Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks are a delightful treat that brings that classic comfort food appeal right to your kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, planning a cozy family movie night, or simply indulging in a tasty snack, these gooey, cheesy bites are sure to please. The crispy, golden exterior combined with the melty mozzarella inside makes for an irresistible combo that’s even easier to whip up thanks to your air fryer!
What Makes This Recipe Special
You’ll love how quick and easy this recipe is, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous get-togethers. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and family-approved. Who can resist that cheesy goodness?
“These mozzarella sticks were a huge hit at our party! I love how easy they were to make in the air fryer. Can’t wait to make them again!” – Happy Home Cook
How to Make Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
The process of preparing Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks is simple and fun! You’ll create a crispy outer layer while keeping the cheese inside gooey and melty. Here’s a quick overview of what to expect: You’ll coat the sticks in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, freeze them for a bit, and then air fry them until golden brown.
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What You’ll Need
Gather these items:
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Feel free to swap the breadcrumbs for panko for an extra crunch, or use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version!
Directions to Follow
- Cut each mozzarella stick in half.
- Set up a dredging station with flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning in a third.
- Dip each mozzarella stick first in flour, then in the eggs, and finally in breadcrumbs, ensuring they are well coated.
- Place the coated sticks on a plate and freeze for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray, then place the frozen mozzarella sticks in a single layer, making sure they are not touching.
- Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray and air fry for 6-8 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve immediately with marinara sauce for dipping.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
These Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks shine when paired with a zesty marinara sauce. You can also serve them with ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an extra touch. Consider adding a fresh salad or some homemade guacamole on the side to round out your snack platter.
How to Store
If you happen to have leftovers (though I doubt it!), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3-5 minutes. You can also freeze the prepared, uncooked sticks for up to 2 months—just pop them directly into the air fryer from the freezer when you’re ready to fry!
Helpful Cooking Tips
To ensure your mozzarella sticks stay cheesy and gooey, make sure to freeze them long enough before air frying. This is key for achieving that perfect stretchy cheese pull. Additionally, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; give them space to breathe and crisp up nicely.
Recipe Variations
You can get creative with these mozzarella sticks by adding different seasoning blends to the breadcrumbs or experimenting with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or cheddar for extra flavor. You might even try stuffing them with a bit of cooked spinach and artichoke dip for a fun twist!
Your Questions Answered
How long does it take to make Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks?
The actual cooking time is about 6-8 minutes, but don’t forget to account for the freezing time of at least 30 minutes.
Can I use gluten-free alternatives?
Absolutely! Just substitute the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free options to make these delicious sticks gluten-free.
What’s the best way to reheat them?
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3-5 minutes to ensure they stay crispy.
Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful and cheesy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks with a crispy golden exterior, perfect for snacks or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Cut each mozzarella stick in half.
- Set up a dredging station with flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning in a third.
- Dip each mozzarella stick first in flour, then in the eggs, and finally in breadcrumbs, ensuring they are well coated.
- Place the coated sticks on a plate and freeze for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray, then place the frozen mozzarella sticks in a single layer, making sure they are not touching.
- Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray and air fry for 6-8 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve immediately with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
For an extra crunch, swap breadcrumbs for panko or use gluten-free options.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 mozzarella sticks
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 150mg