Golden Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

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Finding crowd-pleasing party snacks that don’t require hours in the kitchen can feel like an impossible task. Between juggling work deadlines, after-school activities, and trying to keep the house somewhat tidy, the last thing anyone needs is a complicated appetizer recipe that takes forever to prepare.

That’s why these air fryer mozzarella sticks have become my go-to solution: they’re quick to make, turn out perfectly crispy every time, and always disappear within minutes of hitting the plate. Plus, they’re so much easier (and cheaper!) than ordering takeout from your local restaurant.

What Kind of Mozzarella Should I Use?

String cheese is the perfect choice for this recipe since it’s already portioned and shaped just right for mozzarella sticks. Regular block mozzarella can work too, but you’ll need to cut it into even sticks, which can be trickier and more time-consuming. The key is to use low-moisture mozzarella – this is what you’ll find in string cheese form at the grocery store – rather than fresh mozzarella, which contains too much moisture and will turn into a melty mess. When shopping, look for whole milk string cheese rather than low-fat versions, as it melts better and gives you that classic stretchy cheese pull we all love in mozzarella sticks.

Options for Substitutions

Let’s talk about what you can swap in this recipe while still getting those perfectly crispy cheese sticks:

• Mozzarella string cheese: String cheese is really the best choice here, but if needed, you can cut block mozzarella into sticks. Just make sure it’s low-moisture mozzarella – fresh mozzarella is too wet and won’t work well.
• Breadcrumbs: No seasoned breadcrumbs? Make your own by adding 1 teaspoon Italian herbs and 1/4 teaspoon each of onion powder and dried parsley to plain breadcrumbs. You can also crush crackers or corn flakes as a substitute.
• Panko crumbs: Regular breadcrumbs can replace Panko, though you’ll lose some crunchiness. Crushed cornflakes or crushed Rice Krispies can work too for that extra crunch.
• Eggs: For a vegan version, try using 1/4 cup of plant-based milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch per egg. Just note that the coating might not stick quite as well.
• Plain flour: Any all-purpose flour works here – wheat, gluten-free, or even cornstarch can do the job of creating that first coating layer.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Air Frying

The biggest challenge when making mozzarella sticks is preventing the cheese from oozing out during cooking – double breading is your secret weapon here, so take time to coat each stick thoroughly and freeze them for at least 2 hours (or overnight) before air frying. Another common mistake is overcrowding the air fryer basket, which prevents proper air circulation and leads to uneven cooking – instead, arrange the sticks in a single layer with space between them. To ensure the perfect golden-brown exterior, make sure to spray or brush the breaded sticks with oil before cooking, and flip them halfway through – skipping this step can result in pale, unevenly cooked coating. For the best texture and to prevent cheese explosions, air fry them at 375°F for just 5-6 minutes, watching closely during the last minute of cooking since they can go from perfect to messy very quickly.

What to Serve With Mozzarella Sticks?

These crispy mozzarella sticks are perfect for dipping, so let’s talk about some tasty ways to serve them! Marinara sauce is the classic choice, but ranch dressing and garlic aioli are also really popular options for dunking. Since these are pretty rich, I like to balance them out with some fresh veggie sticks like carrots, celery, and bell peppers on the side. You can also make them part of a fun appetizer spread alongside wings, potato skins, or jalapeño poppers – perfect for game day or movie night!

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: These mozzarella sticks are best enjoyed right after cooking while the cheese is hot and stretchy. If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just know they won’t be quite as crispy as when fresh!

Make Ahead: Want to prep these ahead? You can bread the mozzarella sticks and freeze them before cooking! Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freeze until solid (about 2 hours), then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months frozen.

Cook from Frozen: When you’re ready to cook your frozen mozzarella sticks, no need to thaw – just pop them straight into the air fryer! You’ll need to add an extra minute or two to the cooking time, but they’ll turn out just as good as fresh-made ones.

Preparation Time	20-30 minutes
Cooking Time	5-7 minutes
Total Time	25-37 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 900-1000
• Protein: 40-50 g
• Fat: 45-50 g
• Carbohydrates: 90-100 g

Ingredients

• 8 mozzarella string cheeses
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup panko crumbs
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/3 cup plain flour
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by cutting the mozzarella sticks in half for easier handling and more pieces to enjoy.

In one bowl, whisk together the eggs and 1 tablespoon of water until fully combined.

In a second bowl, mix together the bread crumbs, Panko bread crumbs, vegetable oil, and garlic powder.

Finally, prepare a third bowl with flour seasoned with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Coat the Mozzarella Sticks

Take each mozzarella stick half and dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s well-coated.

Then, roll it in the flour mixture, covering it completely.

Dip it back into the egg mixture one more time, and finally, coat it with the bread crumb mixture.

This double-dipping process helps achieve a crispy coating.

Step 3: Freeze the Coated Mozzarella Sticks

Place the coated mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other.

Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer and freeze for at least 30 minutes.

You can store them in the freezer for up to 6 months, making this a great make-ahead snack.

Step 4: Preheat Air Fryer and Cook

When ready to enjoy, preheat your air fryer to 390°F.

Generously spray the frozen mozzarella sticks with oil or cooking spray to help them crisp up nicely.

Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there is room for air to circulate.

Cook for 5-7 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the mozzarella sticks from the air fryer and serve them immediately while hot and melty.

Pair them with your favorite marinara sauce or ranch dressing for a delightful snack!