Name: Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz mozzarella cheese sticks; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; Salt and pepper, to taste; Cooking spray; Marinara sauce, for dipping (optional)

Introduction

Mozzarella sticks are a beloved snack known for their crispy exterior and gooey, melty cheese inside. This recipe shows you how to make ultimate air fryer mozzarella sticks, a healthier twist that delivers maximum crunch and flavor without deep frying. Perfect for parties, game nights, or a tasty snack any time.

The image shows a white plate with a stack of golden-brown mozzarella sticks on it. Each mozzarella stick has a crispy, textured breadcrumb coating that looks crunchy and slightly uneven. The sticks are arranged in a small pile, with one mozzarella stick broken, revealing melted white cheese stretching out from inside. In the background, there is a small white bowl filled with bright red marinara sauce, smooth and thick in texture. The whole setup is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Instructions

Step 1: Cut each mozzarella stick in half if you prefer shorter sticks. Place them on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then freeze for at least 30 minutes to help maintain their shape while cooking.

Step 2: Prepare three shallow bowls for breading: season the flour with salt and pepper in the first bowl; beat the eggs in the second; and mix panko breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt in the third.

Step 3: Coat each frozen mozzarella stick by first rolling it in the flour, shaking off excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, letting any extra drip off. Finally, press it into the breadcrumb mixture to coat evenly. Repeat for all sticks.

Step 4: Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Arrange the coated mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch. Cook in batches if necessary.

Step 6: Air fry the sticks for 6-8 minutes, flipping them halfway through (around 4 minutes) until they are golden brown and crispy.

Step 7: Remove carefully and let cool for a minute. Serve warm with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips & Variations

Freeze mozzarella sticks thoroughly to prevent cheese from leaking during cooking.

Double bread the sticks by repeating the egg and breadcrumb coating for extra crunch.

Try seasoned panko or add a pinch of paprika or cayenne for a spicy kick in the breadcrumb mix.

Experiment with different dips like ranch, spicy aioli, or garlic butter for variety.

For a lower-fat option, use part-skim mozzarella sticks.

FAQs

Can I use frozen mozzarella sticks without breading?

Yes, you can air fry pre-breaded frozen mozzarella sticks, but homemade breaded sticks offer better flavor and texture customization. If using store-bought frozen sticks, follow package instructions for best results.

Why do my mozzarella sticks leak cheese?

The key to preventing this is freezing the sticks before cooking and ensuring a thorough, even breading. Freezing firms up the cheese, reducing the chance it will melt and escape before the breading crisps up.