Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks They’re crispy on the outside, melty in the middle, and perfect for dipping (no fryer required). Pair it with homemade marinara sauce or creamy ranch dressing for a bite you won’t be able to resist.

Holly’s Recipe Highlights: Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Flavor: Crispy, golden breading with tasty crunchy garlic on the outside and soft, warm, springy mozzarella, perfectly salty and melty on the inside.
Why do it: This recipe is easy to make with string cheese and a handful of pantry ingredients. They are easy to make ahead and only take a few minutes to cook!
Technique: Freezing mozzarella sticks before frying is the key step that keeps the cheese locked inside so it melts perfectly without spilling out during cooking.
Service Suggestions: I love serving them hot and melted with marinara sauce for dipping, creamy ranch sauce, spicy pizza sauce, or a rich garlic aioli for an extra touch of flavor.

Total time: 1 hour (only 20 practical minutes!) Portions: 16 mozzarella sticks Cooking method: air fryer

Ingredient Notes for Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

panko, eggs, breadcrumbs, oil, garlic powder, flour, string cheese with labels to make Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Mozzarella cheese strips: Cheese threads (any flavor works) are the easiest option because they are already perfectly portioned and hold their shape well when cooked; Simply cut each one in half for small, party-ready pieces.
Eggs: The eggs act as a binding layer that helps the flour and breadcrumb layer adhere to the cheese. Beating them with a little water helps create a smooth, even layer for crisp results.
Breadcrumbs: The seasoned breadcrumbs provide the main savory flavor to the topping. Panko breadcrumbs add extra lightness and give the mozzarella sticks a crispy, airy texture when air fried.

Favorite variations

Italian style: Use Italian breadcrumbs and add a pinch of dried oregano or basil.
Seasoned: Mix in taco seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or add a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.
Extra cheese topping: Add finely grated parmesan to the breadcrumbs.

How to Make Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

add beaten egg with flour and breadcrumbs to make Air Fryer mozzarella sticks

Cut the mozzarella sticks in half and prepare three bowls with the egg, seasoned flour and breadcrumb mixture.

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Coated with Panko and Breadcrumbs

Dip each cheese stick in egg, then flour, then egg again, then breadcrumbs.

add Air Fryer mozzarella sticks to the air fryer

Freeze. Air fry in a single layer (full recipe below).

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks in the Air Fryer

Serve with your favorite sauce.

Use frozen mozzarella sticks

Skip the prep work and use store-bought frozen mozzarella sticks. They It will cook for about 5-7 minutes at 390°F.

Double dip: Dip the cheese sticks into the egg mixture twice for a better seal and crunch (see recipe below).
Don’t skip freezing: Freeze the breaded cheese sticks for at least 30 minutes so the coating can harden before cooking and helps keep everything intact during cooking.
Don’t skip preheating: Preheat the air fryer because the quick burst of heat helps the coating crisp up.
Check early: Check for around 4 minutes as air fryers may cook differently.
Don’t overcook: Take them out as soon as the cheese begins to bubble through the coating.

top view of mozzarella sticks baked in Air Fryer on a tray with marinara

Saving the crisis

Leftovers: Keep cooked mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 minutes or until crispy and heated through.
To advance: Prepare and then freeze the breaded raw mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer them to a freezer bag or freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 6 months. Cook from frozen when ready to serve!
Service: It is best to serve them immediately. The coating softens as they set, but the air fryer returns the crunch better than the microwave.

More Crispy Air Fryer Snacks

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image from Everyday Comfort cookbook by Holly Nilsson of Spend With Pennies plus text

Portions 16 Mozzarella sticks

Preparation time 10 minutes

Cooking time 10 minutes

Freeze time 40 minutes

Total Time 1 hour

Cut the mozzarella sticks in half.
Beat the eggs with 1 tablespoon of water. In a separate bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Panko breadcrumbs, vegetable oil, and garlic powder. Place the flour in a third bowl and season with salt and pepper.
Dip each mozzarella stick into the eggs and then into the flour mixture. Dip it back into the eggs and finally into the breadcrumb mixture.
Place on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes (or up to 6 months).
Preheat air fryer to 390°F.
Generously spray the mozzarella sticks with oil or cooking spray. Place in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes or until crispy.
Serve immediately.

No fryer? No problem! They can be baked in a preheated 400°F oven for 9 to 11 minutes.
These are frozen before cooking to allow the crumbs to brown without the cheese melting.
make sure preheat the fryer and keep in mind that fryers may vary. Check them early at about 4 minutes. Once you see the cheese starting to bubble, they are ready.
Purchased frozen mozzarella sticks It will cook for approximately 5 to 7 minutes at 390°F.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Or go ahead and freeze for up to 6 months and cook in the air fryer.

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary depending on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Appetizer, Party Food, Snack

Kitchen American

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Recipe Adapted from this cheese sticks recipe originally published in 2013.