Air Fryer Mozzarella Cheese Sticks Recipe

Save on Pinterest Share on Facebook

Crispy, gooey, and oh-so-satisfying, these air fryer mozzarella cheese sticks are my go-to when I’m craving a quick snack or a fun appetizer to share with friends.

I remember the first time I made these at home—my kitchen smelled like a cozy pizzeria, and the kids couldn’t stop sneaking bites before they even hit the table!

Using an air fryer makes them super easy and way less messy than deep-frying, plus they come out perfectly golden every time.

Whether you’re hosting a game night or just treating yourself, this recipe is a total crowd-pleaser. Pair it with a zesty marinara sauce, and you’re in for a treat!

For more air fryer inspiration, check out the Air Fryer Cookbook: 600 Quick & Easy Recipes for Beginners and Pros to level up your snack game.

Air Fryer Mozzarella Cheese Sticks Recipe – Crispy Cheese Treats

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Mozzarella Cheese Sticks Recipe

I’ve made these mozzarella sticks for movie nights, casual get-togethers, and even as a sneaky late-night snack, and they never fail to impress. The air fryer gives them a crispy, golden crust without the greasy mess of traditional frying, and the cheese inside stays perfectly melty.

They’re quick to whip up, kid-friendly, and endlessly customizable—think spicy coatings or fun dipping sauces. Plus, they’re a healthier twist on a classic comfort food, using less oil while still delivering that satisfying crunch.

Quick and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes.
Crispy exterior with gooey, melty cheese inside.
Healthier than deep-fried versions with minimal oil.
Perfect for parties, snacks, or family dinners.
Pairs perfectly with your favorite dipping sauces.

Read Also: Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken Recipe

Ingredients For Air Fryer Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

You’ll need just a handful of pantry staples to make these mozzarella sticks. Here’s what to grab:

12 mozzarella string cheese sticks (about 340g)
1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 cup (100g) panko breadcrumbs
1 cup (100g) Italian breadcrumbs
1 tsp (5g) garlic powder
1 tsp (5g) paprika
1 tsp (5g) Italian seasoning
Cooking spray (for air fryer basket)
Marinara sauce (for dipping, optional)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

This recipe comes together easily with a few basic tools. Make sure you have:

Air fryer
3 shallow bowls (for breading)
Tongs (for handling cheese sticks)
Baking sheet (for freezing)
Parchment paper (optional, for easy cleanup)

Recommended Air Fryer

For this recipe, I highly recommend the COSORI 6-Qt Air Fryer – 9-in-1 Versatility, Turbo Speed, 95% Less Oil!. It’s a game-changer for crispy, guilt-free snacks like these mozzarella sticks. Here’s why it’s perfect:

✅ 9 Cooking Functions – Air fry, roast, bake, dry, reheat & more
✅ TurboBlaze Technology – 3600 RPM fan for ultra-fast, even cooking
✅ Precise Temperature Control – 90°–450°F for perfect texture every time
✅ 6-Qt Family Size – Cook larger meals with a space-saving design
✅ Up to 95% Less Oil – Crispy, guilt-free frying without excess fat
✅ Quiet & Efficient – Operates under 53 dB for a peaceful kitchen
✅ Dishwasher-Safe Basket – Hassle-free cleaning for easy meal prep
✅ 100+ In-App Recipes – Get inspired with chef-crafted meals
✅ Customizable Preheat & 4 Turbo Modes – Cook your way with precision

🎉 Limited-Time Deal – Get Yours Now & Save 25%!

Grab yours today and make these mozzarella sticks even easier to whip up!

Air Fryer Mozzarella Cheese Sticks Recipe – Homemade Comfort Food

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed steps to make perfect mozzarella sticks every time. Even if you’re new to cooking, I’ve got you covered with clear instructions!

1. Freeze the Mozzarella Sticks

Start by placing your mozzarella string cheese sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Pop them in the freezer for at least 1 hour. Freezing helps the cheese hold its shape during breading and cooking, preventing those dreaded cheese explosions in the air fryer.

If you’re short on time, 45 minutes will do, but don’t skip this step—it’s key to success!

2. Set Up Your Breading Station

Grab three shallow bowls for the breading process. In the first bowl, add 1 cup (120g) of all-purpose flour.

In the second, whisk 2 large eggs with a tablespoon of water until smooth—this helps the coating stick.

In the third, mix 1 cup (100g) panko breadcrumbs, 1 cup (100g) Italian breadcrumbs, 1 tsp (5g) garlic powder, 1 tsp (5g) paprika, and 1 tsp (5g) Italian seasoning.

The combo of panko and Italian breadcrumbs gives the perfect crunch and flavor.

3. Bread the Mozzarella Sticks

Take the frozen mozzarella string cheese sticks out of the freezer. Working one stick at a time, coat it in all-purpose flour, tapping off excess.

Dip it into the egg mixture, letting any extra drip off. Finally, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.

Place the breaded stick back on the baking sheet.

Repeat for all sticks. For extra crunch, double-dip by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps.

