Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Introduction

These air fryer mozzarella sticks are a crispy, gooey snack that’s easy to make at home. With a crunchy breadcrumb coating and melted cheese inside, they’re perfect for a quick appetizer or party treat.

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

1. Step 1: In a shallow bowl or pie plate, mix the flour, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a separate shallow dish, whisk the eggs until smooth.
3. Step 3: Prepare a third shallow bowl with the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, oregano, and paprika. Stir to combine.
4. Step 4: Cut each mozzarella stick in half.
5. Step 5: Working one at a time, coat each mozzarella piece in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
6. Step 6: Dip the floured cheese stick into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off.
7. Step 7: Press the cheese stick into the seasoned panko crumbs until fully coated.
8. Step 8: Place the coated sticks on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for at least 30 minutes. Keep the egg mixture refrigerated between uses.
9. Step 9: After freezing, dip each stick again into the egg and then the panko crumbs for a second coating. Freeze for another 30 to 60 minutes.
10. Step 10: Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (199°C) for 5 minutes.
11. Step 11: Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Arrange the mozzarella sticks in a single layer with space between them. Cook in batches if needed.
12. Step 12: Lightly spray the top of the mozzarella sticks with olive oil spray. Air fry for 5-8 minutes until the cheese is melted and the coating is golden and crispy.

Tips & Variations

• Freeze the coated sticks thoroughly before cooking to prevent cheese from leaking out.
• For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
• Serve with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.

Storage

Store leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use shredded mozzarella instead of sticks?

Shredded mozzarella will melt and ooze out too quickly, so sticks are best for this recipe to maintain shape and texture.

Can I bake these instead of air frying?

Yes, you can bake them at 400°F (205°C) for about 8-10 minutes, but air frying creates a crispier coating with less oil.

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

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4.6 from 52 reviews

Crispy and gooey Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks are a delightful snack, coated in seasoned panko bread crumbs and air fried to perfection for a healthier twist on this classic appetizer.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 16 mozzarella stick halves 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese

• 8 mozzarella cheese sticks

Coating

• 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

Other

• Olive oil spray

Instructions

1. Prepare Flour Mixture: In a shallow bowl or pie plate, mix the flour, kosher salt, and black pepper; set aside for coating.
2. Whisk Eggs: In a separate shallow dish, whisk the 2 eggs until smooth, creating an egg wash to help the breading adhere.
3. Mix Breadcrumbs: In a third shallow bowl, combine panko bread crumbs with garlic powder, dried oregano, and paprika, mixing well for a flavorful crust.
4. Cut Cheese: Cut each mozzarella stick in half to create smaller portions for easier handling and frying.
5. First Coat – Flour: Working one at a time, roll each mozzarella half in the flour mixture, coating thoroughly but dusting off any excess.
6. First Coat – Egg: Dip the floured cheese stick into the egg wash, coating completely and allowing excess egg to drip off.
7. First Coat – Breadcrumbs: Roll the egg-coated cheese stick in the seasoned panko mixture, pressing crumbs firmly to adhere.
8. Freeze First Layer: Place the coated sticks on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for at least 30 minutes to set the coating. Keep the egg wash refrigerated between batches.
9. Second Coat – Egg: After freezing, dip each mozzarella stick again into the egg mixture, ensuring full coverage for a double layer of adhesion.
10. Second Coat – Breadcrumbs: Once again, coat in the panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing crumbs firmly for a thick, crispy crust.
11. Freeze Second Layer: Return the double-coated mozzarella sticks to the freezer for an additional 30 to 60 minutes to ensure they hold their shape during cooking.
12. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (199°C) for 5 minutes to prepare for optimal cooking conditions.
13. Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
14. Arrange and Spray Mozzarella Sticks: Place mozzarella sticks in a single layer with space between each in the basket. Lightly spray the sticks with olive oil spray to enhance browning.
15. Cook Mozzarella Sticks: Air fry for 5 to 8 minutes until the breading is crispy and cheese starts bubbling, indicating they are perfectly cooked.

Notes

• Freezing the mozzarella sticks after coating is crucial to prevent cheese from melting too quickly and leaking during air frying.
• Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, ensuring even cooking and crispiness.
• You can substitute Italian seasoning for the oregano and paprika for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Serve immediately with marinara or ranch dipping sauce for best flavor and texture.

Keywords: Air Fryer, Mozzarella Sticks, Snack, Appetizer, Cheese Sticks, Crispy, Quick, Easy