Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Looking for a delicious appetizer that’s sure to please your guests? Look no further than air fryer mozzarella sticks! These crispy, cheesy bites are super easy to make, and they come together in just minutes. So fire up your air fryer and get ready to enjoy some of the best mozzarella sticks you’ve ever had!

Why you need to make these Air fryer mozzarella sticks!

-They’re simple and easy to make

-Only takes a few minutes to prep

-Crispy on the outside, cheesy on the inside

-Perfect appetizer for any social gathering

What type of mozzarella do I choose?

For these air fryer mozzarella sticks choose a firm mozzarella that is not in water. The easiest way to do this is to buy a log of mozzarella. It will have a white rind and be in a plastic container or wrapped in wax paper. If you are using a pre-packaged sliced mozzarella, make sure it is not the kind that is water-logged. The slices should be about ¼ inch thick and slightly oval in shape.

Ingredients

• Mozzarella cheese
• All-purpose flour
• Dried parsley
• Salt
• Golden breadcrumbs
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Spray oil
• Eggs
• Smoked Paprika

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees fahrenheit.
2. Slice the mozzarella block into 6 even sticks.
3. Get three shallow bowls. In the first one place eggs, in the second one place all-purpose flour and in the final one place panko breadcrumbs, golden breadcrumbs, salt, dried parsley and smoked paprika. 
4. Place each mozzarella stick into flour, eggs, and then the bread crumbs mixture. Double coat these by dipping the sticks into the egg mixture and then again into the breadcrumb mixture, then place in the air fryer basket. Make sure that every part of the stick is coated or the mozzarella will seep out when it is melted. 
5. Spray generously with spray oil. 
6. Cook for 9-10 minutes, gently turning at 5 minutes. 
7. Serve these air fryer mozzarella sticks with your favorite dipping sauce.

Recipe tips and variations

If you don’t have an air fryer, these mozzarella sticks can also be baked in a 400 degree oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the outside is golden brown and crispy.

Try coating the cheese sticks in different types of bread crumbs for a different flavor. Seasoned bread crumbs would be a great option!

Serve these Air Fryer mozzarella Sticks with your favorite dipping sauce. Marinara sauce, ranch dressing and BBQ sauce are all delicious options.

You can also cook air fryer mozzarella sticks from frozen. Just increase the cooking time to 8-10 minutes. These are best enjoyed fresh, but will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes until warm.

Substitutions:

If you don’t have mozzarella cheese, you can use any type of cheese that you like that is not waterlogged.

You can also use Italian-seasoned bread crumbs or any other type of bread crumbs that you like.

FAQ’s

How to freeze air fryer mozzarella sticks?

Freezing mozzarella sticks is a great way to make sure you always have a tasty appetizer on hand! To freeze, simply place the cooked and cooled sticks on a baking sheet in the freezer. Once they’re frozen solid, transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just pop them in the air fryer for a few minutes to reheat.

How to store air fryer mozzarella sticks?

Leftover mozzarella sticks can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes before serving.

How to serve air fryer mozzarella sticks?

Mozzarella sticks are a great appetizer for any gathering! Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce.

How long do you air fry mozzarella sticks for?

The cook time for mozzarella sticks will vary depending on the size of your cheese sticks and the air fryer you’re using. We recommend cooking them for 9-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the outside is golden brown and crispy.

What are some dipping sauces for air fryer mozzarella sticks?

Some great dipping sauces for mozzarella sticks include marinara sauce, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or pesto.

Can I put frozen mozzarella sticks in the air fryer?

Yes, you can! Just cook them for a few minutes longer than the recipe mentions.

How do I make hot cheeto mozzarella sticks in air fryer?

Let me give you a bonus recipe! These hot cheeto mozzarella sticks are so good and so easy to make in the air fryer.

Ingredients:

1 cup Hot Cheeto crumbs

½ cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs

¼ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon onion powder

¼ teaspoon smoked paprika

¼ teaspoon cumin

⅛ teaspoon chili powder

1 large egg, beaten

6 oz mozzarella cheese sticks, cut into thirds

Instructions:

Combine the Hot Cheeto crumbs, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin and chili powder in a shallow bowl. Place the beaten egg in another shallow bowl. Dip each cheese stick into the egg, then coat in the crumb mixture. Lightly mist the cheese sticks with cooking spray.

Air fry at 400°F for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the coating is golden brown and crispy. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping, if desired. Enjoy!

If you’re in the mood for some delicious air fryer mozzarella sticks, we’ve got you covered! These cheesy treats are easy to make and will be a hit with your family and friends. So what are you waiting for? Get frying!

MORE AIR FRYER RECIPES

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

Air Fryer Whole Chicken 

Air Fryer Fish Fingers 

Air Fryer Tempeh