Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

5 from 1 vote

This air fryer mozzarella sticks recipe creates a perfect snack or appetizer: crunchy on the outside and melty inside. With the help of our step-by-step guide, you'll be serving these delicious, crowd-pleasing treats in under 20 minutes.

Prep Time2 15

Cook Time8

Total Time2 23

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings: mozzarella sticks

Calories: 106kcal

Author: Val

Equipment

Air Fryer
3 Mixing bowls
Whisk or fork
Measuring cups and spoons
Spatula or tongs
Baking sheet or plate
Baking paper
Serving plate or platter

Ingredients

8 oz 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

Instructions

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 step 3. 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.

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