Air fryer mozzarella sticks are your favorite Italian appetizer made at home. So easy, crispy, gooey, and healthier than deep fried!
This air fryer mozzarella sticks recipe is simple to make and such a fun treat. We like to serve them with sausage and pepper stuffed shells, baked spaghetti, or French bread pizza!
Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
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Air Fryer Mozzarella Stick Ingredients
- Cheese – Mozzarella sticks, also sometimes called string cheese.
- Flour – All purpose flour.
- Seasonings – Salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian blend seasoning.
- Breadcrumbs – We like panko breadcrumbs for this recipe.
- Eggs – Large, beaten.
How do you make air fryer mozzarella sticks? (step-by-step)
⭐ First, in a shallow bowl or plate, mix together the flour, salt, pepper and garlic powder. In a second shallow bowl or plate, beat the eggs. In a third shallow bowl of plate, combine the breadcrumbs and Italian seasoning.
⭐ Next, working one at a time, coat the mozzarella sticks in flour, then dip in the beaten eggs and then roll in breadcrumbs to coat. Dip the mozzarella sticks in the beaten eggs again, and then once again roll in the breadcrumbs to coat.
⭐ Then, place each mozzarella stick on a lined baking tray, and freeze until chilled through.
⭐ Finally, bake in preheated air fryer. For best results, work in batches and flip halfway through.
Preparation
Can you make air fryer mozzarella sticks in advance?
Yes, these can be made a few days ahead of time and enjoyed cold when you’re ready to eat or be reheated in the air fryer or toaster oven.
What kind of cheese for air fryer chicken tenders?
You can use whatever cheese you like, but traditionally this recipe is made with mozzarella cheese sticks (also called string cheese). My kids also like them with the twisty cheese sticks that have two kinds of cheese!
What kind of breadcrumbs for homemade air fryer mozzarella sticks?
We like a combination of all purpose flour + panko breadcrumbs for a super crispy coating.
Leftovers and storage
How long do air fried cheese sticks last?
Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for 3 – 4 days or longer in the freezer. Keep them in a sealed air tight container for best results.
How do you reheat air fryer string cheese?
Reheat in the air fryer at the same temp you cooked them initially. Cook for 4 – 6 minutes, or until crispy and warmed to your liking.
They can also be reheated the toaster oven or microwave.
Can you freeze air fryer mozzarella sticks?
Yes, if you’d like to freeze them, allow the sticks to cool, then place in a freezer safe, air tight container for 3 – 6 months.
Reheat in the air fryer for 4 – 6 minutes, or a few minutes longer if starting from frozen. Turning once at the halfway point.
Tips, tricks, and frequently asked questions
🔥 Add a teaspoon of chipotle powder to the flour for a spicy fried mozzarella stick.
🍗 Use gluten free flour and panko to make gluten free air fried mozzarella sticks.
🧀 Try different types of cheese like cheddar, gouda, or swiss.
What to eat with air fryer mozzarella sticks (serving suggestions)
Don’t forget the dipping sauce! We love this blender spaghetti sauce or slow cooker marinara.
This is an Italian restaurant favorite so we like to enjoy them with baked ravioli, chicken alfredo bake, garlic knots, or homemade meatballs. For dessert enjoy a slice of our classic cheesecake recipe or Italian sodas!
More delicious Italian inspired recipes
- Rigatoni casserole
- Hot pizza dip
- Fettuccine alfredo
- Tortellini salad
- Lasagna soup
- See all our Italian inspired recipes!
Other air fryer recipes to try
- Air fryer brussels sprouts
- Air fryer chicken tenders
- Air fryer corn on the cob
- Air fryer sweet potato fries
- Air fryer bacon
- Air fryer asparagus
- See all our air fryer recipes!
Tools we love
- Digital air fryer – We have (pictured) this Cosori 5.8 quart air fryer. It’s great!
- Kitchen tongs – Every kitchen needs a good pair of tongs.
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How to Make Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients
- 8 mozzarella sticks also called string cheese
- 3 eggs large, beaten
- ¼ cup all purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ tablespoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- In a shallow bowl or plate, mix together the flour, salt, pepper and garlic powder. In a second shallow bowl or plate, beat the eggs. In a third shallow bowl of plate, combine the breadcrumbs and Italian seasoning.
- Working one at a time, coat the mozzarella sticks in flour, then dip in the beaten eggs and then roll in breadcrumbs to coat.
- Dip the mozzarella sticks in the beaten eggs again, and then once again roll in the breadcrumbs to coat.
- Place each mozzarella stick on a lined baking tray, and freeze for 30 to 60 minutes.
- Preheat air fryer to 390F degrees. Working in batches, cook the mozzarella sticks for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway.
Notes
- 7 minutes was perfect for us.
- We tried these with just one coat of egg and breadcrumbs, and while they look a little prettier it's not enough to keep the cheese from oozing out. So make sure you do both layers!
- If you spray them with a little bit of oil before putting them in the air fryer, they'll brown up a little more, but I tried it both ways and they were totally fine without it.
- These are great for prepping ahead. You can make a bunch and then freeze on a sheet pan. Put them in a gallon ziploc after they are frozen to keep for later.
Nutrition
Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
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Kara says
These are scary good! I don’t know if it’s a good or a bad thing that they are so easy to make. I could be in trouble. π
katerina @ diethood.com says
These mozzarella sticks are SO GOOD!! Everyone loved them!
Sara Welch says
Made these for an afternoon snack and they turned out perfect! My kids couldn’t get enough and I loved how quickly they came together!