Go Back
This easy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks recipe uses simple ingredients. You will need just a few items to create this tasty snack. - 12 string cheese sticks - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs, beaten - 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch) - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - ½ teaspoon garlic powder - ½ teaspoon salt - Cooking spray Each ingredient plays a key role in making your mozzarella sticks crispy and flavorful. For this recipe, I recommend using string cheese. It melts well and is easy to handle. You can also try other cheeses like cheddar or gouda. However, remember that they may melt differently than mozzarella. Stick with mozzarella for the classic taste. Start with 12 string cheese sticks. Cut each stick in half to make shorter pieces. This helps them cook evenly and makes them easier to dip. Next, set up a dredging station. You will need three shallow bowls: - Flour: Place 1 cup of all-purpose flour in the first bowl. - Eggs: Beat 2 large eggs in the second bowl. - Breadcrumbs: In the third bowl, mix 1 cup of breadcrumbs with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Now, it’s time to coat the cheese sticks. 1. First, dip each cheese stick in the flour, shaking off any extra. 2. Then, dip it in the beaten eggs, covering it well. 3. Roll it in the breadcrumb mix, pressing lightly to stick the crumbs. Once all sticks are coated, lay them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze them for 30 minutes. This step helps them hold their shape while cooking. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the frozen mozzarella sticks in a single layer. Make sure they do not touch. You may need to cook in batches. Cook the sticks for 6-8 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even cooking. They should turn golden brown and crispy. Once done, remove them carefully and serve with marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy your delicious air fryer mozzarella sticks! To get the best crunch on your mozzarella sticks, freeze them before cooking. The cold helps keep the cheese from melting too fast. I usually freeze them for about 30 minutes. This way, they stay firm while the coating gets nice and crispy. Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch. They make a big difference! One common mistake is overcrowding the air fryer. If you place too many sticks at once, they won’t cook evenly. Always leave space between them. Another mistake is skipping the freeze. This can lead to melted cheese oozing out during cooking. Make sure to coat the sticks well, too; this helps hold everything together. Serve these mozzarella sticks hot for the best taste. Marinara sauce is a classic choice, but you can get creative! Try ranch dressing or spicy aioli for a twist. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for color. This makes your dish look even more inviting! For a fun snack tray, pair the sticks with veggies or pepperoni. {{image_2}} You can spice up your mozzarella sticks easily. Try adding a pinch of cayenne for heat. If you like herbs, mix in dried oregano or basil. These flavors blend well with cheese. For a twist, add a bit of paprika for smokiness. Don’t be shy to experiment! You can even add crushed red pepper flakes for a kick. Just remember, start small and taste as you go. If you need gluten-free mozzarella sticks, swap the flour and breadcrumbs. Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs instead. Both are easy to find in stores. You can also use crushed rice cereal for a crunchy coating. This option keeps your dish tasty and safe for gluten-sensitive friends. Just follow the same steps in the recipe, and you are good to go! While mozzarella is classic, you can try other cheeses too. Cheddar, pepper jack, or gouda all work well. Each cheese gives a different taste and texture. For a fun mix, use a combination of cheeses. Just keep the same coating method from the recipe. Get creative and see what you like best! After making air fryer mozzarella sticks, let them cool first. Place any leftovers in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want them to stay fresh longer, consider freezing them. To reheat mozzarella sticks, use the air fryer for best results. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the sticks in a single layer and cook for about 3-5 minutes. This method keeps them crispy and warm. You can also use a microwave, but they won’t be as crunchy. You can freeze uncooked mozzarella sticks for later use. After coating them, lay them on a baking sheet. Make sure they don’t touch. Freeze for about 30 minutes until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to cook, you can air fry them straight from the freezer. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time. Yes, you can use regular mozzarella. Cut it into sticks. Make sure the pieces are thick enough to hold their shape. String cheese has a nice, stretchy texture. Regular mozzarella may not stretch as much when melted. Experiment with both to see which you like better. Cook mozzarella sticks for 6 to 8 minutes at 390°F (200°C). Halfway through, flip them for even cooking. Watch for a golden-brown color. This shows they’re crispy and ready to eat. Cooking times may vary by air fryer, so check often. If your mozzarella sticks aren’t crispy, try a few tips. First, make sure to freeze them before cooking. This helps them keep their shape. Second, check the oil spray on the basket. A light spray can help them crisp up. Lastly, avoid overcrowding the basket. Cook in batches if needed. You learned how to make great cheese sticks with this guide. We covered ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips for the best results. Remember to try different cheese and add fun spices. Store leftovers well, and you can enjoy them later. Air frying can give you crispy cheese sticks every time. With these tips, you can avoid common mistakes and impress anyone. Now, gather your ingredients and start cooking! Enjoy the delicious cheese goodness.

Easy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Craving a delicious snack? Try these easy air fryer mozzarella sticks for the ultimate cheesy treat! Made with simple ingredients like string cheese, breadcrumbs, and a hint of Italian seasoning, these crispy bites are a crowd-pleaser. Ready in just 50 minutes, they're perfect for parties or movie nights.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

12 string cheese sticks

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs, beaten

1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon salt

Cooking spray

Instructions
 

Begin by cutting each mozzarella string cheese stick in half to create shorter sticks.

    Set up a dredging station: place the flour in one shallow bowl, the beaten eggs in another, and mix the breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt in a third bowl.

      Coat each mozzarella stick first in the flour, shaking off any excess.

        Dip the floured stick into the beaten eggs, ensuring it's fully coated.

          Roll the cheese stick in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs well.

            Once all sticks are coated, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze them for 30 minutes to help them hold their shape while cooking.

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

                Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.

                  Arrange the frozen mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. You may need to do this in batches.

                    Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

                      Once done, carefully remove from the air fryer and serve immediately with marinara sauce for dipping.

                        Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6 (2 sticks each)