Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

These mozzarella sticks are crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and totally addictive. And the best part? The air fryer makes them so much easier—and healthier!

I made them for a movie night, and everyone went crazy for them. They come out golden and crunchy, with that perfect cheese pull. So fun, so easy.

They’re melty, cheesy, and perfect for dipping. Great as a snack, appetizer, or party food. Trust me, you’ll want a big plate of these.

Let’s make them now! These air fryer mozzarella sticks are quick, crispy, and totally satisfying. Grab your cheese sticks—let’s get frying!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Melty Cheese Magic: Each stick has a soft, warm center with a crunchy shell. It’s the perfect bite of cheese pull.
• No Mess, No Fuss: Air frying means no hot oil popping everywhere. The clean-up is easy, and the cooking is safer.
• Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything in your kitchen—flour, eggs, breadcrumbs, and cheese.
• Perfect for Little Hands: Kids love them! Great for snacks or an after-school treat.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (includes breading the cheese sticks)
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 28 minutes

Servings:

This recipe makes about 12 mozzarella sticks. That’s enough for about 4-6 people, depending on how hungry everyone is.

Difficulty:

This recipe is beginner-friendly. If you can dip and coat, you can make these. But it’s also fun for cooks who like adding their own twist—like using different seasonings or cheeses.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Air Fryer: This is key. It uses hot air to make the sticks crispy. If you don’t have one, a regular oven can work too, but it won’t be as crispy.
• Three Mixing Bowls: You’ll need one for flour, one for the eggs, and one for the breadcrumbs. This helps keep everything organized.
• Tongs: These help you dip and move the cheese sticks without getting your hands sticky.
• Baking Sheet or Plate: This is where you’ll line up your cheese sticks after coating them and before putting them in the air fryer.
• Cooking Spray or Oil Brush: This gives the sticks a light coat of oil to help them brown evenly and stay crispy.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Here’s what you’ll need to make these crispy, cheesy bites.
The exact measurements will be in the Recipe Card at the end.

For the Mozzarella Sticks:

• Mozzarella String Cheese Sticks: These are perfect for easy cutting and even melting.
• All-Purpose Flour: This creates the first dry layer that helps the egg stick.
• Eggs: Beaten eggs act as the glue to hold the crumbs onto the cheese.
• Italian-Style Breadcrumbs: These add seasoning and texture to the coating.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: For an extra crispy layer.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a warm, savory note.
• Salt and Black Pepper: For balanced flavor.
• Cooking Spray or Oil: A light spray or brush helps the sticks brown and crisp in the air fryer.

Variations for Mozzarella Sticks

• Switch Up the Cheese: Try cheddar, pepper jack, or a mix for different flavors.
• Add Spice: Mix a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika into the breadcrumbs for a little kick.
• Go Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a gluten-friendly version.
• Herb it Up: Add dried Italian herbs like oregano, basil, or thyme to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.

How to Make Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks – Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Cheese

• Cut each mozzarella string cheese stick in half. This makes them the perfect size for dipping and eating.

2. Set Up the Breading Station

• Place flour in one bowl.
• Beat the eggs in a second bowl.
• In a third bowl, mix the Italian breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

3. Bread the Cheese Sticks

• Dip each cheese stick half into the flour. Shake off any excess.
• Dip into the beaten egg, making sure it’s fully coated.
• Roll in the breadcrumb mixture. Press lightly so the crumbs stick.
• For extra crunch, dip back into the egg and then into the crumbs again. This double layer keeps the cheese inside during cooking.

4. Freeze the Coated Sticks

• Place the coated sticks on a plate or baking sheet. Freeze them for at least 30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape in the air fryer and keeps the cheese from leaking out.

5. Air Fry the Sticks

• Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) if needed.
• Lightly spray the frozen sticks with cooking spray or brush them with oil.
• Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each.
• Air fry for 6–8 minutes, until the coating is golden and the cheese starts to melt inside.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

• With Marinara: Warm a small bowl of marinara sauce for dipping.
• With Ranch: Cool, creamy ranch is a great choice too.
• With Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle a bit of chopped parsley or basil over the sticks for color and flavor.
• As a Snack or Appetizer: Perfect for game nights, movie marathons, or casual get-togethers.

Storing Mozzarella Sticks

• In the Fridge: Keep leftover cooked mozzarella sticks in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes.
• In the Freezer: Freeze uncooked breaded sticks for up to 3 months. Cook straight from the freezer—just add 2-3 extra minutes to the air fryer time.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t Skip Freezing: Freezing the breaded sticks before cooking helps them hold their shape and keeps the cheese from leaking.
• Double Dip for Crunch: Adding a second coating of egg and breadcrumbs makes the crust crispier and more secure.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Cook in batches if needed. Giving each stick room helps them cook evenly.
• Watch Closely: Every air fryer is a bit different. Start checking at the 6-minute mark to avoid overcooking.

Nutrition

Nutrient	Amount (per serving, approx.)
Calories	160
Fat	9g
Saturated Fat	4g
Carbohydrates	12g
Protein	8g
Sodium	320mg

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes! Try cheddar, pepper jack, or even gouda. Just cut them into stick shapes and follow the same steps.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Definitely. Bread the cheese sticks and freeze them. Cook from frozen when ready.

Can I bake them instead of air frying?

You can bake them at 400°F for about 10 minutes. The result won’t be as crispy, but they’ll still taste great.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks are a simple, tasty snack that’s easy to make at home. With a crispy crust and melty cheese inside, they’re sure to be a hit for any occasion. Try them for your next gathering or just a fun snack at home!