Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by slicing each chicken breast into four thin, flat pieces. You can butterfly the breast first and then cut again to get the right shape. The goal is to have chicken slices that are thin enough to wrap around a mozzarella stick but not so thin that they tear.

Step 2: Pound and Season

Place the chicken slices between two sheets of parchment or plastic wrap and pound them gently with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they’re about ¼ inch thick. Season both sides of the chicken slices with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Step 3: Wrap the Cheese

Take half of a mozzarella stick and place it at one end of a chicken strip. Roll the chicken tightly around the cheese, securing it like a snug blanket. Use a toothpick if necessary to hold the chicken in place. Repeat with all the chicken and mozzarella pieces.

Step 4: Set Up a Breading Station

In three shallow bowls, prepare your breading assembly line:

• Bowl 1: Flour

• Bowl 2: Beaten eggs

• Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika

Step 5: Coat Each Stick

Dip each chicken-wrapped mozzarella stick first in flour (shake off excess), then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat in the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture. Make sure it’s fully covered to help seal in the cheese.

Step 6: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes. This ensures your chicken mozzarella sticks start cooking evenly and get crispy right from the beginning.

Step 7: Spray and Arrange

Lightly spray the breaded sticks with olive oil spray. Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not touching. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.

Step 8: Air Fry to Perfection

Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’re looking for a golden brown crust and fully cooked chicken. Some cheese may start to ooze out, and that’s totally fine—it means they’re perfectly melty inside.

Step 9: Cool Slightly and Serve

Let them rest for a minute or two before serving. This helps the cheese settle just a bit and prevents burning your mouth on the first bite. Serve with warm marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or your favorite dip.