high-protein cottage cheese sticks

Ingredients (makes 8–10 sticks)

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

Tips & Tricks

• 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.