Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

These air fryer mozzarella sticks are crispy on the outside and irresistibly gooey on the inside. I love how they deliver that perfect cheese pull without the mess and grease of deep frying. Whether I’m making them for a party, game night, or a quick snack, they always disappear fast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like that this recipe uses simple ingredients and the air fryer does all the work—no oil splatter or long cleanup. The coating comes out golden and crunchy while the cheese melts perfectly inside. I can make a batch ahead of time, freeze them, and just pop a few into the air fryer whenever the craving hits. They’re fun, fast, and always hit the spot.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese)

• All-purpose flour

• Eggs

• Panko breadcrumbs

• Italian seasoning

• Garlic powder

• Salt

• Cooking spray

Directions

1. I cut each mozzarella stick in half to make smaller bites, then freeze them for at least 30 minutes so they don’t melt too quickly during cooking.

2. I set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mix of panko, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt.

3. I coat each frozen cheese stick in flour, dip it in the egg, then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture. For a thicker crust, I dip it back into the egg and breadcrumbs one more time.

4. Once breaded, I place the sticks on a tray and freeze them again for 20–30 minutes. This helps them keep their shape and not leak in the air fryer.

5. I preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C).

6. I lightly spray the mozzarella sticks with cooking spray and place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer.

7. I cook them for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden and the cheese starts to ooze out slightly.

8. I serve them hot with marinara or dipping sauce of choice.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 mozzarella sticks (using 6 full-size cheese sticks). Prep takes about 15 minutes plus 1 hour of freezing, and air frying takes 6–8 minutes. So I usually set aside about 1 hour and 15 minutes total from start to serve.

Variations

I sometimes swap out mozzarella for cheddar or pepper jack for a spicier twist. I’ve also added crushed red pepper flakes or parmesan to the breadcrumb mix for extra flavor. For a gluten-free version, I use almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.

storage/reheating

Leftovers (if there are any) can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I place them back in the air fryer at 360°F (180°C) for 3–5 minutes until warm and crisp again. I don’t recommend microwaving them because they turn soggy fast.

FAQs

Can I skip freezing the cheese?

I wouldn’t. Skipping the freezing step often leads to melted cheese oozing out before the coating gets crisp.

Can I use regular breadcrumbs?

Yes, but I prefer panko for the extra crunch. Regular breadcrumbs will work; the coating just won’t be quite as crispy.

Do I need to spray with oil?

I lightly spray them to help the coating crisp up evenly. It’s not strictly necessary, but I get better color and crunch when I do.

Can I freeze them before cooking?

Absolutely. I usually freeze a whole batch after breading so I can cook them straight from frozen when I want a quick snack.

What’s the best dipping sauce?

I like classic marinara, but ranch, garlic aioli, or even spicy sriracha mayo all go great with these.

Conclusion

These air fryer mozzarella sticks are a crunchy, cheesy snack that’s way easier and healthier than traditional fried versions. With a few pantry staples and a little planning, I get golden, melty perfection every time. They’re a staple in my snack rotation—and once I make them, they never last long.