Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

If you're like me, always on the lookout for delicious, easy-to-make recipes that impress both friends and family, then you're in for a treat. I want to share with you my go-to recipe for mouthwatering air fryer mozzarella sticks.

Trust me, once you try these, you'll never want to go back to store-bought ones!

Why I Love Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Now, you might be wondering what sets this recipe apart from the countless others out there. 

Unlike traditional deep-fried mozzarella sticks that can leave you feeling guilty and weighed down, these little bites of heaven are prepared in the air fryer, requiring little to no oil. That means you get all the crispy, gooey goodness without the excess grease!

But that's not all. What makes this recipe truly shine is its versatility. While many mozzarella stick recipes focus on using just cheese, I've taken it a step further.

I'll show you how to infuse these delectable sticks with a hint of flavor by wrapping them in a thin layer of panko breadcrumbs. The result? A delightful fusion of textures and tastes that will have your taste buds dancing.

So, whether you're planning a party, a family gathering, or simply craving a delicious snack, get ready to experience mozzarella sticks like never before. Grab your air fryer and a few simple ingredients, and let's dive into the wonderful world of cheesy, gooey air fryer mozzarella sticks!

Jump to:

• Why I Love Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
• Video Tutorial
• Ingredients
• Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
• Steps on How To Make Mozzarella Sticks in Air Fryer
• Adjusting the Cooking Time and Temperature
• Serving Recommendations
• Recipe Variations
• Storing and Freezing Leftover Air-Fried Mozzarella Sticks
• Expert Tips for Success
• Recipe

Video Tutorial

Ingredients

• 8 ounces of mozzarella cheese, cut into sticks
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Marinara sauce or dipping sauce of your choice (optional)

Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed

• Air fryer (such as the Instant Vortex Plus XL)
• Mixing bowls (at least three)
• Whisk or fork
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula or tongs
• Baking sheet or plate
• Baking paper
• Serving plate or platter

Steps on How To Make Mozzarella Sticks in Air Fryer

In a bowl, combine flour, Italian herbs, garlic powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, pour a cup of breadcrumbs.

Take a mozzarella stick and dip it first in the flour mixture. Then, in the beaten eggs and coat them evenly in breadcrumbs. Repeat this process for all the mozzarella sticks.

Place the coated mozzarella sticks on parchment paper in a container. Then place them in the freezer for one hour.

After one hour, repeat the previous. This means you will have a double coating.

Arrange the double-coated mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they don't touch each other. Place them back in the freezer for an additional hour.

After an hour, place the mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they don't touch each other.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the mozzarella sticks for 6-8 minutes until golden brown. If needed, flip them halfway through cooking.

Note: If you notice that the cheese has melted and is starting to ooze out, pause the baking process. Place the sticks back in the freezer for about 15 minutes. Then resume the baking process. The coating will have time to crisp up while the cheese inside heats up and becomes elastic. If the mozzarella sticks are thick enough, additional freezing is usually not necessary.

Once the mozzarella sticks are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and allow them to cool slightly before serving. Serve the air fryer mozzarella sticks with your favorite dipping sauce. 

Enjoy your meal!

Adjusting the Cooking Time and Temperature

Every air fryer model can vary slightly in terms of cooking time and temperature, so it's important to keep an eye on your mozzarella sticks as they cook.

If you're using a different air fryer model or find that your sticks require a little more or less time, feel free to make adjustments accordingly. It's advisable to start with the suggested cooking time and temperature and then modify them as needed for your particular air fryer.

Serving Recommendations

Air-fried mozzarella sticks are incredibly versatile and make for a delightful appetizer, snack, or even a fun addition to a party platter. Below are some of my serving recommendations and pairing ideas to enhance your culinary experience:

• Marinara Dip: Serve your mozzarella sticks with a classic marinara sauce for dipping. The tangy tomato flavors beautifully complement the cheesy goodness.
• Ranch Dressing: If you're a fan of creamy dips, try pairing your mozzarella sticks with a cool and tangy ranch dressing. The combination of flavors is simply irresistible.
• Fresh Basil and Tomato Salad: Create a refreshing contrast by serving your mozzarella sticks alongside a simple salad of fresh basil leaves and sliced tomatoes. The vibrant colors and flavors will elevate your snacking experience.
• Mini Sliders: For a fun twist, place a mozzarella stick between two slider buns and top it with some marinara sauce and fresh greens. This creative take on a classic slider is sure to impress.
• Party Platter: Arrange a variety of finger foods, such as chicken wings, onion rings, and air fryer mozzarella sticks, on a platter for a crowd-pleasing party snack selection. Don't forget to provide an assortment of dipping sauces to cater to everyone's preferences.

Remember, the beauty of air fryer mozzarella sticks lies in their versatility, so feel free to get creative and experiment with different serving ideas and flavor combinations.

Recipe Variations

Air fryer mozzarella sticks can be customized to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. The following are some tried-and-tested alternatives and flavor combinations.

• Cheese Variations: While mozzarella cheese is the classic choice for cheese sticks, you can experiment with other cheeses as well. Try using cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor profile.
• Seasoning Options: Enhance the flavor of your mozzarella sticks by adding various seasonings to the breading mixture. Consider incorporating Italian seasoning, paprika, dried herbs like oregano or basil, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
• Breadcrumb Varieties: Instead of traditional breadcrumbs, you can use panko breadcrumbs, which will give your mozzarella sticks an extra crispy texture. You can also try using seasoned breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for added flavor.
• Gluten-Free Version: If you follow a gluten-free diet, you can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for coating.

Storing and Freezing Leftover Air-Fried Mozzarella Sticks

If you have any leftover mozzarella sticks, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer for a few minutes until heated through and crispy again.

If you want to freeze the mozzarella sticks for later use, make sure to freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet or plate until they are firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.

When ready to enjoy, cook the frozen mozzarella sticks in the air fryer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Expert Tips for Success

• Choose the right cheese: The first step is selecting the perfect mozzarella cheese. I usually recommend using string cheese as it's already the perfect size and it has a good melting point. Avoid low-fat or reduced-fat versions, as they don't melt as well.
• Freeze the cheese first: Before breading, freeze your cheese sticks for about 20 minutes. This helps them hold their shape while they're in the air fryer.
• Use Panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are a secret weapon here. They're lighter and crisper than regular breadcrumbs, which makes the coating extra crunchy and satisfying.
• Season your breadcrumbs: Don't miss the opportunity to amp up the flavor by seasoning your breadcrumbs. A mix of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a bit of salt goes a long way.
• Let them cool: I know it's hard to resist, but give these cheesy treats a couple of minutes to cool after you remove them from the air fryer. It allows the cheese to set a bit and prevents burning your tongue.
• Serve with a tasty dip: I love serving air fryer mozzarella sticks with a side of marinara sauce. The tanginess of the sauce complements the creamy, rich cheese perfectly.

And there you have it—your guide to mouthwatering, golden-brown air fryer mozzarella sticks. This simple yet delectable recipe is just the beginning. There's a world of taste to explore with ingredient substitutes, more air fryer recipes, and handy tips and tricks on our blog.

Discover the joy of home cooking and elevate your culinary skills to the next level. With every bite you take, you'll appreciate the magic of your air fryer even more.

Remember, the secret ingredient is always love.

Happy air frying!

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