These crispy potato cheese sticks are golden on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside. They’re perfect as a snack, appetizer, or party food.
Ingredients
- 2 large potatoes (about 500 g), peeled and cubed
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- ½ cup (60 g) cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
For Coating
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crispiness)
- 1 egg, beaten
- Oil for deep frying (or cooking spray for air frying)
Instructions
1. Cook the Potatoes
- Boil the potatoes in salted water for 15–20 minutes until fork-tender.
- Drain well and let them sit for 5 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Mash until completely smooth.
2. Make the Dough
- Mix the mashed potatoes with mozzarella, Parmesan, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and parsley.
- Stir until a soft, workable dough forms.
3. Shape the Sticks
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture.
- Roll into sticks about 3–4 inches (8–10 cm) long.
- Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to firm up.
4. Coat
- Dip each stick into the beaten egg.
- Roll in the breadcrumbs until evenly coated.
5. Cook
Deep Fry
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry in batches for 3–4 minutes until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels.
Air Fryer
- Preheat to 390°F (200°C).
- Lightly spray the sticks with oil.
- Air fry for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway through, until crispy and golden.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with:
- Marinara sauce
- Garlic aioli
- Ranch dressing
- Spicy mayo
- Ketchup
Tips
- Dry the potatoes well after boiling to prevent a soggy dough.
- Chilling before cooking helps the sticks keep their shape.
- Freeze uncooked sticks for up to 2 months. Cook directly from frozen, adding 2–3 extra minutes to the cooking time.
- For an extra cheesy center, place a small cube of mozzarella inside each stick before shaping.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes (air fryer) or 4 minutes (deep fry)
Total Time: About 50 minutes
Servings: 4–6