Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks are an irresistible snack made lighter thanks to the magic of air frying.
Golden and crunchy with a savory breadcrumb coating, they deliver all the comfort of a classic appetizer without the mess or oil of deep frying.
Main Ingredients That Make Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks So Addictive
- Mozzarella cheese strings – The star of the show, delivering melty, stretchy cheese with every bite.
- Eggs – The essential binder that helps the coating stick perfectly to the cheese.
- Seasoned bread crumbs – Infuse classic Italian flavor into every crunchy bite.
- Panko bread crumbs – Add extra crispiness for that ultimate fried texture without the oil.
- All-purpose flour – Provides a dry base for coating, locking in the cheese.
- Vegetable oil – Just a touch mixed into the crumbs helps achieve a golden finish in the air fryer.
- Garlic powder – A flavor booster that makes each bite more savory.
- Salt and black pepper – Simple seasoning to elevate and balance all the flavors.
Crispy, Cheesy, and Quick: How to Make Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Start by cutting your cheese sticks in half for perfect, snackable portions.
Set up a breading station with seasoned flour in one bowl, whisked eggs in another, and a breadcrumb blend in a third.
Dip each piece of mozzarella into the egg, then flour, back into the egg, and finally into the breadcrumb mixture for a triple-layer coating.
Freeze the coated sticks for at least 30 minutes—this step is key to prevent melting messes in the air fryer.
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F, give the sticks a good spray of cooking oil, and arrange them in a single layer.
Air fry for 5–7 minutes until golden and just starting to ooze. Serve immediately with your favorite marinara or dipping sauce.
Pro Tips for Perfect Mozzarella Sticks Every Time
For the crispiest texture, combine Panko and regular bread crumbs with a bit of oil before coating—this ensures that golden crunch without deep frying.
Freezing the sticks solid before air frying is crucial. If they’re not cold enough, you’ll end up with melted cheese puddles instead of gooey sticks.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Give the sticks space to crisp evenly and rotate them halfway through for uniform browning.
Want a flavor upgrade? Try mixing in a pinch of Italian seasoning or grated Parmesan into the breadcrumb blend for an extra savory touch.
Leftovers? Here’s How to Store and Reheat Like a Pro
If you have any leftover Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to three days.
To reheat, skip the microwave. Instead, pop them back into the air fryer at 375°F for about 3–4 minutes until hot and crisp again.
They can also be frozen after cooking. Just freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer for 6–8 minutes.
Craving a crispy, cheesy snack anytime? These mozzarella sticks are your freezer-friendly solution.
Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients
- ½ cup Panko bread crumbs
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup seasoned bread crumbs
- 8 mozzarella cheese strings
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Halve each mozzarella stick crosswise to create uniform bite-sized portions. Beat the eggs together with a tablespoon of water until fully combined. In a shallow bowl, mix both the seasoned and Panko bread crumbs with the garlic powder and vegetable oil until evenly moistened. Transfer the flour to another bowl and season it lightly with salt and pepper. Coat each piece of mozzarella first in the egg mixture, then dredge in the seasoned flour. Return it to the egg wash, then roll it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure adherence. Arrange the coated sticks in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes or store up to six months. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F. Liberally coat the frozen sticks with cooking spray or oil and place them in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until crisp and golden brown. Serve at once while hot.
