Description
Crispy on the outside and gooey inside, these air fryer mozzarella sticks are the ultimate cheesy snack made healthier and faster at home.
Ingredients
12 mozzarella string cheese sticks, halved
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon water
1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Cooking oil spray
Instructions
1. Cut each mozzarella stick in half to make 24 pieces, then freeze for 30 minutes.
2. Set up a breading station with three bowls: flour, beaten eggs with water, and panko mixed with seasoning.
3. Dredge each frozen mozzarella stick in flour, dip in egg, then coat in panko mixture. Repeat egg and panko for extra crispness.
4. Place coated sticks on a tray and freeze for another 30 minutes to prevent cheese from oozing during cooking.
5. Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Spray the basket lightly with oil.
6. Add mozzarella sticks in a single layer, not touching, and spray tops with oil.
7. Air fry for 6–8 minutes until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through.
8. Serve immediately with warm marinara or dipping sauce of choice.
Notes
Double-coating ensures a crisp shell that seals the cheese inside.
Always freeze the sticks before air frying to prevent melting out.
You can freeze the breaded sticks for up to 1 month and cook from frozen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 sticks
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: air fryer mozzarella sticks, easy appetizers, cheesy snacks