Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks are a crispy, cheesy snack made without deep frying, delivering golden crunch on the outside and melty mozzarella on the inside. Coated in seasoned breadcrumbs with a hint of garlic and lightly sprayed with oil, they cook quickly and evenly in the air fryer. Perfect for dipping in marinara or your favorite sauce, Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks are an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer for movie nights, parties, or anytime snack cravings hit.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
- Perfectly crispy without the guilt of deep frying.
- Quick and easy to whip up for any snack craving.
- Customizable with your favorite seasonings and dips.
- Great for sharing or enjoying solo during movie night.
Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Freeze the Mozzarella Sticks – Place mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 1 hour.
- Step 2: Prepare the Egg Mixture – In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
- Step 3: Mix the Flour – In another bowl, combine flour, salt, and pepper.
- Step 4: Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture – In a third bowl, mix bread crumbs, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Step 5: Dredge the Mozzarella Sticks – Working one at a time, dredge frozen mozzarella sticks in flour, shaking off excess.
- Step 6: Dip in Egg Mixture – Dip into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Step 7: Double Coat for Crispiness – For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating.
- Step 8: Preheat the Air Fryer – Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
- Step 9: Arrange the Sticks – Spray the basket with cooking spray and arrange sticks in a single layer.
- Step 10: Spray and Air Fry – Lightly spray the tops of the sticks with cooking spray. Air fry for 6–8 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Step 11: Serve and Enjoy! – Remove carefully and serve immediately with marinara sauce.
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 |
| Fat | 8g |
| Protein | 10g |
| Carbs | 12g |
| Sodium | 300mg |
Ingredients
Gather all the delicious ingredients for these crispy, cheesy snacks!
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks – your favorite brand, frozen
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – for dredging
- 2 large eggs – beaten
- 2 tablespoons milk – can substitute with almond milk
- 1½ cups Italian-style bread crumbs – for extra crunch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – adds flavor
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – enhances the taste
- ½ teaspoon salt – to season
- ½ teaspoon black pepper – for a hint of spice
- Cooking spray – to help them crisp up
How to Make Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Get ready for a delicious snack! This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an hour for freezing, and cooks in just 6–8 minutes. Perfect for a quick treat!
Step 1: Freeze the Mozzarella Sticks
Place mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 1 hour.
Step 2: Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
Step 3: Mix the Flour
In another bowl, combine flour, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture
In a third bowl, mix bread crumbs, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Step 5: Dredge the Mozzarella Sticks
Working one at a time, dredge frozen mozzarella sticks in flour, shaking off excess.
Step 6: Dip in Egg Mixture
Dip into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.
Step 7: Double Coat for Crispiness
For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating.
Step 8: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
Step 9: Arrange the Sticks
Spray the basket with cooking spray and arrange sticks in a single layer.
Step 10: Spray and Air Fry
Lightly spray the tops of the sticks with cooking spray. Air fry for 6–8 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Step 11: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove carefully and serve immediately with marinara sauce.
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Snack |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 8 minutes |
| Extra Time | 60 minutes (Freezing) |
| Total Time | 83 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 12 servings |
| Best Served | With marinara sauce |
Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
- Freeze the mozzarella sticks for at least 30 minutes before cooking for a perfect melt.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy coating.
- Spray a light coat of cooking oil on the sticks for even browning.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches for best results.
- Experiment with different seasonings in the breadcrumbs for a unique flavor twist.
How to Serve this Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
- Serve with marinara sauce for a classic dip.
- Try a spicy ranch dressing for a zesty twist.
- Pair with a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal.
- Enjoy with garlic bread for a cheesy feast.
- Offer a side of pesto for a gourmet touch.
- Serve alongside crispy veggie sticks for extra crunch.
- Include a selection of dipping sauces for variety.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can prepare and store your Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks for later enjoyment:
Storing Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Leftovers
- Allow mozzarella sticks to cool completely.
- Place them in an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
- Freeze mozzarella sticks before cooking for best results.
- Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag or container.
- Store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Reheating Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the leftover sticks in the air fryer basket.
- Reheat for about 5-7 minutes until crispy.
- Check frequently to avoid overcooking.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. How long for mozzarella sticks in an air fryer?
Cooking mozzarella sticks in an air fryer typically takes about 6 to 8 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Keep an eye on them to ensure they reach your desired level of crispiness without overcooking!
2. How long to cook frozen mozzarella sticks at 400 degrees?
If you’re cooking frozen mozzarella sticks at 400°F (200°C), they usually take around 8 to 10 minutes. Make sure to flip them halfway through for even cooking and a perfect golden-brown finish!
3. How to heat up frozen mozzarella sticks in an air fryer?
To heat up frozen mozzarella sticks in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook them for about 8 to 10 minutes. There’s no need to thaw them first; just pop them in straight from the freezer!
4. How do you keep mozzarella sticks from bursting in an air fryer?
To prevent mozzarella sticks from bursting in the air fryer, make sure to freeze them for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This helps the cheese solidify, reducing the chances of it leaking out during cooking. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the basket to allow for proper air circulation!
Final Thoughts
Get ready to indulge in the cheesy goodness of these Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks! They’re not just a snack; they’re a delightful trip down memory lane. So easy to whip up, you’ll find yourself making them again and again. Grab your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy every crispy, gooey bite with friends and family!