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These mozzarella sticks will appeal to even the pickiest eaters you know. I make mine with mozzarella cheese, whole wheat breadcrumbs, and simple seasoning. They come out crisp on the outside with that iconic gooey cheese pull that everyone loves.
Mozzarella sticks are a classic appetizer, and this version keeps the coating crispy and the center melted without needing to deep-fry in excess oil. Not only is it healthier, but it also means I do not need to spend time watching a hot pot of oil while my kitchen fills up with a greasy smell. And if you like this textured combination, you should try my crispy air fryer tempeh, which also bakes to a perfect crunch without any oil.
I created this recipe after craving the kind of mozzarella sticks my friends and I used to share at restaurants. And despite making an array of things like my air fryer pancakes, I was still not completely convinced that my air fryer could achieve that same delectable finish. After a few rounds of testing and some trial and error, I finally got this recipe down. Now, when I order mozzarella sticks at a restaurant, I cannot help but notice a lingering oil taste.
As you know, crispy, cheesy snacks are indulgent, but that does not mean that they need to be heavy to be satisfying. I use whole wheat bread crumbs and minimal oil to keep things light while still delivering the crunchy golden coating and the stretchy cheese center. As a nutritionist, I love that I can make these air fryer mozzarella sticks without compromising on my healthy habits. And the fact that my kids love it is a bonus.
The real success of this recipe is owed to the preparation method. I freeze the cheese before adding the bread to help it stay intact as it cooks. A double coating of crumbs creates a sturdy outer layer that encapsulates the cheese and crisps up nicely. I air fry the mozzarella sticks in a single layer with enough space between them to allow hot air to circulate properly, which is crucial to getting a well-cooked texture.
I have a friend who is obsessed with cheese, especially melted cheese. If we go to a restaurant, or fast food place, and there is a melted cheese item on the menu, I assure you she has ordered it. In our friend group, she is the cheese aficionado and is the one you go to for recommendations. When her birthday came around, my other friends suggested making a mini cake of mozzarella sticks. I was nervous about serving this to her as I knew she had some high standards when it comes to cheese. Luckily, she loved it! She also could not believe that it was done in the air fryer. Next time you are entertaining cheese lovers, be sure to wow them with these easy air fryer mozzarella sticks.
🥘 Ingredients
For these airfryer mozzarella sticks, I keep the ingredients list short and simple, and let the melted cheese take center stage. This is what I use:
Mozzarella cheese sticks: I use string cheese for convenience and consistent sizing.
Whole wheat flour: This serves as my first coating to help the eggs stick properly.
Whole wheat panko bread crumbs: These create a crisp outer layer with a bit more texture.
Eggs: I use beaten eggs to bind the coating to the cheese.
Seasoning: I add Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
Olive oil spray: I lightly spray to help the coating brown in the air fryer.
🔪 How To Make
I follow a simple breading and freezing process to make sure the cheese stays intact while cooking. This is how I make my air fryer mozzarella sticks from start to finish:
Freeze cheese: I start by freezing the mozzarella sticks until completely firm, so they do not melt too quickly during cooking.
Prepare breading station: Then I set up three bowls for my breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and seasoned bread crumbs, all separately.
Add the first layer of coating: I roll each frozen stick in flour and dust off any lumps.
Coat in egg: Then I dip it into the egg mixture, and allow any excess egg to run off before moving on.
Dredge in breadcrumbs: Finally, I dredge the mozzarella stick in seasoned breadcrumbs, making sure it is well-coated.
Freeze briefly: I place the coated sticks on a tray in a single layer and freeze for about 10 minutes to help the coating set.
Dip in second egg coating: Then I dip the sticks into another layer of egg wash.
Add the final layer of breadcrumbs: I dip the sticks in a final layer of breadcrumbs to create a thick crust.
Arrange in the air fryer: I place the crumbed sticks in the air fryer, making sure to arrange them in a single layer.
Air fry: Then I cook them at 390F for 5-7 minutes, flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until golden.
Cook the next batch and serve: I remove from the air fryer and cook off the remaining mozzarella sticks. Then serve warm with a dipping sauce.
My #1 Secret Tip for this air fryer mozzarella sticks recipe is to freeze the cheese completely before breading and again after coating. I never skip this step, and it is what sets my cheese sticks apart. This freezing process prevents the cheese from melting too quickly and leaking out during cooking.
Other Tips To Keep In Mind:
- Double coat: I always coat twice, even if the first coating seems like enough. This creates a thicker crust, which holds everything together and is less likely to lead to leaking cheese.
- Serve immediately: I serve these sticks immediately while the cheese is still warm and stretchy.
- Keep warm: If I am making a large batch, I keep cooked mozzarella sticks warm in a low oven until they are ready to be plated and served.
- Watch timing: I keep a close eye during the last few minutes to prevent the cheese from bursting out.
