Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks are crispy on the outside, melty in the middle, and perfect for dipping (no deep fryer required). Pair with homemade marinara sauce or a creamy ranch dressing for a bite you can’t resist.

Holly’s Recipe Highlights: Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Flavor: Crispy, golden breading with a savory garlic crunch on the outside and warm, stretchy, mild mozzarella that’s perfectly salty and melty inside.
Why Make It: This recipe is easy to make with string cheese and a handful of pantry ingredients. They are easy to prep ahead of time, and only take minutes to cook!
Technique: Freezing the mozzarella sticks before air frying is the key step that keeps the cheese locked inside so it gets perfectly melty without leaking out during cooking.
Serving Suggestions: I love to serve them hot and melty with marinara sauce for dipping, creamy ranch, zesty pizza sauce, or a rich garlic aioli for an extra hit of flavor.

Total Time: 1 hour (only 20 mins hands-on!) Servings: 16 Mozzarella Sticks Cooking Method: Air Fryer

Ingredient Notes for Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

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

Mozzarella Cheese Strings: Cheese strings (any flavor works) are the easiest choice since they’re already perfectly portioned and hold their shape well when cooked; simply cut each one in half for bite-sized, party-ready pieces.
Eggs: Eggs act as the binding layer that helps the flour and breadcrumb coating stick to the cheese. Whisking them with a little water helps create an even, smooth coating for crisp results.
Breadcrumbs: Seasoned breadcrumbs bring the main savory flavor to the coating. Panko breadcrumbs add extra lightness and give the mozzarella sticks a crisp, airy texture when air-fried.

Favorite Variations

Italian-style: Use Italian breadcrumbs and add a pinch of dried oregano or basil.
Flavored: Mix in Taco Seasoning, Cajun Seasoning, or add a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.
Extra cheesy coating: Add finely grated Parmesan to the breadcrumbs.

Using Frozen Mozzarella Sticks

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

Double Dip: Dip the cheese sticks in the egg mixture twice for the best seal and crunch (see recipe below).
Don’t Skip the Freezing: Freeze the breaded cheese sticks for at least 30 minutes so the coating firms up before cooking and helps to keep it all intact while cooking.
Do Not Skip Preheating: Preheat the air fryer because the quick blast of heat helps crisp the coating.
Check Early: Check around 4 minutes, since air fryers can cook differently.
Don’t Overcook: Pull them out as soon as cheese starts to bubble through the coating.

top view of baked Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks on sheet pan with marinara

Saving the Crunch

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 crisp and warmed through.
To Make-Ahead: Prep then freeze the breaded uncooked 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!
Serving: These are best served right away. The coating softens as they sit, but the air fryer brings back the crunch better than the microwave.

More Crispy Air Fryer Snacks

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

Servings 16 Mozzarella Sticks

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Freeze Time 40 minutes

Total Time 1 hour

Cut mozzarella sticks in half.
Whisk eggs with 1 tablespoon water. In a separate bowl combine bread crumbs, Panko bread crumbs, vegetable oil, and garlic powder. Place flour in a 3rd bowl and season with salt & pepper.
Dip each mozzarella stick into the eggs and then into the flour mixture. Dip back into the eggs and finally into the bread crumb mixture.
Place on a baking sheet and freeze at least 30 minutes (or up to 6 months).
Preheat air fryer to 390°F.
Generously spray 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 crisp.
Serve immediately.

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

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

Course Appetizer, Party Food, Snack

Cuisine American

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