Name: Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 12 mozzarella sticks; – 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; – 2 large eggs, beaten; – 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko); – 1/2 tsp garlic powder; – 1/2 tsp onion powder; – 1/2 tsp dried oregano; – 1/4 tsp salt; – 1/4 tsp pepper; – Cooking spray; – Marinara sauce for dipping (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re craving a cheesy snack that’s crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, then look no further than these Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks! These beauties come together in no time, and with the magic of the air fryer, you’ll get all the crispiness without the extra oil. Perfect for a quick appetizer or a movie-night treat, these mozzarella sticks are bound to become a go-to in your snack arsenal. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients; it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re indulging in a solo snack or sharing with friends, these mozzarella sticks are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile:

These mozzarella sticks are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even as a side dish. They’re great for any occasion, whether it’s a party, game day, or a casual night in.

Budget-Friendly:

With just a few simple ingredients, you can make these crispy mozzarella sticks at home without breaking the bank.

Quick and Easy:

No need for deep frying! The air fryer makes these mozzarella sticks crispy in just a few minutes, and there’s no messy oil to deal with.

Customizable:

Feel free to switch up the breadcrumbs with panko or add some spices to make them your own. The possibilities are endless!

Crowd-Pleasing:

Crispy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible—these mozzarella sticks will be a hit with everyone, from kids to adults.

Ingredients

These Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks are made with just a handful of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Mozzarella Cheese Sticks: The star of the show! Choose string cheese or block mozzarella, cut into sticks.
Flour: A light coating of flour helps the egg wash stick to the cheese.
Eggs: Used to create a binding layer for the breadcrumbs to stick to the cheese.
Breadcrumbs: For that crispy, golden texture. You can use regular breadcrumbs or panko for extra crunch.
Garlic Powder: A pinch of garlic powder adds a little savory kick to the coating.
Italian Seasoning: This brings a delicious herby flavor that perfectly complements the mozzarella.
Parmesan Cheese: A bit of grated Parmesan mixed into the breadcrumbs for an extra layer of flavor.
Olive Oil Spray: A light spritz of olive oil helps to achieve a golden and crispy finish in the air fryer.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create these crispy, cheesy mozzarella sticks:

Preheat Your Equipment:

Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the mozzarella sticks cook evenly and get that crispy exterior.

Prepare the Coating:

In one shallow bowl, place the flour. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs. In a third bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese.

Coat the Mozzarella:

Dip each mozzarella stick first into the flour, making sure it’s fully coated. Next, dip it into the beaten egg, followed by the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs onto the cheese to ensure it’s well coated. Repeat this process for all the mozzarella sticks.

Freeze the Mozzarella Sticks:

Place the coated mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes. This step is key to making sure the cheese doesn’t melt too quickly in the air fryer.

Air Fry to Perfection:

Once the mozzarella sticks are frozen, lightly spray them with olive oil. Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not touching. Air fry for 6-8 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the cheese is melty on the inside.

Finishing Touches:

Once done, remove the mozzarella sticks from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute or two. This helps the cheese set and makes them easier to eat.

Serve and Enjoy:

Serve these Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks hot with your favorite dipping sauces, like marinara or ranch. They’re best enjoyed fresh and crispy!

Nutrition Facts:

Servings: 4 servings (about 4 sticks per serving)
Calories per serving: 300

(Note: The full nutritional breakdown is available in the recipe card.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes (including freezing time)

How to Serve Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

These crispy mozzarella sticks are great on their own, but here are a few ideas to make them even better:

Pair with Dipping Sauces: Marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or even a tangy buffalo sauce are all fantastic choices.
Serve with a Salad: A fresh, light salad on the side can balance out the richness of the mozzarella sticks.
Make a Fun Platter: Arrange the mozzarella sticks with a variety of dipping sauces and other appetizers for a fun party platter.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

Don’t Skip the Freezing Step: Freezing the mozzarella sticks before cooking ensures that the cheese doesn’t melt out during cooking.
Double-Coat the Mozzarella: For extra crispiness, dip the cheese sticks in the egg and breadcrumbs twice.
Use Panko Breadcrumbs: If you want an even crispier texture, panko breadcrumbs are a great choice.
Try Different Cheeses: You can experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a unique twist.

FAQ’s

Can I use fresh mozzarella?
Yes! Just make sure to freeze the fresh mozzarella first to help it hold its shape when cooking.
Do I have to freeze the mozzarella sticks?
Yes! Freezing them is crucial to prevent the cheese from leaking out while cooking.
Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
Yes, but panko gives a lighter, crispier texture that works really well in the air fryer.
How can I make these spicier?
Add some red pepper flakes to the breadcrumbs or serve with spicy dipping sauces for an extra kick.
Can I bake these instead of air fry?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy.
What dipping sauces go best with mozzarella sticks?
Marinara sauce, ranch, or buffalo sauce are all classic choices, but you can get creative with different flavors!
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the mozzarella sticks and freeze them. Just air fry them when you’re ready to eat!
How long do leftovers last?
Store any leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer to bring back the crispiness.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Try using provolone, cheddar, or even pepper jack for a different flavor.
Do I need to spray the mozzarella sticks with oil?
Yes! A light spray of oil helps them get golden and crispy in the air fryer.

Conclusion

These Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks are the ultimate snack or appetizer—crispy on the outside, gooey and cheesy on the inside. They’re easy to make, customizable, and will have everyone begging for the recipe. Grab your mozzarella, fire up the air fryer, and let the cheesy goodness begin!

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks