Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Easy Recipe (2024)

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Now you can make your favorite ball park snack, Mozzarella Sticks at home without deep frying. Use your Air Fryer to whip up this easy appetizer or snack any time.

Stop buying those frozen mozzarella sticks and make your own. Here’s your easy recipe for Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks. We enjoy these deliciously gooey mozzarella sticks on game day, family movie night and pretty much anytime the grand kids are here.

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Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Easy Recipe (1)
Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Easy Recipe (2)

Ingredients for making Air Fryer Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

We are using simple ingredients you can find at your grocery store and maybe even already have in your pantry.

  • 1 (12 oz.) pkg. Mozzarella String Cheese Sticks, any brand
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup Panko bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup Italian bread crumbs
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1 tsp. onion powder
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • Non-stick spray
  • Marinara or Pizza Sauce for dipping, optional

Equipment needed

  • Air Fryer
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • 3 shallow containers for dipping
  • Aluminum foil

Instructions

Step 1

Begin by covering a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Easy Recipe (3)

Step 2

Remove the cheese sticks from their wrappers. Our recipe calls for cutting each one in half to make two shorter sticks. If you prefer longer cheese sticks, skip this step. It’s an easy way to feed more folks when cooking for a crowd.

Step 3

Set up your dipping station to make the process go smoothly. You need three shallow containers.

Add the flour to one container.

Beat the egg until frothy in the second container.

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Stir the breadcrumbs and seasonings together in the third container.

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Step 4

Roll each cheese stick in the flour, then dip it in the egg and finally roll it in the bread crumb mixture. Place the battered sticks on your prepared baking sheet.

Continue the process until all of the cheese stick have been battered.

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Step 5

Cover the baking pan with foil and set it into the freezer. Allow the cheese sticks to freeze at least 3 hours or preferably over-night.

Step 6

Time to cook your frozen breaded mozzarella sticks. Set Air Fryer to 370°. Spray the basket with non-stick cooking spray, like Olive Oil Spray which I use.

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Step 7

Place the frozen cheese sticks in the basket without sides touching, in a single layer. Do Not Overcrowd, leave space in between. Cook for 5 to 8 minutes or until your cheese sticks are nice and crispy golden brown.

Dip in Marinara or your favorite sauce and enjoy!

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Easy Recipe (8)

Make these homemade mozzarella sticks in the Air Fryer for snacks, game day or party food. Dip them in your favorite marinara sauce or eat them plain, they have plenty of flavor.

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Easy Recipe (9)

Yield: 24

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 7 minutes

Additional Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 22 minutes

Easy recipe for Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks. Simple ingredients for making your own gooey cheesy Mozzarella sticks for appetizers or snacks.

Ingredients

  • 1 (12 oz.) pkg. Mozzarella String Cheese Sticks, any brand
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1 tsp. onion powder
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • Marinara or Pizza Sauce for dipping, optional

Instructions

  1. Begin by covering a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Remove the cheese sticks from their wrappers. Then cut each one in half to make two shorter sticks. If you prefer longer cheese sticks, skip this step. Your yield will be less.
  3. Set up your dipping station to make the process go smoothly. You need three shallow containers. Add the flour to one container. Beat the egg until frothy in the second container. Stir the breadcrumbs and seasonings together in the third container.
  4. Roll each cheese stick in the flour, then dip it in the egg and finally roll it in the breadcrumb mixture. Place the battered sticks on your prepared baking sheet. Continue the process until all of the cheese stick have been battered.
  5. Cover the baking pan with foil and set it into the freezer. Allow the cheese sticks to freeze at least 3 hours or preferably over-night.
  6. Time to cook. Set Air Fryer to 370°. Spray the basket with non-stick cooking spray.
  7. Place the frozen cheese sticks in the basket without sides touching. Do Not Overcrowd, leave space in between. Cook for 5 to 8 minutes or until your cheese sticks are nice and crispy golden brown.
  8. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Information

Yield 24Serving Size 1
Amount Per ServingCalories 25Total Fat 1gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 9mgSodium 166mgCarbohydrates 4gFiber 0gSugar 1gProtein 1g

Nutrition information is estimated and may not be exact based on uncontrolled variables in home kitchens used by each individual cook.

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More Air Fryer Recipes

  • Air Fryer Southern Fried Catfish Nuggets
  • Air Fryer Cheesy Chicken Tenders Recipe
  • Buffalo Chicken Stromboli Air Fryer and Oven Recipe
  • Air Fryer Donuts with Biscuits
  • Air Fryer Christmas Tree Cherry Hand Pies

Air Fryer Info You Need

The most important thing to know about the Air Fryer from my perspective is that it will crack your counter. Who knew, right! Easy fix. Sit it on a sturdy hard surface, not plastic, like a wood cutting board before each use.

