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Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Alright, if you’re anything like me, mozzarella sticks were the ultimate cheat-day snack back in the day—gooey cheese, crispy crust, and that satisfying snap when you bit into them. But frying them at home always felt like a greasy, messy ordeal… until I discovered the magic of the air fryer. Now, I get that same perfectly crispy, cheesy goodness with way less hassle and zero guilt. These air fryer mozzarella sticks come out golden, crunchy, and that cheese stretches like a dream. Plus, they’re super quick, so you can satisfy that snack craving before it even really develops. Ready to put on your apron and snack like a champ?

Quick Facts

Yield: Serves 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 23 minutes

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

12 mozzarella sticks (about 1 oz each, stick-shaped string cheese works perfectly)
1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
2 large eggs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Cooking spray (preferably olive oil spray)

For the Sauce / Garnish (Optional):

1 cup marinara sauce, warmed for dipping
Fresh chopped parsley or basil for garnish

How I Make It

Step 1:

Start by setting up your classic breading station. In one bowl, place the flour. In another, whisk together the eggs. In a third bowl, mix the Italian-style breadcrumbs with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This seasoning combo really makes the crust sing!

Step 2:

One by one, roll each mozzarella stick in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dunk it in the egg, making sure it’s well coated. Finally, press it into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring the cheese is completely covered. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb step a second time.

Step 3:

Place the breaded sticks on a baking sheet or plate and pop them in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial! It helps the coating stick and stops the cheese from melting too fast in the air fryer.

Step 4:

When ready, preheat your air fryer to 390°F for about 5 minutes. Arrange the mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the basket—don’t overcrowd, or they won’t crisp up evenly.

Step 5:

Spritz the sticks lightly with cooking spray on all sides to help them turn golden and crispy. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to brown them evenly.

Step 6:

Once they’re a beautiful golden brown and the cheese is gooey inside, carefully remove the sticks. Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Prepare for the ooey-gooey magic!

Variations & Tips

For a spicy kick, add 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes into the breadcrumb mix.
Try panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy crust.
Use smoked mozzarella for a different, richer flavor.
If your sticks start leaking cheese, try freezing them a bit longer before cooking.
Serve with ranch or a creamy garlic dip for something fun and different.
To make it gluten-free, swap breadcrumbs and flour with gluten-free alternatives.

How I Like to Serve It

These mozzarella sticks are perfect for game day snack spreads or cozy movie nights. They pair beautifully with a tangy marinara or even a spicy arrabbiata sauce when you want a bit more heat. I love adding a crisp green salad alongside to balance out all that cheesy richness!

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to regain crispiness.
If you’re in a rush, freezing the sticks ahead of time means you can cook them straight from frozen—just add an extra minute or two cooking time.

Closing: This recipe is my go-to when I want that classic crunchy, melty mozzarella fix without the fuss or grease—always a winner on snack night!