January 24, 2024
Review RecipeAir Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Table of Contents
Get ready to indulge in a snack that’s a little bit gooey, a little bit crispy, and a whole lot of tasty! These easy air fryer mozzarella sticks are a breeze to make and deliver a burst of cheesy goodness that’s impossible to resist.
Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Ingredients
You only need a handful of ingredients to make these cheesy snacks.
Along with the pantry staples for the coating, the Italian breadcrumbs provide a satisfying crunch to the mozzarella sticks’ exterior.
Meltingly gooey inside and perfectly crispy outside, the mozzarella cheese sticks steal the spotlight.
Serving them with marinara sauce adds a tangy contrast to the cheesy goodness.
You’ll need:
- 8 mozzarella cheese sticks
- 2-3 eggs
- ⅓ cup of flour
- ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon of salt
- ¾ cup of Italian breadcrumbs
- ¼ teaspoon of dried parsley
- 1 cup of marinara sauce (optional for dipping)
Substitutions and Additions
EGGS: For a plant-based option, you can use flax eggs or aquafaba as a substitute for traditional eggs.
FLOUR: Opt for gluten-free flour to make this recipe gluten-friendly without compromising taste.
ITALIAN BREADCRUMBS: Experiment with panko breadcrumbs for an even crunchier coating on these mozzarella sticks.
MOZZARELLA CHEESE STICKS: Try swapping mozzarella with other cheese varieties like cheddar, pepper jack, or even brie for a gourmet twist.
MARINARA SAUCE: Customize your dipping experience by offering a variety of sauces such as pesto, honey mustard, or even a spicy Sriracha mayo with your gooey mozzarella sticks.
How To Make This Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
It’s so easy to make these homemade mozzarella sticks.
Once you add the crispy coating, you will pop them in your air fryer for a few minutes before they are ready to enjoy.
OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS
Make sure to check your air fryer manual for cooking time guidelines for your specific model, as times and temperatures vary depending on the type of air fryer you have.
STEP ONE: Line the cookie sheet with parchment paper.
Then cut the mozzarella sticks in half, and set aside while assembling bowls.
STEP TWO: Assemble the first bowl by whisking the eggs until smooth.
STEP THREE: Assemble the second bowl by stirring the flour, garlic powder, and salt together.
STEP FOUR: Assemble the third bowl by stirring together the breadcrumbs and parsley.
STEP FIVE: Dip one mozzarella stick into the egg bowl, covering completely and allowing to drip off any excess, then dip into the flour bowl, covering completely.
PRO TIP:
Dip each cheese stick in the different bowls one at a time for the best results.
Also, be sure to let the egg drip off.
Having extra egg on the cheese sticks will result in misshapen mozzarella sticks.
STEP SIX: Dip back into the egg mixture, and then dip into the breadcrumb mixture, covering completely.
STEP SEVEN: Repeat with all mozzarella sticks.
Place on the lined cookie sheet and place in the freezer for 25 minutes.
PRO TIP:
Freezing the mozzarella sticks before cooking will help ensure they have time to cook without the cheese oozing out.
STEP EIGHT: Once frozen, repeat the process of dipping each stick into the egg mixture, then the breadcrumbs.
STEP NINE: Place the coated cheese sticks back into the freezer for at least 25 minutes.
STEP TEN: Spray the air fryer, and the mozzarella sticks with cooking spray.
STEP ELEVEN: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F.
Place the mozzarella sticks spread out when preheated and cook for five to seven minutes.
Be sure to check on them while cooking. You may need to flip them at four minutes.
STEP TWELVE: Remove from the air fryer when the cheese starts to bubble and cool slightly before serving with marinara sauce!
How To Serve
Pair these air fryer mozzarella sticks with a refreshing side Caesar salad for a tasty snack that satisfies both your cheesy and crunchy cravings.
Turn these mozzarella sticks into a playful party appetizer by serving them alongside a selection of dipping sauces, from tangy ranch dressing to zesty salsa.
