Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Are the Crispy Snack You Need Today
Air fryer mozzarella sticks are the ultimate snack hack — crispy on the outside, gooey in the middle, and way easier than you’d think! I
Let’s talk about why these cheesy bites are a total game changer. Forget the deep fryer and the mess that comes with it.
This air fryer recipe gives you all the golden crunch without the greasy aftermath.
They’re perfect for after-school snacks, party appetizers, or even a fun weeknight treat. Plus, you can prep them ahead of time and stash them in the freezer, ready to go when the craving hits.
How to Make Mozzarella Sticks in an Air Fryer
All you need is a pack of mozzarella string cheese, some flour, an egg, breadcrumbs (both Italian and panko), a few seasonings, and your favorite dipping sauce.
After cutting the cheese sticks in half, you’ll coat them in flour, then dip them in an egg wash, and finally roll them in the seasoned breadcrumb mix.
Pop them on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid — that part’s key! Once they’re frozen, air fry them in batches for 5–8 minutes until they’re crispy and golden.
Cooking times may vary by brand, so keep an eye on your first batch to see what works best for your air fryer.
Serve your cheesesticks with Marinara sauce which is a classic and always a hit or Ranch dressing for a cool and creamy contrast
If you’ve prepped and frozen your mozzarella sticks, they’ll need about 5 to 8 minutes in the air fryer at 375°F, depending on your model. Keep an eye on them—the moment they start to ooze, they’re done!
For store-bought, frozen breaded mozzarella sticks, 7 to 9 minutes at 375°F usually does the trick. No need to thaw—just toss them in straight from the freezer.
Set your air fryer to 375°F for best results. It’s hot enough to get that golden crust while keeping the cheese from exploding too fast.
Totally! Reheat them at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to bring back that crispiness.
What are common air fryer mozzarella stick mistakes to avoid?
- Uneven coating: Make sure your breadcrumb coating is thick and even to keep the cheese inside.
- Skipping the freeze: Always freeze your homemade mozzarella sticks before air frying—at least 2 hours or overnight. This keeps the cheese from melting too fast and oozing out before the coating crisps up.
- Crowding the basket: Give them space or they won’t crisp evenly.
- Overcooking: Once they start to ooze, pull them! Waiting too long turns them into a cheesy puddle.
If you’re planning a snack night or just need some tasty ideas be sure to check out these great recipes too!
- Mini deep dish pizzas are a cheesy, bite-sized favorite that pair perfectly with any appetizer spread.
- Caesar salad adds a crisp, fresh contrast to all the melty goodness on your plate.
- Homemade lemonade is the perfect refreshing drink to balance out all those savory snacks.
- Snack recipes like these make it easy to put together a fun, satisfying meal everyone will love.
Chefman Air Fryer – 6 QT Compact Airfryer for Quick & Easy Meals in Minutes, Features Hi-Fry Technology for Extra Crisp, Touchscreen Controls with 4 Presets, Nonstick & Dishwasher Safe Basket – Black
Calphalon Premium Nonstick Baking Pans Set of 2, 12 x 17 inch, Silverware, Heavy Gauge Steel CoreVRUIFA 2PCS Cooling Racks for Cooking and Baking -10If You Care Parchment Baking Paper, 70 sq ft
Easy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 12 ounce package mozzarella string cheese sticks
- ¼ cup flour
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup Italian breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Marinara or pizza sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Prepare a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper.
- Remove cheese from the wrapper and cut in half to create two shorter sticks.
- Create a dipping station with three containers. In one container, place the flour. In the second container, beat the egg until frothy. In the third container, stir together the Italian breadcrumbs, panko, and seasonings.
- Roll each stick in the flour and then in the egg followed by the breadcrumb mixture. Place the sticks on the prepared baking sheet.
- Freeze the cheese sticks until completely frozen, at least two hours but preferably overnight.
- Preheat the air fryer to 370 degrees. Spritz the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray.
- Place the frozen cheese sticks in the basket without them touching. Cook for 5 to 8 minutes, depending on the wattage of your air fryer, until the cheese sticks are golden.
- Serve with marinara or pizza sauce.