Indulge in the crispy, gooey goodness of homemade mozzarella sticks with this easy air fryer recipe. These mozzarella sticks are crowd-pleasers for all ages, perfect for snack time, game day, or any gathering.

See our Delicious Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe

Coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and air-fried to golden perfection, they boast the classic combination of crunchy exterior and melty cheese interior without deep frying. Serve them with marinara sauce or your favourite dipping sauce for a satisfying treat for everyone to return for more.

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Recipe by Owais

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

8

minutes

Total time

23

minutes

Ingredients:

• 8 mozzarella string cheese sticks

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 large eggs, beaten

• 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs

• Cooking spray

• Marinara sauce or your preferred dipping sauce for serving

Instructions:

• Begin by cutting the mozzarella sticks in half to create 16 shorter sticks.
• Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls. Place the flour in the first bowl, the beaten eggs in the second bowl, and the breadcrumbs in the third.
• Working with one mozzarella stick at a time, coat it evenly in flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated.
• Next, roll the cheese stick in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs to the cheese.
• Repeat the breading process with the remaining cheese sticks.
• Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
• Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
• Arrange the breaded mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching.
• Cook the mozzarella sticks in the air fryer for 6-8 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside and the cheese is melted inside. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches.
• Once cooked, carefully remove the mozzarella sticks from the air fryer and serve hot with marinara sauce or your preferred dipping sauce.

Notes

• Enjoy the crunchy, cheesy goodness of these homemade air fryer mozzarella sticks as a delicious snack or appetizer!

Ideas for Serving

• With Marinara Sauce: Serve the mozzarella sticks with warm marinara sauce for a classic pairing.
• With Ranch or Blue Cheese: These dipping sauces add a tangy flavour that complements the crispy cheese.
• As a Party Appetizer: Arrange the sticks on a platter with various dipping sauces for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Nutritional Information (per stick)

• Calories: 70
• Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 4g
• Net Carbs: 5g

History

Mozzarella sticks have their roots in Italian cuisine, where cheese is a staple ingredient. The concept of frying cheese was brought to America by Italian immigrants, and over time, the dish evolved into the beloved appetizer known today. The air fryer version is a modern twist that offers a healthier take on this classic snack without compromising on taste or texture.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?

A: While mozzarella is traditional, you can experiment with other semi-hard cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for a different flavour.

Q: How do I prevent the cheese from oozing out during cooking?

A: Freezing the mozzarella sticks before air frying helps them maintain their shape and prevents the cheese from oozing out too quickly.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can bake the mozzarella sticks and freeze them. When ready to cook, just place them directly into the air fryer from the freezer.

Q: What if I don’t have an air fryer?

A: You can bake the mozzarella sticks in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes or until golden and crispy.