and pour it into the pan, continuing to stir for a couple of minutes until the sauce has slightly thickened.
Once ready, brush the breaded mozzarellas with the sweet-and-sour sauce and finish with a sprinkle of white sesame seeds. Serve immediately, hot and gooey. Enjoy!
Vale’s tips
Alternatives: you can replace the paprika with other spices or herbs; for a tastier version add Parmesan to the breadcrumbs; you can also use well-drained mozzarella bites.
Storage: consume just after cooking; alternatively they keep in the fridge for 1 day in an airtight container; you can prepare them raw and already breaded and keep them in the fridge for a few hours before cooking or freeze them.
Don’t miss the latest recipe 👉 pizzaiola burrito in the air fryer: so tasty and easy to make they’ll save your lunches and dinners!
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