Homemade Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks are an easy, 10 minute appetizer that your whole family will devour. They’re filled with mouthwatering gooey cheese that goes perfectly with homemade marinara sauce.
The air fryer saves so much time. If you like this recipe, try my air fryer squash or these hasselback potatoes in air fryer.
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Why this Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe is a Keeper
I love this recipe because it’s a quick and easy way to make fried string cheese. This recipe is perfect to add to an easy air fryer snack stash.
- Crispy and Cheesy: Air frying creates crispy, golden-brown mozzarella sticks with gooey, melted cheese.
- Quick and Easy: It’s a fast and simple recipe perfect for appetizers or snacks.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe to your preferences.
- Healthier Option: Air frying uses less oil than traditional frying.
- Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a hit with both kids and adults.
Can I Freeze Mozzarella Sticks?
Yes, they can be stored in the freezer after they’re prepared and before they’re cooked. Lay them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze before transferring them to a freezer bag.
Pro Tip to Make Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Double Breading: Double breading ensures a thick, protective crust that prevents cheese leakage.
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Ingredient Notes and Variation Suggestions for the Air Fryer Recipe
With just 7 ingredients, I can make the best air fryer mozzarella sticks. There’s many different versions I can make, so I like to try different ingredients.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Seasonings: Make your own All Purpose Seasoning to season the flour mixture. You could also make your own Italian Seasoning to add to the breadcrumbs.
- Spice Variations: Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, garlic powder or smoked paprika to the breading.
- Herb Variations: Use fresh or dried herbs like parsley, oregano, or basil.
- Cheese Variations: Use provolone, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses.
- Sauce Variations: Serve with pesto, Alfredo sauce, or a spicy dipping sauce.
- Breadcrumb Variations: Add parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs.
Special Equipment Needed for the Cheese Stick Appetizer
To make this recipe just right, you will need an air fryer. Air frying mozzarella sticks make them super crispy on the outside without extra grease.
- Air Fryer: Be sure to preheat the air fryer before using so that the easy air fryer mozzarella sticks cook evenly.
How to Make Homemade Mozzarella Sticks
This cheese sticks recipe comes together in just 3 easy to follow steps. Homemade mozza sticks so easy and delicious, I come back to them again and again.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Prepare the Cheese and Breading: Cut mozzarella sticks in half. In a bowl combine the cornstarch, flour, All Purpose Seasoning. In another bowl mix parsley and breadcrumbs. Beat the eggs in a third bowl.
- Bread the Mozz Sticks: Dip each mozzarella stick in the egg mixture then dredge the sticks in the flour. Coat the sticks in the egg again, and then the panko.
- Cook: Place breaded mozzarella sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer and spray with oil. Set air fryer to 400°F and cook until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Prep Ahead Suggestions for the Air Fryer Appetizers
Prepping mozzarella sticks ahead of time can really help to save time and kitchen space if hosting a party.
- Cheese Sticks: Prepare the mozzarella sticks by cutting them ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Breadcrumb Mixture: Mix your breadcrumbs, seasonings, and Parmesan cheese (if using) in advance and store them in an airtight container.
- Egg Wash: Whisk the eggs and milk together and store them in the refrigerator.
How to Store, Reheat and Use Leftover Mozzarella Cheese Sticks
- Storing: Store homemade mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: You can reheat in the air fryer or microwave. You could also spray a baking sheet with cooking spray and bake. Frozen cheese sticks cook as normal, but may need a couple minutes added to the cook time.
- Using Leftovers: Enjoy leftovers with Buffalo Ranch Sauce.
Common Questions On How to Make Mozzarella Sticks
Air fryer cheese sticks are great with dips and sauces like Spicy Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce, Homemade Chicken Wing Sauce or Garlic Parmesan Sauce.
Yes, feel free to swap for gluten free breadcrumbs.
Chilling the cheese before cooking helps to keep their shape. Also, be sure to press the breadcrumbs in firmly to create a tight seal.
Expert Tips for Making Homemade Mozzarella Sticks Air Fryer Recipe
- Chill the Cheese: Chilling the cheese sticks before breading helps them stay firm during cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Cook in batches to allow for proper air circulation.
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooking causes the cheese to leak out.
- Use Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko bread crumbs will give a very crispy outside.
- Use a Wire Rack in the Air Fryer: allows air to circulate around all sides of the mozzarella sticks.
- Serve this Recipe With: Serve mozzarella string cheese with Hearty Marinara Sauce, Air Fryer Blooming Onion, or Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders.
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Homemade Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
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Ingredients
- 10 Mozzarella cheese, sticks
- ½ cup Cornstarch
- ½ cup Flour
- 1 cup Panko
- 2 Eggs
- 1 teaspoon All Purpose Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Parsley
Instructions
- Cut mozzarella sticks in half.
- In one bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, and seasoning. Add the parsley to the panko in another bowl. Beat the eggs in a separate bowl.
- Coat the sticks in the egg then the flour mix. Next coat the sticks back into the egg and then the panko.
- Place battered sticks in the air fryer basket and spray with oil.
- Cook at 400℉ for 5 minutes.
- Let cool before eating.
Christina’s Notes
- Chill the Cheese: Chilling the cheese sticks before breading helps them stay firm during cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Cook in batches to allow for proper air circulation.
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooking causes the cheese to leak out.
- Use Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko bread crumbs will give a very crispy outside.
- Use a Wire Rack in the Air Fryer: allows air to circulate around all sides of the mozzarella sticks.
- Serve this Recipe With: Serve mozzarella string cheese with Hearty Marinara Sauce, Air Fryer Blooming Onion, or Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, scroll up on the page.
Thank you so much for sharing this amazing recipe! Will surely have this again! It’s really easy to make and it tasted so delicious! Highly recommended!
That was so easy! They’re absolutely delicious. Thanks for sharing your recipe!
One of our favorite recipes for mozzarella sticks!!