Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Crispy, golden mozzarella sticks with gooey melted centers, made in the air fryer from string cheese. Double coated and frozen first so the cheese never leaks.
Mozzarella sticks are one of the best party snacks: crunchy outside and stretchy, melty inside. Made in the air fryer, they turn golden with just a light spray of oil.
The two tricks that stop the cheese from bursting out are a double coating of egg and breadcrumbs, and freezing the sticks for at least an hour before cooking. That way the crust sets before the cheese melts.
Make a big batch, keep them in the freezer and air fry a few whenever you want a snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and gooey with less oil
- Made from simple string cheese
- Freezer friendly for later
- Perfect for game day
Ingredient Notes
String cheese: Low-moisture mozzarella string cheese holds its shape best. Cut each stick in half for bite-size pieces.
Breadcrumbs: A mix of Italian breadcrumbs and panko gives flavor and crunch.
See the recipe card below for full measurements.
How to Make Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Set up
Line a small tray with parchment. Put the flour in one shallow dish, the beaten eggs in a second and the breadcrumbs, panko, Parmesan and garlic powder mixed in a third.
First coat
Roll each cheese piece in flour, dip in egg, then roll in the crumbs, pressing them on.
Second coat
Dip each coated stick in the egg again and roll in the crumbs again so there are no bare spots. Place on the tray.
Freeze
Freeze the sticks for at least 1 hour, until solid. Do not skip this step.
Air fry
Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Spray the basket and arrange the frozen sticks in a single layer with space between them. Spray generously with oil. Air fry 6 to 7 minutes, until golden. Watch closely after 5 minutes.
Serve
Let them sit 1 minute, then serve hot with warm marinara.
Tips for the Best Results
- Cook straight from frozen; thawed sticks leak.
- If one starts to ooze, take the batch out right away.
- Keep extra frozen sticks in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- Spraying the crumbs with oil makes them golden instead of pale.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | How to fix it |
|---|---|
| Cheese leaking out | Double coat and freeze until solid before cooking. |
| Overcooking | They go from perfect to burst fast. Check at 5 minutes. |
| Crowded basket | Leave space so each stick crisps evenly. |
Substitutions
- String cheese: A block of low-moisture mozzarella cut into 3 x 1/2 inch sticks.
- Italian breadcrumbs: Plain breadcrumbs plus 1 tsp Italian seasoning.
- Marinara: Ranch dressing or sweet chili sauce.
What to Serve With It
- Crispy air fryer wings
- Easy homemade guacamole
- Spinach artichoke dip
- Watermelon agua fresca
Storage and Reheating
Fridge: Best eaten fresh. Leftovers keep 2 days in the fridge.
Freezer: Freeze uncooked, breaded sticks in a bag for up to 2 months. Air fry straight from frozen.
Reheat: Re-crisp in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 2 to 3 minutes.
Tools That Make This Easier
- Basket air fryer (5 quart or larger)Crisps a full batch of sticks at once.Check price on Amazon
- Oil sprayer bottleLight, even oil for a golden crust.Check price on Amazon
- Breading traysKeeps the double-coating process neat.Check price on Amazon
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Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Crispy, golden mozzarella sticks with gooey melted centers, made in the air fryer from string cheese. Double coated and frozen first so the cheese never leaks.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Line a small tray with parchment. Put the flour in one shallow dish, the beaten eggs in a second and the breadcrumbs, panko, Parmesan and garlic powder mixed in a third.
- Roll each cheese piece in flour, dip in egg, then roll in the crumbs, pressing them on.
- Dip each coated stick in the egg again and roll in the crumbs again so there are no bare spots. Place on the tray.
- Freeze the sticks for at least 1 hour, until solid. Do not skip this step.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Spray the basket and arrange the frozen sticks in a single layer with space between them. Spray generously with oil. Air fry 6 to 7 minutes, until golden. Watch closely after 5 minutes.
- Let them sit 1 minute, then serve hot with warm marinara.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories
- 300 kcal
- Protein
- 18 g
- Carbohydrates
- 22 g
- Total Fat
- 15 g
- Saturated Fat
- 8 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
- Sugar
- 3 g
- Sodium
- 760 mg
Nutrition is an estimate per serving without optional sauces, calculated from standard USDA values. It will vary with brands and portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do mozzarella sticks explode in the air fryer?
The cheese melts before the crust sets. Double coat the sticks, freeze them until solid and cook them straight from frozen.
How long do you air fry mozzarella sticks?
About 6 to 7 minutes at 390°F (200°C) from frozen. Frozen store-bought sticks usually take 6 to 8 minutes.
Do I need to flip them?
No. Flipping can break them. Spray them well with oil so all sides brown.
Can I make them ahead?
Yes. Bread and freeze them for up to 2 months, then air fry as many as you need from frozen.
