Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
These homemade mozzarella sticks are perfect for a quick appetizer, snack, or party dish! The air fryer gives them a perfectly golden, crispy exterior without needing oil, and they’re ready in minutes.
Ingredients
12 mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese), cut in half
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 tablespoon water
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
½ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon dried oregano
Cooking spray
Instructions
Prep the Cheese Sticks:
Cut each mozzarella cheese stick in half, then freeze them for at least 1 hour. Freezing helps prevent the cheese from melting too quickly in the air fryer.
Set Up the Breading Station:
In three separate shallow bowls, place the flour in one, beaten eggs mixed with water in another, and combine panko breadcrumbs, Italian-style breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano in the third.
Coat the Mozzarella Sticks:
Working with a few cheese sticks at a time, dredge each one in flour, shaking off the excess.
Dip the floured sticks into the beaten eggs, then roll them in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
For an extra crispy coating, dip each stick back into the egg mixture and then into the breadcrumbs again, creating a double layer.
Place the breaded cheese sticks on a plate or baking sheet and freeze for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour to help keep the cheese from melting too quickly.
Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
Cook the Mozzarella Sticks:
Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Place the mozzarella sticks in the basket in a single layer, leaving space between them. You may need to cook in batches.
Air fry at 390°F (200°C) for 5–7 minutes, or until the sticks are golden and crispy. Be careful not to overcook, as the cheese may start to ooze out.
Serve:
Serve the mozzarella sticks immediately with marinara sauce, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips
Double Coating: Double-coating each mozzarella stick helps create a thicker, crispier shell to keep the cheese contained.
Freezing Step: Don’t skip the freezing steps; it’s essential to keep the cheese from melting too fast and spilling out during air frying.
Reheating Leftovers: Reheat any leftovers in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to maintain crispiness.
Variations
Spicy Mozzarella Sticks: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to make these mozzarella sticks gluten-free.
Herbed Mozzarella Sticks: Mix in a tablespoon of fresh chopped basil or parsley with the breadcrumb mixture for an herby flavor.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving of 4 Sticks)
Calories: 210
Total Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 4.5g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 1g
Protein: 12g
