This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.
My homemade air fryer mozzarella sticks are crispy, golden brown, and SO cheesy. I like to make them in advance and store them in the freezer for a quick appetizer. These are so much better than anything from a package.
Table of Contents
My family knows I have a low-key obsession with mozzarella sticks, so I love making my own air fryer mozzarella sticks. They’re just as crispy and golden as the boxed variety but made with a shortlist of ingredients…and plenty of cheese. And don’t fret—they are SO easy to make from scratch. Bonus? They cook in just 6 minutes!
Why I love this recipe
- The perfect texture. They’re ultra crispy on the outside and stuffed to the brim with gooey melted cheese.
- Simple ingredients. Nothing fancy or hard-to-find.
- Make them in advance. Prep them as directed, then store them, uncooked, in a freezer bag. When you have a craving, just pop a few in the air fryer.
- Customizable. Swap the cheese sticks for different flavors or add extra spices for a twist.
Key Ingredients
- All-purpose flour. To coat the cheese sticks. I tested these out with wholewheat flour and alternative flours (coconut and almond flour) and it just didn’t hold up as well as standard white flour.
- Eggs. So the breading sticks to the cheese.
- Panko bread crumbs. For the crunch. You can use standard bread crumbs, but they won’t be as crispy as panko.
- Seasonings. I used Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Mozzarella string cheese. I tested full-fat and low-fat mozzarella sticks, and I found the low-fat variety to be too chewy and rubbery, so stick to the full-fat variety.
How to air fry mozzarella sticks
This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.
Step 1- In one shallow bowl, add the flour; in a second bowl, add the beaten eggs; in a third bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs and seasonings.
Step 2- Toss the mozzarella cheese sticks in the flour mixture, the eggs, and the panko. Repeat the latter two.
Step 3- Place them on a plate and freeze for 30 minutes.
Step 4- Place the sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket and air fry for 6 minutes or until golden and crisp.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Don’t skip the freezing step! As tempting as you may be, freezing is essential to keep the cheese from oozing out of the breading.
- Swap the seasonings. Instead of Italian seasoning, try Cajun seasoning or keto taco seasoning.
- Dipping sauces. Try warm marinara sauce, Pomodoro sauce, or ranch dressing.
- Reheating frozen mozzarella sticks? Add an extra 4 minutes of cooking time.
Storage and make-ahead tips
To store: Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Make ahead: I like to prep a batch of mozzarella sticks and store them uncooked in the freezer. They’ll keep well for up to 6 months and can be air fried from frozen.
Frequently asked questions
Freeze the mozzarella sticks for at least 30 minutes to lock in the cheese and keep them from oozing in the air fryer.
Yes. While I did say alternative flours don’t work as well, the exception is gluten-free all-purpose flour. Opt for a brand that contains xanthan gum.
More air fryer appetizers
- Air fryer chicken nuggets
- Air fryer potato chips
- Air fryer pickles
- Air fryer chickpeas
- Air fryer taquitos
- Air fryer quesadilla
- Air fryer pizza rolls
- Air fryer bagel bites
- Air fryer nachos
- Air fryer potstickers
Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Video
Ingredients
- 8 mozzarella sticks or string cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Prepare your breading station by placing flour on one shallow plate, beaten eggs on another plate, and the panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper on a third plate.
- Toss the mozzarella sticks into the flour, then dredge in the eggs and then in panko mixture. Repeat once again, dredging them in the eggs and panko to ensure maximum crispiness.
- Once all the mozzarella sticks are prepared, place them in the freezer for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 200C/400F and grease the air fryer basket.
- Place the mozzarella sticks in the air fryer and air fry for 6 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- Serve the mozzarella sticks with a dipping sauce.
Can’t stop making these air fryer mozzarella sticks. Seriously game changing to make myself.
This is so much better than those deep fried mozzarella sticks!! Yum!
Love to hear that!
This is such an easy homemade mozzarella sticks recipe. I used to make them using frozen mozzarella sticks and while delicious, nothing beats homemade.
Thank you, Miranda!