Mozzarella Stick Recipe Air Fryer

04.03.20

Updated: 04.03.20

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Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks – All the stretchy cheesy and crispy goodness you've been craving! All without that unnecessary grease. Bask in this glorious appetizer as a casual snack or serve it to guests as part of your appetizer table. This recipe comes complete with detailed freezing instructions.

Something about the texture of that crunchy panko breadcrumb exterior guarding the soft, melty mozzarella that hides inside is irresistible to me. I'm always on a mission to make my favorite comfort foods just a little more guilt-free! Crunchy doesn't have to mean deep-fried.

While greasy hands and napkins have a place in the comfort food world, sometimes it's just not necessary. These air fryer mozzarella sticks are a great example. I've been obsessed with my air fryer these days! Anything with a breadcrumb dredge comes out just as good, if not even crispier, when I utilize this gadget. Time to try it out for yourself!

Ingredients

Keep scrolling for to the recipe card for the full list of ingredient amounts and instructions or click the "Jump to Recipe" button at the top of the page!

Mozzarella sticks – If you can't find sticks, you can slice up your own from a block. More firm mozzarella works best for this recipe. My mozzarella sticks were quite long so I cut each one in half, more sticks that way.
Panko breadcrumbs – While regular or Italian breadcrumbs will still work, panko will give you maximum crunch.
Italian seasoning – Use as much or little as you like.
Salt & pepper – Season to taste.
Eggs – Use large eggs.
Flour – All-purpose.

process shots showing how to bread mozzarella sticks

How to make air fryer mozzarella sticks

First time using your air fryer? Make sure you read through the manual before starting this recipe.

Prep: Preheat the air fryer to 390F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Combine the breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl. Beat the eggs in another shallow bowl, and add the flour to a 3rd shallow bowl.
Dredge: Dip each mozzarella stick to fully coat in the flour, then the beaten eggs, into the breadcrumb mixture eggs again, and finally breadcrumb mixture one last time. So flour, eggs, breadcrumbs, eggs, breadcrumbs. Place them on the baking sheet and repeat until all the sticks are dredged.
Cook: Place the mozzarella sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to cook them in batches if there isn't enough room. Spray the sticks with a bit of cooking spray, close the lid, and cook for 6 to 7 minutes or until golden brown.

process shots showing how to cook mozzarella sticks in the air fryer

How to serve mozzarella sticks

This recipe is perfect for a cheesy appetizer or snack. They're usually served with lots of marinara sauce for dipping. You can also pair them with a creamier dip like ranch or thousand island.

Looking to put together an appetizer spread for a get-together? These recipes will go amazing with your homemade mozzarella sticks:

Toasted Ravioli
Baked Parmesan Zucchini Crisps
Lasagna Dip
Pigs in a Blanket
Lemon Pepper Wings
Crispy Baked Parmesan Garlic Breaded Mushrooms
Potato Skins
Skillet Pizza Dip

overhead shot of mozzarella sticks surrounding a bowl of marinara sauce

How to store leftovers

Let your mozzarella sticks cool down to room temperature before storing leftovers. You can transfer them to an airtight container or sealable freezer bag. These leftovers with last 1-2 weeks.

You can reheat leftovers either in the oven or your air fryer. Preheat your oven or air fryer to 350F. If using the oven, place the sticks on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Bake or air fry for 5-10 minutes or until heated through.

How to freeze mozzarella sticks

You can freeze these either cooked or uncooked.

Uncooked: After dredging the mozzarella sticks and lining them on the baking sheet, cover the sheet with plastic wrap. Transfer the sheet to the freezer for 2 hours or until the sticks are frozen. Now you can put all the sticks into a sealable freezer bag or airtight container and they won't freeze together.

Place the frozen mozzarella sticks in the air fryer, preheated to 375F. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

Cooked: Let the mozzarella sticks cool down fully to room temperature before transferring them to a large freezer bag or airtight container.

Reheat either in the oven or the air fryer at 350F for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.

a bowl with marinara sauce with a mozzarella stick in it

Put your kitchen gadgets to good use with these recipes:

Air Fryer Fried Chicken
Instant Pot Cashew Chicken
Slow Cooker Short Ribs
Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Glazed Pulled Chicken
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Air Fryer Chicken Wings

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Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks – All the stretchy cheesy and crispy goodness you've been craving! All without that unnecessary grease. Bask in this glorious appetizer as a casual snack or serve it to guests as part of your appetizer table. This recipe comes complete with detailed freezing instructions.

▢ 8 mozzarella sticks cut in half
▢ 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
▢ 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
▢ salt and pepper to taste
▢ 2 large eggs beaten
▢ ¼ cup all-purpose flour

Prep: Preheat the air fryer to 390F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Combine the breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl. Beat the eggs in another shallow bowl, and add the flour to a 3rd shallow bowl.
Dredge: Dip each mozzarella stick to fully coat in the flour, then the beaten eggs, into the breadcrumb mixture eggs again, and finally breadcrumb mixture one last time. So flour, eggs, breadcrumbs, eggs, breadcrumbs. Place them on the baking sheet and repeat until all the sticks are dredged.
Cook: Place the mozzarella sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to cook them in batches if there isn't enough room. Spray the sticks with a bit of cooking spray, close the lid, and cook for 6 to 7 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve warm with marinara sauce.

I cut my mozzarella sticks in half since they were a bit too long.
Nutritional information is for 2 half sticks or 1 whole stick.
Let your mozzarella sticks cool down to room temperature before storing leftovers. You can transfer them to an airtight container or sealable freezer bag. These leftovers with last 1-2 weeks.
You can reheat leftovers either in the oven or your air fryer. Preheat your oven or air fryer to 350F. If using the oven, place the sticks on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Bake or air fry for 5-10 minutes or until heated through.

Serving: 2 sticks Calories: 143 kcal (7%) Carbohydrates: 10 g (3%) Protein: 9 g (18%) Fat: 8 g (12%) Saturated Fat: 4 g (25%) Cholesterol: 62 mg (21%) Sodium: 293 mg (13%) Potassium: 40 mg (1%) Fiber: 1 g (4%) Sugar: 1 g (1%) Vitamin A: 78 IU (2%) Calcium: 51 mg (5%) Iron: 1 mg (6%)

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: air fryer mozzarella sticks, mozzarella sticks

Meet Joanna Cismaru

I'm Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

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