Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

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There’s something irresistible about biting into a golden, crispy mozzarella stick and getting that perfect cheese pull. Making them at home used to mean deep-frying, but thanks to the air fryer, you can enjoy these cheesy delights with far less oil while still getting that satisfying crunch.

I love making air fryer mozzarella sticks because they’re easy, quick, and so much better than store-bought versions. Whether it’s for a party, game night, or just a snack craving, these homemade mozzarella sticks always hit the spot. Plus, they pair perfectly with marinara sauce for dipping!

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Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

• Crispy and cheesy – A perfect balance of crunchy coating and gooey cheese inside.
• Healthier than deep-fried – Less oil, but just as delicious.
• Easy to make – With just a few ingredients, you can whip these up in no time.
• Great for meal prep – Freeze them in advance for a quick snack anytime.
• Kid-friendly – A fun and tasty treat that everyone will love!

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What Kind of Cheese Should I Use?

For the best mozzarella sticks, low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella string cheese is the way to go. It holds its shape well during cooking and melts perfectly inside the crispy coating. Avoid fresh mozzarella, as it has too much moisture and will turn into a gooey mess in the air fryer. If you prefer to cut your own cheese, use a firm block of mozzarella and slice it into even strips.

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Options for Substitutions

If you want to change things up, here are a few ingredient swaps you can try:

• Cheese Alternatives – Swap mozzarella for cheddar, pepper jack, or provolone for a different flavor twist.
• Breadcrumbs – Use panko for extra crunch, or try Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs for built-in flavor. Gluten-free breadcrumbs work well too!
• Egg Wash – If you’re out of eggs, dip the cheese in a mixture of flour and milk to help the coating stick.
• Seasoning Variations – Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, or cayenne pepper to the breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
• Dipping Sauces – Marinara is classic, but ranch, honey mustard, or spicy aioli make great alternatives.

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Ingredients for This Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating that perfect crunchy exterior and gooey cheese interior. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Mozzarella String Cheese – The star of the show! Low-moisture mozzarella is ideal because it melts without becoming too runny.
• All-Purpose Flour – Helps the egg mixture stick to the cheese, ensuring the breadcrumbs adhere properly.
• Eggs – Acts as the binding agent, helping the breadcrumbs form a crispy coating.
• Breadcrumbs – Provides the crunchy exterior. A mix of regular and panko breadcrumbs gives the best texture.
• Italian Seasoning – Adds a delicious herby flavor to the coating.
• Garlic Powder – Enhances the taste with a subtle garlicky kick.
• Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for bringing out the flavors of the coating.
• Cooking Spray or Oil – Helps the mozzarella sticks crisp up perfectly in the air fryer.

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Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Sticks

Unwrap the mozzarella string cheese and cut each stick in half to create smaller, bite-sized portions. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes. Freezing prevents the cheese from melting too quickly in the air fryer.

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Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

In three separate bowls, prepare the coating ingredients:

• Bowl 1: Add all-purpose flour.
• Bowl 2: Beat the eggs until smooth.
• Bowl 3: Mix the breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

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Step 3: Coat the Mozzarella Sticks

Take each frozen mozzarella stick and roll it in the flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture. For an extra crispy texture, repeat the egg and breadcrumb step to double-coat them.

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Step 4: Freeze Again

Place the coated mozzarella sticks back onto a baking sheet and freeze for at least another 30 minutes. This step is essential to prevent the cheese from oozing out while cooking.

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Step 5: Air Fry the Mozzarella Sticks

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the mozzarella sticks with cooking spray to enhance crispiness. Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

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How Long to Cook the Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

The cooking time for air fryer mozzarella sticks is 6-8 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Keep a close eye on them, as overcooking can cause the cheese to ooze out too much. If your air fryer runs hot, check them at the 5-minute mark to avoid a mess.

For frozen, store-bought mozzarella sticks, the cooking time may vary slightly. Always check the packaging for instructions and adjust as needed.

