Learn how to make Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks so easily! Cheese sticks are easy to make with a few simple ingredients. Plus, you can make them and freeze them to cook whenever you get a craving.
One of our favorite kitchen gadgets continues to be our air fryer. It’s such a great to cook some of our favorite snacks without doing any unhealthy deep-frying. This air fryer mozzarella sticks recipe is always a favorite, made with simple ingredients and air fried until crispy.
I can’t really tell the difference between these air-fried ones and deep-fried ones. You get a crispy breadcrumb coating but without all the oil. The air fryer cooks them perfectly. You are going to love how easy this recipe is!
How to Make Mozzarella Sticks in an Air Fryer
- If your breadcrumbs are very coarse, it might be best to crush them a bit before breading. Panko bread crumbs will be crunchier than regular.
- It’s important to season every layer – we use salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian Seasoning. You could add onion powder if you want.
- We’re breading the cheese like you would if you were frying: dip into the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, then the breadcrumb mixture. For easy dipping, place each ingredient in separate shallow bowls.
- It’s very important that you freeze your string cheese so it doesn’t melt into your air fryer basket. It’s also important to use full fat cheese for optimal cheesy goodness.
- I usually give them a spray with nonstick cooking spray or olive oil spray before air-frying.
- This is my favorite air fryer.
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Expert Tips
- Line your air fryer with parchment paper sheets to avoid the cheese melting into the bottom.
- Make sure the cheese is good and frozen and the breadcrumbs are very compacted on the outside to avoid melting through.
- You can try different kinds of cheese sticks too, like Colby Jack or cheddar.
- Serve with warm marinara sauce, bbq sauce, or ranch dressing.
Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
These Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks are easy to make with a few simple ingredients – they make a perfect appetizer or snack anytime!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 23 minutes
Ingredients
- 8 mozzarella cheese sticks
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Cooking spray
- Marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Get three shallow bowls (pie plates work well) place flour in one, breadcrumbs in one and the beaten egg in the last one. Add salt (I used ½ teaspoon in each) to the flour and add salt and garlic powder to the breadcrumbs.
- Cut the cheese sticks in half. Dip in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. Make sure you get a good coating of each. Set them on the baking sheet. Freeze for a minimum of 2 hours.
- Preheat Air Fryer to 380°F. Spray the cheese sticks with cooking spray. Place in air fryer in a single layer (you may have to do more than one batch). Cook for 6-8 minutes, turning them over halfway through. You want them golden brown and a little crispy. Serve with marinara sauce.
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
- Store in the freezer until you’re ready to make – you can even do this and store in an airtight container for weeks.
- For easy clean up use a parchment sheet in your air fryer.
Recipe Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 310kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 112mg | Sodium: 582mg | Potassium: 85mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 127IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 82mg | Iron: 2mg
Nutritional information not guaranteed to be accurate
Step by Step Instructions
