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A stack of mozzarella sticks with one open with cheese coming out of it.
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Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Making homemade Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks is probably easier than you think! No need to buy them from the store when you can use simple ingredients like mozzarella string cheese, bread crumbs, and seasonings to make them in the air fryer. 
Course Air Fryer, Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword air fryer mozzarella sticks
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 4 minutes
Freezing Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 24 minutes
Servings 20
Calories 68kcal
Author Jessica - Together as Family

Ingredients

  • 10 sticks mozzarella string cheese (cut in half)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon cold water
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup plain bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup plain Panko bread crumbs
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

  • Cut each string cheese stick in half so you are left with 20 shorter pieces of string cheese.
  • In a bowl whisk together the eggs + water with a fork.
  • Add the flour into another bowl.
  • In a third bowl, add the plain bread crumbs, panko, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and kosher salt. Mix together to combine well.
  • Working with one mozzarella stick at a time :
    1) Place it first into the eggs and cover it completely.
    2) Then move it into the flour and roll it around until it is completely covered.
    3) Move it back to the egg mixture and roll it around until it's covered in eggs again.
    4) Move the stick one last time to the bread crumb mixture and press the crumbs firmly into the cheese stick, making sure to get the ends and that no cheese stick is exposed.
  • Place the mozzarella stick onto a cutting board or cooling rack (just anything that you can fit in your freezer, and that will fit the 20 small mozzarella sticks).
    Repeat the process with the remaining cheese sticks.
  • Once all the mozzarella sticks have been coated and dredged, transfer the plate of mozzarella sticks into the freezer. Freeze for a minimum of 1 hour before air frying.

Air Fryer

  • Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the frozen mozzarella sticks, in a single layer, inside the air fryer basket. Spray the tops with cooking spray.
  • Air fry at 400° for 4 minutes.
    * I use a 5.8 QT air fryer, which is a standard size, and mine take 4-5 minutes. If your air fryer is larger or smaller, the cook time might vary slightly.
    * You will probably have to make 2-3 batches to get all the mozzarella sticks cooked. Do not overlap them inside the basket, keep them in a single layer with room on all sides of each one.
  • Serve immediately with marinara sauce or ranch dressing. Or enjoy them plain!

Notes

Dredging Tip : To keep your fingers from getting covered in batter and breading during the dredging process, use one hand to dip the mozzarella sticks into the eggs and the other hand dips them into the bread crumb mixture and flour. This will keep your fingers from getting covered in egg + dry ingredients, which when mixed together, is like a gooey paste. Dredging is simply referring to the process of covering the cheese sticks in the 3 different mixtures.
Freezer Time : This is vital to the recipe! Don't skip it. Make sure the mozzarella sticks are in the freezer for at least 1 hour prior to air frying them. The frozen exterior will prevent the cheese from oozing and melting out while in the air fryer.
How Long Can I Freeze Mozzarella Sticks? : Because these mozzarella sticks need to be frozen anyways before air frying them, they are the perfect freezer food. Uncooked frozen mozzarella sticks can keep fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. 
If freezing long term, transfer the sticks (after the initial 1 hour freeze) to a freezer-safe Ziploc bag. 
When ready to eat, just take them out of the freezer and air fry as directed in the recipe.
Storing Leftovers : Cooked mozzarella sticks can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days inside an airtight container. 
When you're ready to eat them, spray them with cooking spray and reheat them in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 400 degrees F

Variation & Substitution Ideas

  • Seasonings : Switch up the dried seasonings to whatever you prefer. Instead of Italian seasoning you could use basil or oregano. 
  • Garlic Salt : Instead of using garlic powder + salt you can easily substitute with 1 teaspoon of garlic salt. 
  • Spicy Mozzarella Sticks : Add some red pepper flakes and/or red cayenne pepper in with the other dried seasonings for some heat.
  • Seasoned Bread Crumbs : I have never personally done this, but you could use seasoned bread crumbs + seasoned panko bread crumbs instead of the plain bread crumbs & dried seasoning. Or still use the dried seasonings for extra flavor!
  • Mozzarella Cheese : Instead of string cheese try using mozzarella pearls or thick sliced fresh mozzarella cheese. You can find both of these in the deli section at the grocery store.  
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Nutrition

Calories: 68kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Trans Fat: 0.002g | Cholesterol: 26mg | Sodium: 191mg | Potassium: 18mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 33IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 0.4mg