When I first learned this little tidbit, I thought it wouldn’t crack my granite counter but as it turns out, it will. Mine didn’t crack but with a little research I found out other folks had that problem. Again, easy fix, use a cutting board underneath while using your Air Fryer.

All Air Fryers are not created equal. Your may take slightly more or less cook time than mine based on size and power, like microwaves. Make recipe adjustments accordingly.

Be sure to leave space between your mozzarella stick in the Air Fryer. We wouldn’t want them exploding in there now would we. Can you imagine the mess. I’m so glad my Air Fryer basket is dishwasher safe!

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Easy Recipe (10)
Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Easy Recipe (11)
Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Easy Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How long should you cook mozzarella sticks in the air fryer? ›

Air fry the mozzarella sticks: Set your air fryer to 390°F. Spray the air fryer basket and the mozzarella sticks with a nonstick cooking spray. Air fry the mozzarella sticks (in batches if desired or necessary, as space permits) for 6 to 8 minutes until the exterior is golden and crispy.

How to prevent mozzarella sticks from exploding in the air fryer? ›

Making fried mozzarella cheese sticks in the air fryer is easy, but it does take some planning! To keep mozzarella sticks from exploding in the air fryer, you MUST freeze them first.

Do you have to freeze mozzarella sticks before frying? ›

Yes, freezing the mozzarella sticks before frying them is essential. If they aren't completely frozen, the cheese will ooze out of the flour and panko coating before it's gotten the chance to crisp up.

How long to air fry mozzarella sticks at 400? ›

To cook the mozzarella sticks in an air fryer, add the mozzarella sticks to an air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure there's room around each piece of cheese for the air to circulate. Spray the mozzarella sticks with cooking spray, then cook at 400°F for 4 minutes.

How long to cook frozen mozzarella sticks in air fryer at 400? ›

Place frozen mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the countertop air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 400° Air for 6 minutes. If needed shake the basket and continue cooking for 1-2 more minutes to crisp the breading up completely. Watch them closely to avoid the cheese from oozing out.

Why shouldn t you put cheese in air fryer? ›

Unfortunately, because your air fryer isn't truly frying your food, cheese placed inside without some sort of coating will just melt into a puddle and create a mess you don't want to clean up.

Are mozzarella sticks better in the oven or air fryer? ›

Cooking frozen mozzarella sticks in the air fryer is the BEST way to make them! It's so easy and there's no heating up the oven or deep frying necessary! Perfect for a quick snack or an appetizer with a side of your favorite tomato or marinara sauce.

What temperature do you heat mozzarella sticks in an air fryer? ›

Reheat: To reheat mozzarella sticks in the air fryer, set your air fryer to 360 degrees F and cook the mozzarella sticks for 3-4 minutes, turning them halfway through. Keep a close eye on them as they reheat, as they may split open as the cheese melts if you heat them for too long.

What do you dip mozzarella sticks in? ›

Some popular dipping sauces for cheese sticks include:
  • Marinara sauce - a classic tomato-based sauce.
  • Ranch dressing - a tangy and creamy sauce.
  • Honey mustard - a sweet and tangy sauce.
  • BBQ sauce - a sweet and smoky sauce.
  • Hot sauce - a spicy sauce.
  • Salsa - a flavorful and spicy sauce.
Nov 4, 2016

Can you eat fried mozzarella sticks left out overnight? ›

For the best taste and quality, cheese should not be left out for longer than two hours at room temperature.

How do you know when mozzarella sticks are cooked? ›

Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking. Once the mozzarella sticks are golden brown and crispy, carefully remove them from the oven. Be cautious, as the cheese inside can be hot and oozy!

How long to air fry mozzarella sticks at 375? ›

Air fry at 375 degrees for 7 minutes. Turn cheese sticks over and air fry for another 3-7 minutes or until golden brown and cheese starts to melt out of sticks. Transfer cheese sticks to a plate and serve with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Are frozen mozzarella sticks good in air fryer? ›

Air fryer frozen mozzarella sticks are great as a quick snack or easy appetizer! Making them in the air fryer results in crunchy, cheesy mozzarella sticks that are crispy on the outside with a gooey melty inside. When you need a quick kid-friendly after school snack, air fryer mozzarella sticks are a great idea.

How long to fry frozen mozzarella sticks? ›

Preparation
  1. Prepare from FROZEN state.
  2. Appliances may vary, adjust accordingly.
  3. Preheat oil to 360°F.
  4. Deep fry 8 mozzarella sticks for 2 1/2 minutes.
  5. Drain on paper towel.
  6. Let stand 2 minutes.
  7. Promptly refrigerate any unused heated portion.
  8. FOR FOOD SAFETY AND QUALITY, FOLLOW THESE COOKING INSTRUCTIONS.

References

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