Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Air fryer mozzarella sticks are a crispy, cheesy snack that’s perfect for game day, parties, or satisfying late-night cravings. With a crunchy golden coating on the outside and gooey melted cheese on the inside, they’re everything you love about this classic appetizer—made lighter in the air fryer instead of deep-fried.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These mozzarella sticks are easy to make, kid-friendly, and cook up in just minutes. Using the air fryer means less oil and less mess, but you still get that irresistible crunch. They can be made ahead of time and frozen, so you’ll always have a quick snack ready to go. Serve them with marinara sauce, ranch, or your favorite dip for the ultimate treat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Mozzarella string cheese sticks

• All-purpose flour

• Eggs, beaten

• Italian-style breadcrumbs (or plain breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning)

• Panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)

• Garlic powder

• Paprika

• Salt and pepper

• Cooking spray

Directions

1. Cut mozzarella sticks in half for smaller portions, if desired.

2. Prepare a breading station: one bowl with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with panko, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

3. Roll each cheese stick in flour, dip in egg, then coat with breadcrumbs. For best results, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating for a double layer.

4. Place coated sticks on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for at least 1 hour (this prevents cheese from leaking).

5. Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C).

6. Spray mozzarella sticks lightly with cooking spray and arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

7. Cook for 6–8 minutes until golden and crispy.

8. Serve immediately with marinara sauce or your favorite dip.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 mozzarella sticks.
Prep time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour freeze time)
Cook time: 7 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 22 minutes

Variations

• Use pepper jack or cheddar cheese sticks for a twist.

• Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the breadcrumb mix for a spicy version.

• Swap breadcrumbs for crushed pretzels or cornflakes for a different crunch.

• Make them gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.

• Add parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb coating for extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover mozzarella sticks in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3–4 minutes until crispy again. You can also freeze uncooked breaded mozzarella sticks for up to 2 months and air fry straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

FAQs

Do I need to freeze mozzarella sticks before air frying?

Yes, freezing helps prevent the cheese from oozing out during cooking.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, bread the mozzarella sticks and keep them frozen until ready to air fry.

Can I use fresh mozzarella?

Fresh mozzarella is too wet—string cheese works best for this recipe.

What dipping sauces go well with mozzarella sticks?

Classic marinara, ranch, garlic aioli, or spicy sriracha mayo are all great options.

Can I bake mozzarella sticks instead?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes until golden and crispy.

How do I keep mozzarella sticks from bursting open?

Double-coating them and freezing well before cooking helps keep the cheese inside.

Do I need to spray them with oil?

A light spray ensures even browning and crispiness in the air fryer.

Can I use seasoned breadcrumbs only?

Yes, but combining them with panko gives extra crunch.

How long do they stay crispy?

They’re best served immediately but can be reheated in the air fryer to regain crispiness.

Conclusion

Air fryer mozzarella sticks are the ultimate cheesy, crunchy appetizer made lighter without deep frying. Easy to prepare, freezer-friendly, and customizable, they’re perfect for parties, family gatherings, or anytime you want a quick snack. Once you try them in the air fryer, you’ll never want to go back to the frozen store-bought version.

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