Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks (Printable View)

Golden, crispy mozzarella sticks with melty centers made using an air fryer for a quick, satisfying snack.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cheese

01 - 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks

→ Breading

02 - 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
03 - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

→ Coating

04 - 2 large eggs
05 - 2 tablespoons milk
06 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

→ Seasonings (optional)

07 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
09 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ For Serving

11 - 1 cup warmed marinara sauce

# How to Make It:

01 - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice each mozzarella stick in half for 24 shorter sticks if preferred.
02 - Arrange three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs combined with milk, and one with Italian-style breadcrumbs, panko, and optional seasonings.
03 - Dredge each mozzarella stick in flour, shaking off any excess, then dip into the egg mixture, followed by coating thoroughly with breadcrumb blend.
04 - Repeat dipping in egg and coating with breadcrumbs for extra crispiness and to reduce cheese leakage.
05 - Place coated sticks on the prepared baking sheet and freeze for at least 1 hour until solid.
06 - Heat air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
07 - Arrange frozen sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket and lightly spray with cooking oil. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crisp with cheese beginning to melt.
08 - Serve immediately with warmed marinara sauce.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The cheese stays trapped inside where it belongs, creating that satisfying pull when you bite down.
  • They come together in about 20 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute gathering anxiety.
  • Even the first batch teaches you what "golden and crisp" actually looks like—you'll get better at it instantly.
02 -
  • Freezing is not optional—it's the entire reason this works; room-temperature mozzarella sticks will leak, and you'll blame yourself instead of the laws of physics.
  • The halfway turn matters more than you'd think; it ensures even, all-over crispiness instead of one side that's golden and one side that's merely tan.
03 -
  • Preheat your air fryer—cold air fryers cook unevenly, and you'll notice the difference immediately.
  • Don't skip the light oil spray; it's what turns the breadcrumbs golden instead of pale and disappointed.
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