4. Freeze Again

Place the breaded mozzarella sticks back on the baking sheet and freeze for another 30 minutes.

This second freeze locks the coating in place and further prevents cheese leakage during cooking.

Trust me, this step makes a big difference for that perfect texture.

5. Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes.

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

If your air fryer doesn’t require preheating, you can skip this, but I find it helps with even cooking.

6. Air Fry the Mozzarella Sticks

Arrange the breaded mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch for even air circulation.

Lightly mist the tops with cooking spray to enhance crispiness.

Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through with tongs, until golden brown and crispy.

Check one stick to ensure the cheese is melty but not oozing out.

7. Serve Immediately

Carefully remove the mozzarella sticks from the air fryer using tongs and serve hot with marinara sauce for dipping.

They’re best enjoyed right away while the cheese is gooey and the coating is crisp.

If you’re serving a crowd, keep them warm in a low oven (200°F/90°C) until ready.

Read Also: Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe

Tips for Success

I’ve made these mozzarella sticks a bunch of times, and a few tricks have helped me nail them.

Freezing is non-negotiable—it keeps the cheese from melting too fast and leaking. Double-coating in breadcrumbs gives an extra crunchy bite, which my family loves.

Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; it needs space for hot air to circulate.

If you’re new to air frying, the Air Fryer Cookbook: 600 Quick & Easy Recipes for Beginners and Pros has tons of tips to master your air fryer game.

Freeze the cheese sticks thoroughly to prevent melting.
Double-coat for extra crunch if you have time.
Don’t skip the cooking spray to avoid sticking.
Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.
Check the temperature of your air fryer for accuracy.

Serving Suggestions

These mozzarella sticks are versatile and shine as a snack, appetizer, or even a fun side dish.

I love serving them at parties with a big bowl of marinara sauce for dipping, but they’re just as good with a casual weeknight dinner.

They pair beautifully with other air fryer treats or a fresh salad to balance the richness.

Serve with marinara sauce or ranch for classic dipping.
Pair with a Tomato Basil Mozzarella Flatbread Pizza for an Italian-themed night.
Add to a charcuterie board with veggies and dips.
Serve alongside a Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad for a hearty meal.
Enjoy as a game-day snack with Air Fryer Classic Zucchini Fries.

Read Also: Air Fryer Pork Bites Recipe

Variations to Try

Want to switch things up? These mozzarella sticks are super customizable. I’ve tried a few fun twists, like adding a spicy kick or changing the cheese. Here are some ideas to play with:

Add 1 tsp (5g) cayenne pepper to the breadcrumbs for a spicy version.
Use cheddar cheese sticks for a sharper flavor.
Mix in ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs for extra savoriness.
Try gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.
Dip in pesto sauce instead of marinara for a fresh twist.

Read Also: Air Fryer Salmon Recipe

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for best results.

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes until crispy.
Freeze unbaked breaded sticks for up to 1 month; air fry from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to cooking time.
Avoid microwaving, as it makes the coating soggy.

Nutritional Facts

Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (2 mozzarella sticks):

Calories: 200 kcal
Protein: 10g
Fat: 10g (6g saturated)
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 400mg

Read Also: Healthy Hummus Recipe

Health Benefits of Key Ingredients

Mozzarella cheese and eggs are the stars of this recipe, and they bring more than just flavor to the table. Mozzarella cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, which support muscle health and strong bones.

Eggs provide high-quality protein and essential nutrients like choline, which is great for brain health.

While these sticks are an indulgent treat, using an air fryer cuts down on oil, making them a lighter option compared to deep-fried versions.

Mozzarella cheese: Rich in calcium and protein for bone and muscle health.
Eggs: Packed with choline and protein for brain and body support.
Panko breadcrumbs: Lighter than traditional breadcrumbs, reducing overall calories.
Paprika: Contains antioxidants that may reduce inflammation.
Garlic powder: May support heart health with its anti-inflammatory properties.

Read Also: Healthy Guacamole Recipe

FAQs

1. Can I make these mozzarella sticks ahead of time?

Yes, you can bread the mozzarella sticks and freeze them for up to 1 month. Just place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, air fry from frozen at 390°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, checking for doneness.

2. Can I use a different cheese for this recipe?

Absolutely! While mozzarella is classic for its melty texture, you can try cheddar or pepper jack for a different flavor. Just ensure the cheese is cut into stick shapes and frozen well to prevent leakage.

3. How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?

Freezing the mozzarella sticks before breading and again after breading is crucial to keep the cheese contained. Also, avoid overcooking—stick to the 6-8 minute range and check one stick to ensure the cheese is melty but not bursting.

4. Can I bake these instead of using an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake them in a conventional oven at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway. They won’t be as crispy as air-fried, but they’ll still be delicious. Place them on a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray.

5. What dipping sauces go well with mozzarella sticks?

Marinara sauce is a classic, but you can also try ranch dressing, pesto, or even a spicy sriracha mayo. For a homemade option, check out my Healthy Hummus Recipe for a creamy, nutritious dip.

Read Also: Healthy Coleslaw Recipe