Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks are a must-try for anyone looking to indulge in a comforting snack that’s surprisingly easy to make.
We coat string cheese with seasoned flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs and air-frying them until golden and crispy.
Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe Highlights
- Quick & Easy Preparation
- Crispy & Golden Perfection
- Kid-Friendly
- Party-Perfect
- Customizable Flavor
Ingredient Notes
Please check the recipe card below for a detailed, printable ingredient list.
MOZZARELLA STICKS - These air-fried mozzarella sticks provide a gooey, melty center that contrasts beautifully with the crispy exterior. You can substitute string cheese cut into smaller pieces for premade Mozzarella sticks or a block of Mozzarella cheese into sticks for this recipe.
PANKO BREADCRUMBS - Panko breadcrumbs create a crunchy coating due to their larger, flakier texture than regular breadcrumbs. Regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers can be used instead of Panko for a slightly different texture.
FLOUR - The all-purpose flour helps the egg stick to the Mozzarella sticks, creating a base for the breadcrumb coating. Gluten-free flour or almond flour can be used as a gluten-free alternative.
COOKING SPRAY - Used to lightly coat the Mozzarella sticks before air frying, this helps the frozen sticks achieve a golden-brown, crispy exterior without excess oil. Olive oil or melted butter can be brushed onto the Mozzarella sticks for a richer flavor.
SEASONING - We use a combination of onion powder, garlic powder, Italian Seasoning, salt, and pepper. These spices complement the cheese and breadcrumbs. For a twist, try adding smoked paprika or dried herbs like basil and oregano.
EGGS - Beaten eggs act as a binder, helping the breadcrumb mixture stick to the Mozzarella sticks. If you are out of eggs, you can use water.
How To Make Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Please check the printable recipe card below for more detailed instructions.
- Set up three bowls for your breading: flour, beaten eggs, and seasoned Panko breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each Mozzarella stick in flour, dip in egg, then coat with breadcrumbs. Repeat for a double coat.
- Freeze the coated sticks for at least 45 minutes to ensure the cheese doesn’t ooze out during cooking.
- Air fry the frozen sticks at 400° Fahrenheit for 7-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Serving Suggestions
DIPPING SAUCES - Offer a variety of sauces such as marinara, ranch, or honey mustard for dipping pleasure.
VEGETABLE PLATTER - Serve alongside fresh-cut vegetables for a balanced snack option.
BEVERAGES - Pair with cold iced tea, lemonade, or your favorite beer for a complete snacking experience.
Planning and Leftovers
STORE - To store leftover Mozzarella sticks, allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. You can refrigerate them for up to 3-4 days or freeze them for up to 1 month.
FREEZE - lay any uncooked or cooked sticks on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to one month.
REHEAT - To reheat, preheat your air fryer to 350° Fahrenheit and air fry the frozen Mozzarella sticks for 5-7 minutes or until heated through and crispy.
REHEAT - To get back their crispiness air fry at 350°Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes or until thoroughly heated and crispy.
Recipe Success Tips
BREADING - Add grated Parmesan cheese or finely chopped fresh herbs to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.
SEASONING - Experiment with different seasonings, such as Cajun seasoning or lemon pepper.
If the Mozzarella sticks start to leak cheese during cooking, remove them from the air fryer immediately to prevent a mess.
OPTION - For a fun twist, try making mini Mozzarella sticks by cutting the cheese into smaller pieces before breading and air frying.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought instead of homemade Mozzarella sticks?
Yes, you can use store-bought instead of homemade Mozzarella sticks. Be sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package.
Can I bake the Mozzarella sticks instead of using an air fryer?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400° Fahrenheit and then bake your frozen Mozzarella sticks for about 10-15 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
How do I prevent the cheese from oozing out during cooking?
Make sure the Mozzarella Sticks are well coated with breadcrumbs and fully frozen before air frying. This helps prevent the cheese from oozing or melting too quickly.
Can I use different cheeses for this recipe?
While Mozzarella is traditional, you can experiment with cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack.
More Easy and Delicious Air Fryer Recipes
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Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients
- 12 sticks string cheese Mozzarella
- 2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 large eggs beaten
Instructions
- Set up three separate bowls for the breading station. The first bowl should contain all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, add beaten eggs. In the third bowl, mix Panko breadcrumbs with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Dredge a string cheese in the flour until fully coated. Transfer the coated stick to the bowl with beaten eggs. Make sure each piece is fully coated. Transfer the stick to the bowl with the Panko mixture.
- Use your hand to evenly coat the stick with breadcrumbs. Repeat this process twice for each Mozzarella stick for a thicker crust.
- Place the breaded Mozzarella sticks on a pan lined with parchment paper. Freeze for at least 45 minutes or overnight. This step ensures the breading adheres better and prevents the cheese from melting too quickly during cooking.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400° Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes.
- Remove the Mozzarella sticks from the freezer and lightly spray them with cooking spray. Arrange the sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch.
- Air fry at 400° Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside and the cheese inside is melted.
- Carefully remove the Mozzarella sticks from the air fryer. Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.