Mozzarella sticks are one of those irresistible snacks that take me back to childhood. The gooey, stretchy cheese paired with a crispy golden crust and a marinara dip on the side – it’s comfort food at its finest. Now, with an air fryer, making mozzarella sticks at home has never been easier or healthier. You can skip the deep frying while still achieving the same crispy perfection!
I was hesitant at first to try homemade mozzarella sticks in an air fryer, but after a few batches, I was hooked. They’re so simple to whip up, and you can even customize the seasonings to suit your taste. Plus, they’re perfect for game days, parties, or just as a quick indulgent snack. Let me walk you through how to make these mouthwatering mozzarella sticks at home.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Mozzarella Cheese Sticks: The star of the show! Use pre-packaged mozzarella string cheese sticks. They’re the perfect size and melt beautifully without oozing too much.
Breadcrumbs: These create the crispy, crunchy coating. Panko breadcrumbs work best because they’re lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs.
Eggs: These act as the glue that helps the breadcrumbs stick to the cheese. Make sure to beat the eggs well for even coating.
Flour: A light coating of flour helps the eggs stick to the cheese, making for an even crust.
Seasonings: A mix of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper enhances the flavor of the breadcrumbs. You can also add Italian seasoning for an extra burst of flavor.
Cooking Spray: This ensures the coating gets golden and crispy in the air fryer without the need for excessive oil.
Marinara Sauce: While optional, marinara sauce is a classic dipping companion for mozzarella sticks.
Ingredients List
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray
- Marinara sauce (for dipping)
How to Make Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Step 1: Prepare the Mozzarella Sticks
Start by cutting each mozzarella string cheese stick in half if you want smaller portions, or leave them whole for larger sticks. Place them on a tray and freeze for at least 1 hour. This prevents the cheese from melting too quickly during cooking.
Step 2: Set Up Your Dredging Station
Grab three bowls: one for the flour, one for the beaten eggs, and one for the panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Coat the Mozzarella Sticks
Take a frozen mozzarella stick and coat it in flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully covered, then roll it in the seasoned breadcrumbs. Repeat the process for a thicker crust, then place the coated stick back onto the tray. Repeat for all sticks.
Step 4: Freeze Again
Once all the mozzarella sticks are coated, freeze them for another 30 minutes. This step ensures the coating stays intact while air frying.
Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray. Place the mozzarella sticks in a single layer, leaving space between each one. Spray the sticks lightly with cooking spray for extra crispiness. Air fry for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the mozzarella sticks carefully and serve them immediately with warm marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Freeze the cheese sticks well: Freezing them before coating and again before air frying is crucial to prevent the cheese from oozing out.
- Double coat for extra crispiness: For a crunchier texture, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps.
- Work in batches: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can prevent even cooking.
- Customize the seasoning: Feel free to add parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a unique twist.
- Serve immediately: Mozzarella sticks are best enjoyed hot and fresh. Reheating may cause the coating to lose its crispiness.
FAQs
1. Can I make these mozzarella sticks ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare and freeze the coated mozzarella sticks, then store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Cook them directly from frozen when you’re ready to enjoy.
2. What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
You can use regular breadcrumbs, but the texture won’t be as light and crispy.
3. Why is the cheese oozing out?
If the cheese is oozing, it may not have been frozen long enough. Always ensure the cheese is well frozen before air frying.
4. Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Yes, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Spray with cooking spray to achieve a golden crust.
5. What dipping sauces go well with mozzarella sticks?
Marinara sauce is classic, but you can also serve them with ranch, garlic aioli, or spicy sriracha mayo for variety.
Now that you have everything you need, it’s time to whip up these crispy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying air fryer mozzarella sticks. They’re bound to become a family favorite!