Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Air fryer mozzarella sticks make a delicious, healthier appetizer or snack. You still get gooey cheese and crispy breading, but without the extra grease and calories from deep frying. They’re super easy to make gluten free, too!

Why These Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Are SO Good

• They’ve got all the melty, gooey cheese and crispy exterior without the extra grease from deep frying.
• Since there’s no deep frying, they’re lower in calories and fat than traditional mozzarella sticks.
• They cook very quickly in the air fryer (which is also a more energy-efficient cooking method).
• Keep them frozen, then just make a couple whenever you feel like it.
• They’re crazy delicious! Absolutely kid and family-approved. 😉

Ingredients You Will Need

Ingredients you need to make this snack include:

• part-skim mozzarella sticks
• flour
• egg
• bread crumbs
• onion powder
• garlic powder
• paprika
• salt
• pepper

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Cut cheese sticks in half to make 24 pieces.
2. Prepare your breading stations: Place flour in the sandwich bag, whisk the egg in a small, shallow dish, then combine bread crumbs and spices in another small, shallow dish.
3. Place cheese sticks (just a few at a time) in the sandwich bag with the flour. Toss to lightly dust the cheese sticks with flour. Tap off any excessive flour.
4. Transfer flour-dusted cheese stick to the egg wash and completely coat the cheese stick with egg wash.
5. Transfer the cheese stick to the bread crumbs and entirely cover. It may be helpful to use a small spoon to help ensure bread crumbs have been poured over every surface.
6. Place on a silicone mat lined baking dish, then freeze for at least an hour (can be frozen weeks in advance).
7. Preheat air fryer to 385°F. Place frozen mozzarella sticks in a single layer, not touching. Spray the tops with an oil spray, then cook for 5 minutes.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy while warm. Serve with any of your favorite dipping sauce, like marinara sauce.

Expert Tips and Variations

• You MUST freeze the breaded cheese sticks before air frying. And it really needs to be at least an hour. Even freezing for 30 minutes led to more cheese escaping the breading during the cooking process.
• You do not need to freeze the mozzarella sticks before breading them. I know many other recipes say to freeze both before and after breading, but I’ve tested these Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks many times, and freezing the cheese sticks before breading makes zero difference. So save your time there and instead make sure your breaded cheese sticks are frozen before air frying.
• Don’t skip spraying the mozzarella stick tops with an oil sprayer before air frying. This gives it a little extra crispness, making them even closer to the deep fried alternative! You can use a nonstick spray, just make sure it’s safe for the air fryer.
• Prep ahead! Make the recipe as is, except once they’re frozen, transfer mozzarella sticks to a freezer safe bag and store in the freezer for 3-4 months (or longer in a deep freezer). Then you’ll have mozzarella sticks ready to go whenever you are!
• Make them gluten-free by substituting equal amounts of your favorite gluten-free cup-for-cup flour and gluten-free bread crumbs.
• If you know someone who would love some healthier mozzarella sticks but they don’t have an air fryer, check out the oven baked mozzarella stick directions on Nutrition to Fit.

FAQs

Why did my mozzarella sticks explode and cheese ooze everywhere while cooking?

You didn’t freeze them long enough before air frying. They HAVE to be frozen at least an hour before cooking.

Can I make frozen mozzarella sticks in air fryer? Like store-bought?

Sure thing! Follow the same air fryer cooking time and temp in the recipe, unless your frozen mozzarella sticks have different instructions on their packaging.

How do I reheat mozzarella sticks in the air fryer?

Reheat at 375 degrees F for 2-3 minutes, until the outsides are crisp and insides are soft.

What should I serve these with?

A classic marinara is always delicious with mozzarella sticks!

Supplies You Will Need

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• Air fryer
• Storage bags
• Oil sprayer (or air fryer safe nonstick spray)
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Mixing bowls

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