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Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Make snack time a hit with these Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks! Perfectly crisp on the outside and gooey inside, they’re easy to prepare, healthier than deep-fried versions, and loved by both kids and adults. Serve them with marinara sauce for the ultimate cheesy appetizer that’s quick, fun, and absolutely irresistible.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes
Servings: 12 sticks
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 110
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Core Ingredients
  • 12 mozzarella cheese sticks string cheese
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • Cooking spray
Optional Add-ins
  • Crushed red pepper flakes for a kick
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese in the breadcrumb mix
  • Ranch or chipotle dipping sauce alongside marinara

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheet + parchment paper
  • Tongs
  • Measuring cups/spoons

Method
 

Prep the cheese
  1. Unwrap your mozzarella sticks and cut them in half if you prefer smaller pieces. Freeze for at least 1 hour so they don’t melt out while cooking.
Set up dredging station
  1. Place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs mixed with seasonings in a third.
Coat the sticks
  1. Roll each frozen cheese stick in flour, dip in egg, coat in breadcrumbs, dip back in egg, and finish with another breadcrumb coating. Double coating = maximum crunch.
Freeze again
  1. Place breaded sticks on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for at least 30 minutes (or overnight). This step keeps the cheese from leaking.
Air fry
  1. Preheat air fryer to 390°F. Spray basket lightly with cooking spray. Arrange mozzarella sticks in a single layer and spray tops lightly. Cook 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
Serve
  1. Plate with marinara sauce (or your favorite dip) and enjoy immediately!

Notes

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks – Helpful Tips

Cooking Tips & Techniques
  • Freeze the cheese sticks for at least 1–2 hours before breading and air frying — this keeps the cheese from oozing out too quickly.
  • Use a double coating of flour–egg–breadcrumbs for an extra crispy crust that holds up in the air fryer.
  • Spray the breaded sticks lightly with cooking spray before air frying to achieve a golden, crunchy texture.
  • Preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking and consistent crispiness.
  • Cook in small batches to avoid overcrowding, which can cause uneven browning.
Serving Suggestions
  • Serve hot with warm marinara sauce for dipping — a classic combo.
  • Pair with ranch, garlic aioli, or spicy sriracha mayo for variety.
  • Create a party platter with mozzarella sticks, chicken wings, and potato skins.
  • Sprinkle fresh parsley or grated Parmesan on top for extra flair before serving.
Make-Ahead & Storage
  • Make-Ahead: Bread the mozzarella sticks and freeze them until ready to cook — they can be stored for up to 2 months.
  • Refrigerator: Store cooked sticks in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • Freezer: Re-freeze cooked sticks for up to 1 month, though texture is best when fresh.
  • Reheat: Pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to restore crispiness — avoid microwaving, which makes them soggy.
Tasty Variations to Try
  • Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or hot sauce to the breadcrumb coating.
  • Herb & Garlic Crust: Mix Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or dried basil into the breadcrumbs.
  • Cheesy Upgrade: Use flavored mozzarella sticks (like jalapeño jack or cheddar cheese sticks) for a fun twist.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for a celiac-friendly snack.
  • Panko Crunch: Swap regular breadcrumbs for panko to make them even crispier.