Introduction

These glorious air fryer mozzarella sticks are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, making them the perfect snack or appetizer. Easy to prepare and ready in minutes, they offer a deliciously cheesy treat with minimal oil.

A white plate holds a pile of golden brown fried cheese sticks, each coated in a crispy textured breading that shows small crunchy bits. The sticks are arranged in a slightly stacked way, with one stick at the front broken open to show the melted white cheese inside. The background surface is a white marbled texture with soft, natural light illuminating the food, making the crunchy coating shine and highlighting the gooey cheese inside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 oz mozzarella string cheese, cut into halves
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking spray

Instructions

Step 1: Place the mozzarella stick halves in the freezer for at least 1 hour. This helps them hold their shape during cooking.
Step 2: Set up three shallow dishes: put the flour in the first, the beaten eggs in the second, and combine the panko breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper in the third.
Step 3: Working with one mozzarella stick at a time, coat it evenly in flour, then dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally press it into the panko mixture, ensuring it is fully coated.
Step 4: Place the coated mozzarella sticks in a single layer on a plate or baking sheet.
Step 5: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
Step 6: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
Step 7: Arrange the mozzarella sticks in the basket in a single layer, making sure they do not touch. You may need to cook in batches.
Step 8: Air fry for 6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Tips & Variations

Freeze the sticks well before coating to prevent cheese from melting too quickly and leaking.
For extra crunch, double-dip the mozzarella sticks by repeating the egg and breadcrumb coating.
Serve with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor.

Storage

Store leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes to maintain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

A white plate holds a stack of eight golden-brown crispy fried mozzarella sticks with a rough, crumbly texture. The sticks are arranged in two layers, with five on the bottom and three on top, one of which is broken open to show melted, gooey white cheese stretching inside. The background features a white marbled texture, and soft natural light highlights the crunchy coating and cheese detail. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen mozzarella sticks instead of fresh string cheese?

Frozen pre-made mozzarella sticks are convenient but may not crisp up as evenly as freshly coated ones. For best results, use fresh string cheese and follow the coating process.

Why should I freeze the mozzarella before coating?

Freezing the cheese helps it stay firm during cooking, preventing the cheese from melting and oozing out too quickly. It keeps the sticks intact and crispy.

Glorious Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 120 reviews

Crispy, gooey, and perfectly golden, these Glorious Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks are a quick and easy snack that’s healthier than traditional frying. Coated in a crunchy panko breadcrumb crust and air fried to perfection, they’re a crowd-pleasing appetizer or party treat.

Author: Tara
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes (per batch)
Total Time: 1 hour 16 minutes
Yield: 12 mozzarella sticks 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Mozzarella Sticks

12 oz mozzarella string cheese, cut into halves

Coating

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking spray

Instructions

Freeze the cheese: Place the mozzarella stick halves in the freezer for at least 1 hour. This step is crucial as it helps the cheese hold its shape and prevents excessive melting during the cooking process.
Prepare coating stations: Set up three shallow dishes. Put the flour in the first dish. Add the beaten eggs in the second. Combine the panko breadcrumbs with salt and pepper in the third dish.
Coat the mozzarella sticks: Working one at a time, first coat each mozzarella stick in flour evenly, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally press into the panko mixture making sure each stick is completely covered with breadcrumbs.
Arrange coated sticks: Lay the coated mozzarella sticks in a single layer on a plate or baking sheet to keep them separated before cooking.
Preheat air fryer: Set your air fryer to preheat at 380°F (190°C) for optimal cooking temperature.
Prepare air fryer basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking and help achieve a crispy crust.
Air fry the mozzarella sticks: Place the coated sticks in the basket in a single layer without touching each other. Cook for 6 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure they get golden brown and crispy all over. Cook in batches if necessary.

Notes

Freezing the mozzarella is important to avoid the cheese melting too quickly and oozing out during cooking.
Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crunchier coating.
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
You can double coat the sticks for an extra thick crust by repeating the egg and breadcrumb step.
Serve immediately with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for the best taste.

Keywords: air fryer mozzarella sticks, crispy mozzarella sticks, appetizer, snack, easy air fryer recipe