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image of a top down mise en place shot showing fresh mozzarella sticks flour eggs breadcrumbs and marinara sauce arranged on a white marble kitchen counter with healthy clear glass bowls and rustic brown wooden kitchen sets under soft diffuse daylight

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

These homemade Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks deliver that satisfying cheese pull with a crunchy, golden crust no more soggy frozen versions. With a double-dip breading method and a quick freeze, you’ll master the best mozzarella sticks in just 15 minutes from start to finish.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Freezing Time 1 hour
Total Time 18 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 290
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
  • 12 sticks full fat low moisture mozzarella string cheese
  • 0.5 cup all purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • cooking spray avocado or olive oil

Equipment

  • Air Fryer,
  • Shallow Bowls
  • Parchment paper
  • Baking sheet

Method
 

  1. Set out three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Dip each mozzarella stick into the flour, shaking off excess, then into the egg wash, letting excess drip off.
  3. Roll the cheese in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently. Then, for the double dip, dip it back into the egg, and roll again in the breadcrumbs to fully coat.
  4. Place the breaded mozzarella sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 30–60 minutes. Do not skip this step.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with oil and arrange frozen sticks in a single layer, leaving space between them.
  6. Spray the tops of the mozzarella sticks generously with oil. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Watch carefully for escaping cheese in the last few minutes.
  7. Remove from the air fryer and let cool for 2 minutes before serving with marinara sauce or ranch dressing.

Nutrition

Calories: 290kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 14gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 510mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 180IUCalcium: 300mgIron: 1.2mg

Notes

Dietary Options: Substitute gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko for a gluten-free version. For a kick, add a pinch of cayenne to the breadcrumb mixture.
Storage Tip: Uncooked sticks can be frozen for up to 3 months. Cook from frozen, adding 1 extra minute to cooking time if needed.
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