Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside, these Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks are an easy and delicious snack perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 10 sticks Mozzarella sticks (string cheese or block mozzarella cut into sticks) String cheese is easiest, but you can cut your own into finger-sized sticks.
- 1 cup All-purpose flour For gluten-free, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.
- 2 large Eggs Beaten. Substitute with buttermilk or thin plain yogurt with water if needed.
- 1 cup Bread crumbs Italian style or panko for extra crunch; mix if desired.
- 1 teaspoon Salt For seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon Pepper For seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder For flavor.
- 0.5 teaspoon Paprika For an extra kick.
- 0.5 cup Cooking spray To lightly coat the sticks.
- 1 cup Marinara sauce For dipping, store-bought is fine.
Instructions
Preparation
- Set up a breading station with three bowls: one for flour, one for beaten eggs, and one for bread crumbs mixed with seasonings.
- Coat each mozzarella stick in flour, shake off the excess, dip in egg, then roll in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to secure.
- For a thicker coating, double dip: back into the egg then roll again in the bread crumbs.
- Freeze the breaded sticks on a plate for at least 1 hour for best results.
Cooking
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (optional).
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Add the frozen mozzarella sticks in a single layer, giving them space around each stick. Spray the tops lightly.
- Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, checking at 5 minutes for doneness. They should be golden with cheese starting to peek out.
- Let them sit for 1 minute before serving to avoid burning.
Notes
For the best results, freeze long enough to set the coating. You can also prepare them ahead and cook as needed. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the air fryer.