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Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

• Always freeze before air frying – This step is crucial to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly.
• Double-coat for extra crunch – Dip the cheese sticks in egg and breadcrumbs twice for a thicker, crispier layer.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer – Arrange the sticks in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Cook in batches if needed.
• Use panko for extra crispiness – Mixing panko with traditional breadcrumbs gives the best crunchy texture.
• Lightly spray with oil – A quick mist of cooking spray helps them turn golden brown.
• Serve immediately – Mozzarella sticks taste best fresh and hot when the cheese is perfectly gooey.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the freezing step – If you don’t freeze the cheese before cooking, it will melt too quickly and leak out.
• Using fresh mozzarella – Fresh mozzarella has too much moisture and won’t hold its shape well. Stick to low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella.
• Overcrowding the air fryer – Too many mozzarella sticks at once can prevent proper air circulation, leading to uneven cooking.
• Not double-coating – A single breadcrumb coating may not be enough to fully protect the cheese from oozing out.
• Setting the temperature too high – Cooking at a higher temperature can burn the outside while leaving the inside cold. Stick to 375°F for the best results.

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What to Serve With Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks?

1. Marinara Sauce

A classic pairing! The tangy, rich tomato flavor complements the crispy, cheesy goodness.

2. Ranch Dressing

Creamy and slightly tangy, ranch adds a cool contrast to the warm mozzarella sticks.

3. Garlic Butter

Melted butter infused with garlic and herbs makes for a luxurious dipping option.

4. Spicy Sriracha Mayo

For those who love a little heat, a mix of sriracha and mayo creates a bold and spicy dip.

5. Honey Mustard

A sweet and tangy option that brings a different dimension of flavor.

6. Buffalo Sauce

For a spicy kick, drizzle buffalo sauce over the mozzarella sticks or use it as a dip.

7. Alfredo Sauce

Rich and creamy, this sauce takes mozzarella sticks to another level of indulgence.

8. Pesto Sauce

A fresh and herby dip that adds a nice Italian twist to the dish.

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Storage Instructions

If you have leftover mozzarella sticks (which is rare because they’re so delicious!), here’s how to store them properly:

• Refrigerate – Store cooked mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to crisp them back up.
• Freeze – Uncooked mozzarella sticks can be frozen for up to 3 months. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Cook straight from frozen without thawing.
• Reheating – For best results, reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 4-5 minutes until crispy again. Avoid using the microwave, as it makes them soggy.

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Estimated Nutrition

The following nutrition estimate is based on a serving of four mozzarella sticks:

• Calories: ~280
• Protein: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 400mg

Note: Nutrition values may vary based on ingredients used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these mozzarella sticks ahead of time?

Yes! You can bread the mozzarella sticks and freeze them until you’re ready to cook. Just pop them straight into the air fryer from frozen—no need to thaw.

2. Why did my mozzarella sticks explode in the air fryer?

This happens if they weren’t frozen long enough or if the coating wasn’t thick enough. Make sure to double-coat them and freeze for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

3. Can I bake these instead of air frying?

Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be as crispy as air-fried, but they’ll still be delicious.

4. What’s the best way to make them extra crispy?

Use a mix of panko and regular breadcrumbs, double-coat them, and spray them lightly with cooking oil before air frying.

5. Can I use fresh mozzarella?

It’s not recommended. Fresh mozzarella has too much moisture and will likely leak out during cooking. Stick with low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella for the best results.

6. How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?

Freezing the mozzarella sticks for at least 30 minutes before cooking is key. Also, make sure to coat them well with breadcrumbs.

7. Can I use gluten-free breadcrumbs?

Absolutely! Just swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones, and they’ll turn out just as crispy and delicious.

8. What dipping sauces pair best with mozzarella sticks?

Marinara is the classic choice, but ranch, garlic butter, sriracha mayo, and buffalo sauce all work great, too!

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Conclusion

These Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks are the perfect snack—crispy, cheesy, and so easy to make! Whether you’re preparing them for a party, a family gathering, or just for yourself, they’re always a hit. Don’t forget to pin this recipe on Pinterest and share it with your family and friends so they can enjoy it, too!

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