Elevate your next movie night by adding these mozzarella sticks to a platter of finger foods, including our stuffed mushrooms and fried ravioli, making it a memorable experience.
These air fryer mozzarella sticks are a slam dunk for game nights alongside our buffalo chicken sliders. The crispy texture and gooey cheese make them the perfect finger food for cheering on your favorite team.
Kids adore these cheesy treats! Make them the star of the party by serving them alongside other kid-friendly snacks and finger foods, including our pigs in a blanket.
Our air fryer chips and air fryer pizza rolls are two more easy air fryer recipes that are sure to be a winner.
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Storage
We have a few tips to help you out with leftovers of these cheesy appetizers.
MAKE AHEAD: You can prepare these air fryer cheese sticks ahead of time and freeze them.
When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply air fry them for a quick and satisfying snack.
IN THE FRIDGE: Store any leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.
To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.
IN THE FREEZER: If you’ve made a larger batch, freeze uncooked mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container.
The frozen cheese sticks can be stored for up to a month.
REHEATING: For reheating, use the air fryer to recapture the original crunch and gooeyness. You can also reheat them in the oven for a similar effect.
Why We Love This Recipe
QUICK AND EASY SNACK: These cheesy mozzarella sticks come together in no time, making them the perfect snack solution when those cravings strike.
CRISPY AND GOOEY: The combination of a crispy exterior and a melty interior creates a satisfying contrast that keeps you coming back for more.
CUSTOMIZABLE: From the choice of dipping sauces to experimenting with different cheese varieties, this recipe offers endless possibilities for personalization.
Indulge in the irresistible combination of gooey cheese and crispy perfection with these homemade air fryer mozzarella sticks. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a party appetizer, or a satisfying game night treat, these mozzarella sticks deliver on taste and texture every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
While it’s not recommended, you can reheat them in the microwave. However, for the best results, use the air fryer to regain their crispiness.
It’s highly recommended for that extra crunch, but if you want to skip one coating, omit the second flour coat and stick to double-breading with the breadcrumbs.
Be sure to shake off excess egg and breadcrumbs during the coating process to avoid excessive buildup and misshapen sticks.
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Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients
- 8 mozzarella cheese sticks
- 2 to 3 eggs
- ⅓ cup flour
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup Italian breadcrumbs
- ¼ teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 cup marinara sauce, optional for dipping
Instructions
- Line the cookie sheet with wax (or parchment) paper, cut the mozzarella sticks in half, and set aside while assembling the bowls.
- Assemble the first bowl by whisking the eggs until smooth.
- Assemble the second bowl by stirring the flour, garlic powder, and salt together.
- Assemble the third bowl by stirring together the breadcrumbs and parsley.
- Dip one mozzarella stick into the egg bowl, covering completely and allowing to drip off any excess, then dip into the flour bowl, covering completely.
- Dip it back into the egg mixture, and then dip into the breadcrumb mixture, covering completely.
- Repeat with all of the mozzarella sticks. Place on the lined cookie sheet and place in the freezer for 25 minutes.
- Once frozen, repeat the process of dipping each stick into the egg mixture, then the breadcrumbs.
- Place back into the freezer for at least 25 minutes.
- Spray the air fryer and the mozzarella sticks with cooking spray.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380℉, place the mozzarella sticks spread out when preheated, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, checking in on them and possibly flipping them at 4 minutes.
- Remove from the air fryer when the cheese starts to bubble and cool slightly before serving with marinara sauce!
Notes
- Make sure to check your air fryer manual for cooking time guidelines for your specific model, as times and temperatures vary depending on the type of air fryer you have.
- Dip each cheese stick in the different bowls one at a time for the best results. Also, be sure to let the egg drip off. Having extra egg on the cheese sticks will result in misshapen mozzarella sticks.
- Freezing the mozzarella sticks before cooking will help ensure they have time to cook without the cheese oozing out.
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