🧀 Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks – Crispy, Cheesy & Easy!

These air fryer mozzarella sticks are coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and cooked until crisp and melty. A cheesy snack without the deep-fry mess.

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

kcal

Love cheesy, crunchy mozzarella sticks but don’t love deep frying? These Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks give you all the crispiness and gooey cheese without the oil!
✅ Perfectly crispy outside, melty inside
✅ Air-fried for a lighter alternative to deep-frying
✅ Make-ahead friendly—freeze and cook later!
✅ Serve with marinara sauce, ranch, or your favorite dip!

Ingredients

8 mozzarella string cheese sticks (halved for 16 pieces)
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons milk
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Cooking spray or oil spray

Directions

Freeze the Cheese: Cut mozzarella sticks in half and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze for at least 1 hour (prevents melting while cooking).
Set Up Breading Station: In one bowl, mix flour with salt and pepper. In a second bowl, whisk eggs and milk. In a third bowl, combine panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Coat the Mozzarella Sticks: Dredge each frozen stick in flour, dip into the egg mixture, and roll in the panko mixture. Repeat for a double coating for extra crispiness.
Air Fry: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place mozzarella sticks in a single layer and spray lightly with oil. Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
Serve Immediately: Let cool slightly, then enjoy with warm marinara or ranch dip!

Notes

✅ Double freeze trick: After breading, freeze the sticks again for 30 minutes before air frying for even better results!
✅ Make-ahead option: Freeze fully breaded sticks in an airtight container for up to 3 months—just air fry straight from frozen!
✅ Gluten-free? Swap the flour and panko for gluten-free versions.
CLICK HERE to see which Air Fryers I recommend.

Want more recipes that are crispy, cheesy, or loaded with flavor? Try these:
Cheeseburger Egg Rolls
Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks
Loaded Sweet Potato Fries