Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks are a deliciously crispy and cheesy snack that are perfect for game days, family gatherings, or simply enjoying a cozy movie night at home. If you’re like me, the allure of gooey melted cheese encased in a crunchy breaded shell is hard to resist. On top of that, using an air fryer means you can enjoy this indulgence with much less oil, making it a healthier option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or texture.

What Makes This Recipe Special

When it comes to comfort food, few things can compete with the classic mozzarella stick. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and convenience. Using an air fryer not only cuts down the cooking time but also results in perfectly crispy mozzarella sticks without the mess of deep frying. They’re incredibly easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and universally loved, making them ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Plus, it’s a fun activity to do with the kids—who wouldn’t enjoy dipping gooey cheese into a marinara sauce?

“These are the best mozzarella sticks I’ve ever made! They’re so crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. Perfect for movie night!”

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Making Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks is straightforward and takes just a few steps. You’ll set up a simple breading station that makes coating the mozzarella sticks a breeze. After preheating your air fryer, it’s all about the dipping and coating before they’re cooked to golden perfection. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.

Everything You Need for This Recipe

To whip up these delightful mozzarella sticks, gather the following ingredients:

12 mozzarella sticks
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking spray

You can easily substitute the breadcrumbs with crushed cornflakes for an extra crunch or use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.

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Step-by-Step Directions

Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
Set up a breading station: one bowl with flour, a second with beaten eggs, and a third with breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Taking each mozzarella stick, dip it first in the flour to coat it, then in the egg mixture, and finally in the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure they are fully coated for the best crunch.
Place the coated mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray them with cooking spray.
Cook for 6-8 minutes or until they’re golden brown and crispy.
Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy!

Tips for Serving

To elevate your Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks, serve them alongside some homemade marinara sauce or even a ranch dressing for an interesting twist. You could also add a fresh side salad or a plate of veggies to lighten up the snack. For a fun theme, consider pairing them with a variety of dipping sauces, such as buffalo sauce or garlic aioli, to cater to different tastes.

Storage Tips

If you happen to have any leftovers (though that’s unlikely!), store the mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To ensure they stay crispy, reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them chewy. For longer storage, you can freeze the uncooked mozzarella sticks before air-frying. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. You can cook them from frozen, simply increasing the cooking time by a few minutes.

Pro Chef Tips

For extra crispiness, let the coated mozzarella sticks chill in the freezer for about 30 minutes before air frying. This helps the coating adhere and creates a better texture.
Experiment with different breadcrumb mixtures—try adding grated Parmesan cheese or herbs to the breadcrumbs for added flavor.
Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket; cooking in batches will ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.

Creative Twists

Feel free to customize your mozzarella sticks by adding various flavors. Consider stuffing them with jalapeños for some heat or mixing different cheeses like pepper jack for a unique twist. You can also roll them in finely crushed tortilla chips or seasoned flour for a different crunch.

Your questions answered

Q: Can I use store-bought cheese sticks instead of slicing my mozzarella?
Absolutely! Pre-packaged mozzarella cheese sticks are perfect for this recipe.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can bread the mozzarella sticks and store them in the fridge for up to a day or freeze them for longer storage.

Q: How do I ensure the sticks don’t leak cheese while cooking?
Chilling the breaded sticks in the freezer for about 30 minutes before cooking helps set the coating and prevent leakage.

Q: Are there gluten-free options for this recipe?
Definitely! Substitute the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Total Time: 23 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Deliciously crispy and cheesy mozzarella sticks made in the air fryer, perfect for snacks, gatherings, or movie nights.

Ingredients

Scale

12 mozzarella sticks
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking spray

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
Set up a breading station: one bowl with flour, a second with beaten eggs, and a third with breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Taking each mozzarella stick, dip it first in the flour to coat it, then in the egg mixture, and finally in the breadcrumb mixture. Ensure they are fully coated.
Place the coated mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket and lightly spray them with cooking spray.
Cook for 6-8 minutes or until they’re golden brown and crispy.
Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy!

Notes

For extra crispiness, chill coated mozzarella sticks in the freezer for about 30 minutes before air frying. You can also experiment with different breadcrumb mixtures.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 300
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 14g
Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: mozzarella sticks, air fryer, snack, vegetarian, game day