Mozzarella Sticks in Air Fryer
How to Air Fry Mozzarella Sticks – Double-breaded, crisp, and gooey cheese sticks are an irresistible snack! This easy air fryer recipe has steps for both homemade and frozen mozzarella sticks.
Why We Love This Mozzarella Sticks In Air Fryer Recipe
Crispy fried cheese sticks, with hot molten mozzarella inside, are always a treat! However, like most deep-fried foods, they’re extremely heavy on the hips. If you have never learned how to make homemade mozzarella sticks, now’s the time!
Make your own Mozzarella Cheese Sticks at home and cook them in the air fryer to create a slightly lighter version of this amazing comfort food… Even with a thick and crunchy double breading, they still have fewer calories and fat than heavy fried snacks.
Plus, homemade frozen mozzarella sticks in the air fryer have much better flavor and seasoning than the store-bought frozen variety. Make them ahead and freeze them so you can have them anytime you like!
Ingredients You Need
- Mozzarella string cheese sticks – use low-fat if you like
- Eggs – to bind the breadcrumbs to the sticks
- Milk – combined with the eggs for a non-too-thick binder
- Breadcrumbs – can use gluten-free or panko breadcrumbs
- Italian seasoning – try our easy homemade Italian seasoning
- Garlic powder – adds even more delicious savory flavor to the breading
- Salt and pepper – just a bit
- All-purpose flour – use gluten-free if you prefer
- Oil spray – your favorite high-heat cooking spray, like avocado or canola oil
Plus your favorite dipping sauces, of course!
How to Make Homemade Mozzarella Sticks in Air Fryer
- Set out three bowls. Place the eggs and milk in one bowl, and whisk to combine. In the second bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and ground black pepper. Mix well. Place the all-purpose flour in the third bowl.
- Unwrap the cheese sticks and cut them in half to create 24 pieces. Toss the cheese sticks in the flour until well coated.
- Set out a large baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. One at a time, dunk the floured cheese sticks in egg wash. Then dunk in the breadcrumb mixture, then back into the egg wash, then in the breadcrumbs again.
- That’s one coating of flour mixture, but two coatings of egg mixture and breadcrumbs, for a thick double coating to hold in the melted cheese.
- Place on a baking sheet. Then repeat, repeat, repeat.
- Once all the cheese sticks are breaded, place the baking sheet in the freezer for at least one hour.
Pro Tip: If making ahead, move the breaded cheese sticks to an airtight container to freeze, until read to use, up to 3 months.
- When the cheese sticks are frozen solid, you can air fry right away, or place them in a freezer bag and keep them frozen for later use.
- When ready to air fry, preheat the air fryer to 360°F. Spray the air fryer basket with oil spray, then place half the frozen cheese sticks in the basket in a single layer. Spray the tops of the cheese sticks with the oil spray.
- Air fry for 5 minutes. Gently shake the basket, then air fry for another 1 to 3 minutes, until golden brown. Be sure to check the air fryer after 6 minutes to make sure they do not overcook and bust open. Repeat cooking mozzarella sticks in small batches.
Get the Complete (Printable) Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe + VIDEO Below. Enjoy!
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-free – Make gluten-free homemade mozzarella sticks with your favorite GF breadcrumbs and all-purpose flour.
- Dairy-free – Yes, you can even make dairy-free cheese sticks! Use whatever plant-based “cheese” sticks you like, and swap dairy milk for soy or oat milk.
- Cheddar or pepper jack – Try this air fryer recipe with cheddar or pepper jack cheese sticks!
- Spices – Change up the spices! Add crushed red pepper for a kick of heat. Try a Cajun seasoning or taco seasoning blend. For cheddar or pepper jack sticks, swap the Italian spice blend with paprika or ranch seasoning.
Serving Suggestions
Crunchy, hot, and cheesy mozzarella sticks practically beg for a delicious dipping sauce.
Warm marinara sauce (or cold!) and ranch dressing are classics, of course. But don’t stop there! Here are some other tasty options to try:
- Southern Comeback Sauce – creamy, tangy, and bold
- Remoulade Sauce – terrific with Cajun spice mozz sticks
- Tzatziki Sauce – for a delicious Greek-inspired flavor
- Avocado Crema – delightful for sticks made with southwestern spices
- BBQ Sauce – for a zingy kick
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, freezing the sticks for at least one hour ensures that the breading sticks when air fried, and holds in the molten cheese.
Keep an eye on the cooking time! After they air fry for 5 minutes, shake the basket and continue to check them every minute or so. Remove immediately when the outside is evenly golden.
It is more cost-effective to make your own mozzarella sticks at home. You can freeze them and have them on hand whenever you want to pop some into the air fryer or oven!
Are they healthy? No. Are they healthier? Yes! Homemade cheese sticks do not have any artificial fillers in the breading. Air frying with a light spray of oil vs deep frying cuts the calories and fat per serving.
Store in an airtight ziplock bag (or airtight container) in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Store leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in the air fryer for 3 minutes at 360F or until they are warm and crispy again!
Looking for More Air Fryer Snack Recipes? Be Sure to Also Try:
- Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
- Homemade Onion Rings in Air Fryer
- Halloumi Fries (Air Fryer or Baked)
- Crispy Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli
- Air Fryer Cheese Sticks
Get the Complete (Printable) Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe + VIDEO Below. Enjoy!
Mozzarella Sticks in Air Fryer Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs
- 1 ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup marinara for dipping
- Oil spray
Instructions
- Set out three bowls. Place the eggs and milk and one bowl. Whisk to combine. In the second bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and ground black pepper. Mix well. Place the all-purpose flour in the third bowl.
- Unwrap the cheese sticks and cut in half to create 24 pieces. Toss the cheese sticks in the flour until well coated.
- Set out a large baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. One at a time, dunk the floured cheese sticks in egg wash, then in breadcrumbs, back into the egg wash, and back in the breadcrumbs. That’s one coating of flour, but two coatings of egg wash and breadcrumbs, for a thick coating to hold in the melted cheese. Place on a baking sheet. Then repeat, repeat, repeat.
- Once all the cheese sticks are breaded, place the baking sheet in the freezer for at least one hour. *Once the cheese sticks are frozen solid, you can place them in a freezer bag and keep them frozen for later use.
- DO NOT THAW THE CHEESE STICKS. *When ready to air fry, preheat the air fryer to 360°F. Spray the air fryer basket with oil spray, then place half the cheese sticks in the basket in a single layer. Spray the tops of the cheese sticks with the oil spray.
- Air fry for 5 minutes. Gently shake the basket, then air fry for another 1 to 3 minutes. Be sure to check the air fryer after 6 minutes to make sure they do not overcook and bust open.
- Repeat with the remaining mozzarella sticks. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Oh my gosh, these things are addicting! I love the double coating of crunchy breadcrumbs!
Whenever we are out, my kids want to order these!! These are perfect for making at home with them!! They taste so crisp & cheesy!
Omg! I love a good mozzarella stick! Very Delicious! I will be using this recipe more often! It was a hIt with the kids!
this is perfect! I love how easy this is to prep and make for future parties! this is a game changer for my groups that get together every week!
Omg! I love a good mozzarella stick, These are SO GOOD!! Thanks for the recipe!