high-protein cottage cheese sticks

Crunchy, high-protein cottage cheese sticks made in the air fryer—perfect as a snack or appetizer.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cottage cheese (paneer or thick ricotta works too)
• 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup oats (or breadcrumbs for crunchier texture)
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 2–3 tablespoons flour (for dusting)
• Cooking spray or oil for air fryer

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mash cottage cheese slightly.
2. Add mozzarella, Parmesan, oats, egg, garlic powder, paprika, pepper, and salt.
3. Mix well until it forms a slightly sticky dough.
4. Dust your hands with a little flour.
5. Take a portion of the mixture and shape into sticks (like finger-sized logs).
6. Roll each stick lightly in oats or breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
7. Preheat the air fryer to 180°C / 350°F for 3–5 minutes.
8. Place the sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
9. Spray lightly with cooking oil.
10. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crisp.
11. Let the sticks cool for 2 minutes.
12. Serve with ketchup, yogurt dip, or your favorite sauce.

Notes

Use thick cottage cheese or paneer for better shape retention. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket, or they won’t cook evenly. You can freeze the shaped sticks and cook later directly in the air fryer.