📖 Variations
I have tested several variations depending on the occasion, and these are the 3 that never disappoint:
Spicy coating: I add 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne, and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika to the breadcrumbs for a bit of heat. My husband always reaches for this version first.
Chip coating: Instead of panko breadcrumbs, I like blending up some of my favorite seasoned corn chips for a different kind of crunch. I love eating these with a side of sweet chili sauce.
Seed coating: I add 1/4 cup of sesame seeds to the panko breadcrumbs for a nutty and earthy finish. I like using a mix of white and black sesame, especially if I am serving it with a satay sauce.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
These air fryer mozzarella sticks were made for dipping sauces. Depending on what I serve them with, I like to make sure the sauce complements the overall energy of the meal. I recommend trying it with a side of my sweet corn tamale cakes and a fresh batch of some homemade vegan tartar sauce. This creates a tangy mix of flavors.
I like serving these air fryer mozzarella sticks with other healthier versions of convenience food. Recently, I made them for lunch alongside my vegan gluten free chicken nuggets and my healthy baked French fries. And since no one can agree on one sauce, I had a bowl of vegan BBQ sauce for my kids, mustard BBQ sauce for my husband, and a side of homemade vegan ranch dressing for myself.
🧊 Storing And ♨️ Reheating
Refrigeration: I store leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: I freeze cooked sticks on a tray until hard, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating: I reheat the cheese sticks in the air fryer at 350F until warmed through and crisp again.
❓Recipe FAQs
This is likely due to not being frozen for long enough. If I have extra time, I freeze the breaded sticks for at least 1 hour before cooking. It also helps to make sure there are no gaps in the coating, as this is the perfect place for cheese to leak out or explode.
It is not an absolute requirement, but I would recommend it. I like preheating mine to 375F before turning it up after I have added the mozzarella sticks. This gets the outside crispy, and the insides soft and stretchy, but not so soft that it oozes out.
I like setting up my breading station like a production line. I start by coating all the sticks in flour first, and then set them aside. Then I use one hand to dip the stick into the egg and another to dip it into the crumbs, one right after the other. Never dip in egg wash and set aside, as this causes the flour layer to become soggy. Keep a paper towel nearby and wipe your fingers if they become caked in bread
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📋 Recipe Card
Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
These mozzarella sticks will appeal to even the pickiest eaters you know. I make mine with mozzarella cheese, whole wheat breadcrumbs, and simple seasoning. They come out crisp on the outside with that iconic gooey cheese pull that everyone loves.
Servings: 12
Calories: 150kcal
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Freeze the mozzarella cheese sticks, either still in their individual package or on a cookie sheet. Freeze until fully firm (about 3 hours) or you can also freeze overnight. Leave in the freezer until you’re ready to prepare.
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Pour the flour, panko breadcrumbs, and eggs into three separate bowls. Add pinch of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning into the breadcrumbs.
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Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with cooking oil spray, set aside.
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Roll each frozen mozzarella stick in the flour making sure to thoroughly coat it on all sides. Then dip into the lightly beaten eggs, again making sure it’s completely coated. Next, dredge in the seasoned breadcrumbs and making sure to fully coat the entire cheese stick. Lay on baking sheet and continue until all of the cheese sticks have been breaded.
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Place in the freezer for 10 minutes, do not discard breading ingredients. After freezing for 10 minutes, make sure your air fryer is ready to go and that the basket is on the counter. Dip the cheese stick into the remaining beaten eggs, then into the breadcrumbs and then lay inside the air fryer basket. (It’s not necessary to spray the battered cheese stick again with the oil spray, but you can if you’d like.) Continue until you have enough sticks to fit comfortably in the basket but without overcrowding.
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Set air fryer to 390 F and 5 minutes. Cook the sticks for 5 minutes, flip and cook an additional 2 to 3 minutes until golden. Remove from air fryer and place on a serving dish. Continue air frying the remaining mozzarella sticks until all have been fried. Serve with your favorite marinara sauce or any other dipping sauce of choice.
- My #1 Secret Tip for this air fryer mozzarella sticks recipe is to freeze the cheese completely before breading and again after coating. I never skip this step, and it is what sets my cheese sticks apart. This freezing process prevents the cheese from melting too quickly and leaking out during cooking.
- Double coat: I always coat twice, even if the first coating seems like enough. This creates a thicker crust, which holds everything together and is less likely to lead to leaking cheese.
- Serve immediately: I serve these sticks immediately while the cheese is still warm and stretchy.
- Keep warm: If I am making a large batch, I keep cooked mozzarella sticks warm in a low oven until they are ready to be plated and served.
- Watch timing: I keep a close eye during the last few minutes to prevent the cheese from bursting out.
Serving: 1stick | Calories: 150kcal | Carbohydrates: 11.7g | Protein: 10.4g | Fat: 7.2g | Saturated Fat: 3.8g | Cholesterol: 51mg | Sodium: 328mg | Potassium: 11.5mg | Fiber: 1.5g | Sugar: 0.5g
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