Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks are gooey, cheesy, and perfectly crispy on the outside—everything I love about the classic snack without the deep-fried mess. Made with string cheese and a simple coating, they’re quick, fun, and way better than anything from the freezer aisle.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s fast, crunchy, and gives me that satisfying cheese pull without needing a deep fryer. The air fryer makes them crispy and golden with just a light spray of oil, and I can prep a whole batch ahead and freeze them for whenever a craving hits. Whether I serve them as a party snack, appetizer, or game-day treat, they always disappear fast.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Mozzarella string cheese sticks

• All-purpose flour

• Eggs

• Panko breadcrumbs

• Italian seasoning

• Garlic powder

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Cooking spray or olive oil spray

• Marinara sauce (for dipping)

directions

1. I cut each mozzarella stick in half for easier handling and more servings.

2. I set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mix of panko, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

3. I dip each piece of cheese into the flour, then the egg, then the breadcrumb mixture—pressing gently to make sure it sticks. For extra crispiness, I double dip: back into the egg, then breadcrumbs again.

4. I place the breaded cheese sticks on a baking sheet and freeze them for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent them from melting too fast while cooking.

5. I preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and lightly spray the basket with oil.

6. I arrange the frozen mozzarella sticks in the basket in a single layer and spray the tops with oil.

7. I air fry for 6–8 minutes, checking around the 6-minute mark to avoid cheese oozing out. They should be golden and crispy.

8. I serve them hot with marinara or my favorite dipping sauce.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 mozzarella sticks (6 cheese sticks cut in half) and takes 10–15 minutes of prep, plus 30 minutes to freeze, and 6–8 minutes to cook. I have crispy, cheesy snacks ready in under an hour, most of it hands-off.

Variations

Sometimes I use different cheeses like pepper jack or cheddar for a fun twist. I also swap Italian seasoning for ranch seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne for a spicy version. For a gluten-free option, I use almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.

storage/reheating

Leftover cooked sticks can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. I reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3–4 minutes. Uncooked breaded sticks freeze well for up to 2 months—no need to thaw, just air fry from frozen.

FAQs

Why do I need to freeze the mozzarella sticks?

Freezing keeps the cheese from melting too fast and leaking out during air frying. It also helps the coating stick better.

Can I use regular breadcrumbs?

Yes, but I prefer panko for the best crunch. Regular breadcrumbs work fine in a pinch.

Can I skip the flour?

Flour helps the egg stick to the cheese, which helps the breadcrumbs stick—so I don’t skip it. It’s key to getting a good coating.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

I do—it helps the mozzarella sticks start crisping up right away and keeps the coating golden and even.

What dipping sauces go best?

I love classic marinara, but ranch, garlic aioli, honey mustard, or spicy ketchup also work great.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks are one of my favorite quick snacks—crispy, cheesy, and totally addictive. They’re easy to prep ahead, fun to dip, and deliver all the comfort of the original with less grease and more crunch. Once I make them from scratch, I never go back to store-bought again.