Name: Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 53 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut in half; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 eggs, beaten; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp salt; Cooking spray or olive oil spray; Marinara sauce, for dipping

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Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks are everything I want in a snack—crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and ready in minutes. They deliver all the cheesy goodness of the deep-fried version but with less mess, less oil, and a lot more convenience. Once I started making these at home, they quickly became a go-to appetizer or late-night treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it gives me that satisfying crunch without needing to deep-fry anything. The air fryer does all the work, and the result is just as good (if not better) than anything I’ve ordered from a restaurant. These mozzarella sticks are great for parties, game days, or even just when I want something indulgent but fast. Plus, I can prep them ahead and freeze a batch to cook later whenever the craving hits.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Mozzarella string cheese (cut in half)
All-purpose flour
Eggs
Panko breadcrumbs
Italian seasoning
Garlic powder
Salt
Cooking spray or olive oil spray
Marinara sauce (for dipping)

Directions

I start by cutting each mozzarella stick in half to make snack-size pieces.
I prepare a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a little salt.
I dip each cheese stick into the flour first, then the egg, and finally coat it thoroughly with the seasoned breadcrumbs.
For an extra crispy crust, I repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating one more time.
I place the breaded sticks on a baking sheet and freeze them for at least 30 minutes. This step helps prevent the cheese from melting too fast in the air fryer.
I preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
I arrange the frozen mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, spray them lightly with cooking spray, and cook for 6–8 minutes until golden brown and crisp. I keep an eye on them during the last couple of minutes so they don’t burst open.
I serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 mozzarella sticks (6 servings if I count 2 sticks per person). Prep takes around 15 minutes, plus 30 minutes of freezing, and they cook in just 6–8 minutes. It’s a quick, satisfying snack I can make with minimal effort.

Variations

I like to switch up the flavor by using different seasonings in the breadcrumb mix—sometimes I add smoked paprika or crushed red pepper flakes for heat. For a fun twist, I’ve even used pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella. If I want to make them gluten-free, I use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. And when I’m feeling extra indulgent, I serve them with ranch or garlic aioli instead of marinara.

Storage/Reheating

If I have leftovers (which doesn’t happen often), I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop them back in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes at 375°F until they’re crispy again. I can also freeze the breaded sticks before air frying for up to 2 months—just cook them straight from frozen when ready.

FAQs

Can I use block mozzarella instead of string cheese?

Yes, I can. I just cut the block into stick-sized pieces, making sure they’re similar in size to string cheese so they cook evenly.

Do I really need to freeze them before air frying?

Yes, freezing is key. It helps the cheese hold its shape and keeps it from oozing out before the breading gets crispy.

Can I double coat the sticks?

Definitely. I always double coat for extra crunch—it gives the best texture and helps the cheese stay sealed inside.

What’s the best dipping sauce?

Marinara is a classic, but I also love dipping them in ranch, spicy mayo, or garlic butter depending on my mood.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Yes, I bread the mozzarella sticks, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When I’m ready, I just air fry them straight from frozen.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks are one of my favorite snacks to keep in the freezer for anytime I need something cheesy and comforting. They’re quick, crunchy, and totally satisfying—plus way easier (and cleaner) than deep frying. Whether I’m making them for a party or just treating myself, they always hit the spot.

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks