Few things can match the irresistible appeal of gooey mozzarella sticks—crunchy on the outside, melty and cheesy on the inside. This homemade air fryer recipe captures all the deliciousness of your favorite appetizer without the mess of deep frying. Whether you’re hosting game night, looking for an easy snack, or simply indulging a cheesy craving, these air fryer mozzarella sticks are a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to make at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthier alternative: By using an air fryer, you skip the heavy oil while still achieving a satisfyingly crispy coating.
• Quick and easy: With a little prep and a quick fry time, you can enjoy a fresh batch of mozzarella sticks in no time.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will devour these cheesy bites!
• Customizable: Perfect to pair with your favorite dips like marinara, ranch, or even spicy aioli.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• Cooking spray

How to Make Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Mozzarella:
   Start by cutting your mozzarella string cheese sticks in half to create smaller, snack-sized pieces. Place them on a tray or plate and freeze for at least 1 hour. Freezing helps prevent the cheese from melting too quickly during frying.
2. Set Up Your Breading Station:
   In one shallow bowl, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. In a third bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, panko, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
3. Coat the Cheese Sticks:
   • Roll each frozen mozzarella stick in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
   • Dip the floured stick into the egg, letting any excess drip off.
   • Press it into the breadcrumb mixture, coating evenly.
   • For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a second layer.
4. Freeze Again:
   Place the breaded sticks back onto the tray and freeze for another 30 minutes. This extra step ensures the cheese stays intact while cooking.
5. Air Fry:
   Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Spray the basket lightly with cooking spray. Arrange the mozzarella sticks in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray. Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
6. Serve:
   Remove the mozzarella sticks carefully and let them cool slightly. Serve immediately with a side of warm marinara sauce or your favorite dip.

Helpful Tips

• Don’t skip the freezing steps! Freezing is key to preventing the cheese from oozing out during cooking.
• Customize the seasoning: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer: Cook in batches if needed to ensure even crisping.
• Double coat for extra crunch: The second layer of breadcrumbs creates a thicker, crunchier crust.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including freezing)
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 38 minutes
• Yield: 24 mozzarella sticks
• Category: Appetizer, Snack
• Method: Air Fryer
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Notes

• Store leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain crispiness.
• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour substitutes.
• This recipe works great with dairy-free cheese sticks for a vegan alternative.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 110
• Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Protein: 5g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! After breading the mozzarella sticks, freeze them for up to 3 months. Fry directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No problem! You can bake these in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.

Why are my mozzarella sticks leaking cheese?
This usually happens if the cheese wasn’t frozen long enough or if the breading wasn’t thick enough. Make sure to double-coat and fully freeze before air frying.

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers (a rare occurrence!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes or in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until warm and crispy.

Related Recipes

If you loved these mozzarella sticks, here are a few more cheesy delights to try:

• Pesto Mozzarella Grilled Cheese
• Rotel Cream Cheese Beef Balls – Cheesy, Spicy, and Absolutely Irresistible

Conclusion

These air fryer mozzarella sticks are proof that comfort food can be both indulgent and easy to make. With their perfectly crisp coating and melty cheese center, they’re destined to be a hit at your next gathering—or any time you need a quick cheesy fix. So grab your air fryer, roll up your sleeves, and let’s make snack magic happen!

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