These golden-brown air fryer mozzarella sticks deliver the perfect crispy-on-the-outside, melty-on-the-inside experience in just 5 minutes of cooking time. With only 130 calories per serving, they’re a lighter take on the classic appetizer we all love.
The preparation requires a bit of patience – about an hour – but the result is absolutely worth the wait. Whether you’re hosting game night or seeking a delicious snack, these homemade mozzarella sticks strike the perfect balance between indulgence and mindful eating.
Essential Ingredients
- Cheese Sticks: 8 sticks, cut in half for perfect bite-sized portions
- Seasonings: ½ tsp each of garlic powder and smoked paprika for extra flavor
- Egg: 1 whole egg, beaten for the perfect coating adhesion
- Flour: ¼ cup, choose either gluten-free or all-purpose as per preference
- Bread Crumbs: ½ cup for that perfect crispy exterior
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Initial Freeze: Chill cheese sticks for 30 minutes to maintain shape during coating
- Prepare Stations: Set up egg wash, spiced bread crumb mixture, and flour in separate containers
- Flour Coating: Gently shake cheese sticks in ziplock bag with flour until evenly coated
- Egg Wash: Dip each floured stick in beaten egg for perfect breading adhesion
- Bread Coating: Roll in seasoned bread crumbs, ensuring complete coverage
- Final Freeze: Chill again for 30 minutes – this crucial step prevents premature melting
- Air Frying: Cook at 370°F for 4-5 minutes until golden brown
- Finishing Touch: Let cool briefly, reshape if needed, and serve with marinara sauce
Pro Tips for Perfect Cheese Sticks
Hey there! Getting that perfect golden-brown exterior with a gooey center is totally doable! The double-freeze method in this recipe is pure magic – it keeps your cheese from escaping during cooking. Want extra-crispy sticks? Give them a quick spray with oil before air frying. If your cheese starts oozing, don’t panic! That’s why we keep those silicone tools handy.
Easy Variations
Love spicing things up? Mix up your breadcrumb coating with Italian seasoning for an herb-packed twist. You can swap regular breadcrumbs for panko to get extra crunch, or use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you’re avoiding gluten. String cheese works great, but you can also try pepper jack for a spicy kick!
Serving Ideas
While marinara sauce is a classic match, these crispy bites taste amazing with ranch dressing or garlic aioli too! Want to make it a meal? Add them to a big plate of finger foods with chicken wings and celery sticks. They’re perfect for game day snacking or as an after-school treat.
Storage Tips
These cheese sticks taste best fresh from the air fryer. If you have extras, pop them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, just give them 1-2 minutes in the air fryer at 350°F. Want to prep ahead?
You can bread them and freeze them uncooked for up to 3 months – just add an extra minute to the cooking time when you’re ready to make them.
Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Ziplock Bag
- Shallow Bowls
Ingredients
- 8 cheese sticks halved
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup flour gluten free or all purpose
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
Instructions
- Place cheese sticks in the freezer and allow to chill for at least 30 minutes.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk the egg until blended and set aside.
- In another bowl, mix spices and bread crumbs. Set aside.
- In a gallon sized ziplock bag, add flour and set aside.
- Remove cheese sticks from freezer and cut in half. Put halved cheese sticks into bag with flour. Shake bag to gently coat all over with flour.
- Dip each cheese stick in egg wash.
- Dredge the cheese stick through the bread crumb and spice mixture. Make sure the cheese stick is covered on all sides.
- Place all sticks back into the freezer for another 30 minutes. Do NOT skip this step!
- Place covered cheese sticks in air fryer basket. Cook for about 4-5 minutes at 370 degrees.
- When timer goes off, remove basket from air fryer but allow mozzarella sticks to cool before handling. Shape any that have melted with a silicone kitchen tool.
- Serve with marinara sauce and enjoy!
