Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

5 from 10 votes

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Air fryer mozzarella sticks are a fast and delicious way to make one of America’s favorite snacks! This recipe is so easy and full of delicious flavor. There’s nothing like that gooey melty cheese and that perfect cheese pull. It makes a great cheesy snack or appetizer, and is perfect for happy hour or a game day party too!

Prep Time10

Cook Time8

Freeze3 10

Total Time3 28

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine: American

Diet: Vegetarian

Servings:

Calories: 150kcal

Author: Anjali Shah

Equipment

Air Fryer

Ingredients

12 Mozzarella cheese sticks 1oz sticks,
¼ cup Whole wheat flour
1¾ cup Whole wheat panko breadcrumbs
1½ tbsp Italian seasoning
pinch Salt and pepper
2 Eggs lightly beaten
Cooking spray

Instructions

Freeze the mozzarella cheese sticks, either still in their individual package or on a cookie sheet. Freeze until fully firm (about 3 hours) or you can also freeze overnight. Leave in the freezer until you're ready to prepare.
Pour the flour, panko breadcrumbs, and eggs into three separate bowls. Add pinch of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning into the breadcrumbs.
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with cooking oil spray, set aside.
Roll each frozen mozzarella stick in the flour making sure to thoroughly coat it on all sides. Then dip into the lightly beaten eggs, again making sure it’s completely coated. Next, dredge in the seasoned breadcrumbs and making sure to fully coat the entire cheese stick. Lay on baking sheet and continue until all of the cheese sticks have been breaded.
Place in the freezer for 10 minutes, do not discard breading ingredients. After freezing for 10 minutes, make sure your air fryer is ready to go and that the basket is on the counter. Dip the cheese stick into the remaining beaten eggs, then into the breadcrumbs and then lay inside the air fryer basket. (It’s not necessary to spray the battered cheese stick again with the oil spray, but you can if you’d like.) Continue until you have enough sticks to fit comfortably in the basket but without overcrowding.
Set air fryer to 390 F and 5 minutes. Cook the sticks for 5 minutes, flip and cook an additional 2 to 3 minutes until golden. Remove from air fryer and place on a serving dish. Continue air frying the remaining mozzarella sticks until all have been fried. Serve with your favorite marinara sauce or any other dipping sauce of choice.

Notes

Freeze mozzarella sticks prior to air frying
After you bread the sticks the first time, freeze for at least 10 minutes before breading again.
Make sure your air fryer is preheated and ready to go before adding mozzarella sticks.
You can switch up the seasonings if you'd like! For a more "Mexican" inspired mozzarella stick, try using a mix of chili powder, paprika, onion powder and garlic powder (instead of the Italian Seasoning).
Flip after five minutes.

Nutrition