Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Introduction
Crispy, golden air fryer mozzarella sticks are the ultimate crowd-pleasing snack. Their crunchy exterior gives way to melty, stringy cheese inside—without the need for deep frying or messy oil splatters. If you’re looking for a simple, no-fuss recipe that delivers all the restaurant-style flavor with none of the guilt, these air fryer mozzarella sticks are your answer.
Whether it’s for a game day appetizer, a family movie night, or a fun addition to your dinner table, these irresistible cheese sticks will disappear almost as soon as they’re served.
What Sets Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Apart?
This recipe is engineered for crispiness and convenience. By using an COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, you get even cooking and a remarkably crunchy shell in minutes. Air frying uses much less oil than traditional frying, which means you can indulge in your favorite snack more often without compromising on texture or taste.
Plus, the process is incredibly easy to clean up—especially if you use handy Air Fryer Paper Liners.
How to Achieve the Perfect Crunch
The secret to crispy mozzarella sticks is a double coating of bread crumbs and a quick chill in the freezer before cooking. This keeps the cheese from oozing out as it cooks and creates that satisfying crunch.
For uniform prep work, a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper can be used for evenly slicing cheese sticks from a block, should you prefer it over store-bought string cheese.
Assembly and Cooking Tips
Prep and assembly are simple, so don’t be afraid to get the kids involved. Line your air fryer basket with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for stick-free cooking and easier cleanup. To get an even, crunchy coating, spray the breaded cheese sticks lightly with olive oil before air frying.
Serving Suggestions for the Ultimate Snack
Serve your air fryer mozzarella sticks hot, paired with a bowl of robust marinara, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce. For a more filling snack, add a side salad packed in a Bentgo Salad Container for a complete on-the-go meal.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe yields about 16 mozzarella sticks. Each stick contains roughly 80-90 calories, making them a lighter alternative to fried versions. Enjoy them occasionally as fun, shareable snacks—minus the excess oil.
Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks (Recap)
These air fryer mozzarella sticks marry classic flavors with easygoing prep and healthier cooking. Quick, crunchy, and bursting with gooey cheese, they’re sure to please guests of all ages every time they come out of the air fryer.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Slice your string cheese sticks in half for even portions. If slicing a whole block of mozzarella, use the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for uniformity.
- In three separate shallow bowls, place flour in one, whisk eggs in another, and mix both breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, and salt in the third.
- Coat each cheese stick first in flour, then in the beaten eggs, and finally roll thoroughly in your breadcrumb mixture. For extra crunch, dip them back into the eggs and breadcrumbs for a second coating.
- Arrange breaded cheese sticks on a plate and freeze for at least 30–40 minutes to prevent cheese from melting out during cooking.
- Preheat your COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1 to 390°F. Line the basket with Air Fryer Paper Liners or a sheet of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for effortless clean-up.
- Spray the mozzarella sticks lightly with olive oil. Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each stick.
- Air fry for 6–8 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and crisp. Serve immediately with marinara sauce on the side.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 30–40 minutes freeze time)
Cook Time: 6–8 minutes
Total Time: 35–55 minutes (including freezing)
