Introduction

These air fryer mozzarella sticks are the perfect crispy, cheesy snack without the hassle of deep frying. Golden on the outside and melty on the inside, they make for a quick appetizer or party treat that everyone will love.

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

8 mozzarella cheese sticks
⅓ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 eggs
1 cup panko bread crumbs
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon paprika
Olive oil spray

Instructions

Step 1: In a shallow bowl or pie plate, mix the flour, salt, and pepper; set aside.
Step 2: In a separate shallow dish, whisk the eggs until smooth.
Step 3: Prepare a third shallow bowl with the panko bread crumbs, garlic powder, oregano, and paprika; mix to combine.
Step 4: Cut each mozzarella stick in half to create shorter pieces.
Step 5: Working one at a time, coat each mozzarella piece in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
Step 6: Dip the floured mozzarella into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
Step 7: Press the mozzarella into the seasoned panko crumbs until well coated. Place the coated sticks on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for at least 30 minutes. Keep the egg mixture refrigerated between uses.
Step 8: Remove from the freezer and repeat the egg dip and panko coating once more. Return to the freezer for an additional 30 to 60 minutes to firm up.
Step 9: Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (199°C) for 5 minutes. Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray.
Step 10: Arrange the mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between each. Lightly spray the sticks with olive oil spray.
Step 11: Air fry for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the breading is golden and crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

Freeze the sticks well before cooking to prevent the cheese from oozing out during air frying.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the panko mixture for a spicy kick.
Serve with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
Use shredded mozzarella and form into bite-size balls for a different twist.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3 to 4 minutes to regain crispiness. Uncooked, prepared mozzarella sticks can be frozen for up to 1 month before cooking.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Mozzarella is best for its melting texture, but you can try other firm melting cheeses like provolone or Monterey Jack. Avoid very soft cheeses as they may leak out during cooking.

Do I need to double bread the mozzarella sticks?

Yes, double coating ensures the breading sticks firmly and helps keep the cheese contained while air frying, resulting in a crispy exterior and melty inside.

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 94 reviews

Delicious and crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks that are perfectly breaded and cooked to golden perfection. This quick and easy recipe uses panko breadcrumbs and a seasoned flour mixture for an extra crunchy coating, with the convenience of the air fryer making it a healthier alternative to deep frying.

Author: Kai
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Yield: 16 mozzarella stick halves 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Mozzarella Sticks

8 mozzarella cheese sticks, cut in half

Breading Mixture

⅓ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Egg Wash

2 eggs, whisked

Panko Coating

1 cup panko bread crumbs
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon paprika

Other

Olive oil spray

Instructions

Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a shallow bowl or pie plate, combine the flour, kosher salt, and black pepper. Set aside for coating the mozzarella sticks.
Whisk Eggs: In a separate shallow dish, whisk the eggs until smooth. Keep refrigerated between uses to stay fresh.
Mix Panko Coating: In a third shallow bowl or pie plate, mix the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, dried oregano, and paprika until evenly combined.
Cut Cheese: Slice each mozzarella stick in half to create bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
First Coating: Working one at a time, dredge each mozzarella stick half in the flour mixture until thoroughly coated, shaking off excess flour.
Egg Dip: Dip the floured cheese stick into the egg wash, coating completely and letting any excess drip off.
Panko Coating: Roll the egg-coated cheese stick in the seasoned panko mixture, pressing the crumbs firmly to adhere well.
Initial Freeze: Place the breaded sticks on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for at least 30 minutes to set the coating and prevent melting during air frying. Keep the egg wash chilled.
Double Coating: Remove the sticks from the freezer, dip each again into the egg wash, then the panko mixture once more for an extra thick coating. Return to the freezer for 30 to 60 minutes until firm.
Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (199°C) for 5 minutes to ensure it is hot enough for crisp cooking.
Prepare Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
Arrange Mozzarella Sticks: Place the coated sticks in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between each piece. You may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size.
Spray and Cook: Lightly spray the sticks with olive oil spray to enhance browning and crispiness. Air fry for 5 to 8 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and the breading is golden brown and crispy.

Notes

Freezing the sticks twice before air frying prevents the cheese from leaking out during cooking.
You can use part-skim mozzarella sticks to reduce fat content.
If you don’t have an air fryer, oven baking at 425°F for 8-10 minutes can be a substitute.
Serve immediately with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for best taste.
Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation and even crisping.

Keywords: Air fryer mozzarella sticks, crispy mozzarella sticks, easy appetizer, air fried cheese sticks, snack recipe