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Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks are a quick, easy, and healthier take on the classic snack. Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, these cheese sticks are ready in under 15 minutes using an air fryer for a golden, crunchy coating without deep frying. Perfect as a fun appetizer or party snack, they are customizable, kid-friendly, and ideal for satisfying cheese cravings with less oil and mess.

  • Total Time: 18 minutes
  • Yield: 8 mozzarella sticks 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese and Coating

  • 8 mozzarella cheese sticks (whole bars)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Cooking spray

Dipping Sauce (Optional)

  • Marinara sauce, ranch, garlic aioli, spicy sriracha mayo, or pesto

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cheese Sticks: Cut mozzarella sticks to uniform size if needed and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring better coating adhesion and preventing cheese leakage during cooking.
  2. Set Up Your Breading Stations: Arrange three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a breadcrumb and Parmesan cheese mixture to create the classic three-step breading setup.
  3. Coat the Cheese Sticks: Roll each stick in flour, shake off excess, dip fully in beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb-Parmesan mix. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb dip once more.
  4. Freeze the Coated Sticks: Place coated sticks on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for at least 30 minutes to firm up the coating and prevent cheese from oozing out.
  5. Air Fry to Perfection: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Arrange frozen sticks in a single layer in the basket without overcrowding. Lightly spray with cooking spray and air fry for 6–8 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Carefully remove the hot mozzarella sticks and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces for a perfect snack or appetizer.

Notes

  • Freeze before frying to prevent cheese leakage.
  • Double breading (egg and breadcrumbs) increases crunch and coating thickness.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation.
  • Use cooking spray lightly to attain a golden, crispy crust.
  • Serve immediately for best texture and cheese melt.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free breadcrumbs are used)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 mozzarella sticks
  • Calories: 190
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 380mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: air fryer, mozzarella sticks, crispy snack, appetizer, quick snack, cheese sticks, healthy frying