Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
These homemade Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks are crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and much lighter than deep-fried versions.
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus freezing)
Cook Time: 6–8 minutes
Servings: 8 mozzarella sticks
Ingredients
- 8 mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut in half (16 pieces)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Cooking spray
For Serving
- Warm marinara sauce
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Freeze the Cheese
- Freeze the mozzarella sticks for 1 hour. This helps prevent the cheese from melting too quickly.
2. Prepare the Coating
- Place the flour in one shallow bowl.
- Whisk the eggs with the water in a second bowl.
- In a third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
3. Bread the Mozzarella
- Coat each frozen cheese stick in flour.
- Dip into the egg mixture.
- Roll in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating for a second layer to help keep the cheese inside.
4. Freeze Again
- Place the coated mozzarella sticks on a baking tray and freeze for 30 minutes.
5. Air Fry
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
- Lightly spray the mozzarella sticks with cooking spray.
- Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one.
- Air fry for 6–8 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Tip: If you see cheese beginning to ooze out, remove the mozzarella sticks immediately—they’re done.
Nutrition (Per 2 Mozzarella Sticks)
Approximate values:
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
Tips for Success
- Freeze the cheese before and after breading for the best results.
- Double-coating helps prevent leaks.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
- Serve immediately while the cheese is hot and stretchy.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumbs.
- Extra Cheesy: Mix additional Parmesan into the coating.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
- Herb Lovers: Add dried basil, oregano, or parsley to the breadcrumb mixture.