Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks – Crispy, Cheesy & Easy!
Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Servings
16
servingsPrep time
10
minutesCooking time
6
minutesCalories
90
kcalLove 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 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.