Busy moms, this one is for you. Crispy, melty mozzarella sticks come together fast in the air fryer and please picky eaters without a lot of fuss.
You get crunchy coating and gooey cheese with minimal prep and no deep frying. If your kids love simple snack swaps, you might also enjoy these air fryer churro bites for an easy dessert to pair with movie night.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
This recipe works because it keeps things short and reliable. You prep a quick breading station, freeze the sticks briefly, and let the air fryer do the rest.
It fits weeknight life. You can assemble ahead, freeze, and pop a batch whenever hunger strikes. Kids eat with their hands and adults get a warm, familiar comfort food without messy oil.
The ingredients stay simple and budget friendly. You can use the same bread crumbs and seasoning for chicken tenders or veggie bites, so you save time and pantry space. If you want a fancier party snack, try these prosciutto-wrapped mozzarella bites for an easy upgrade.
How to Make It
Ingredients
string cheese sticks, flour, eggs, bread crumbs, Italian seasoning, salt, olive oil spray
Directions
- Cut the string cheese sticks in half.
- Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with bread crumbs mixed with Italian seasoning and salt.
- Dip each cheese stick half in flour, then in the egg, and finally in the bread crumb mixture, ensuring it is well-coated.
- Place the coated cheese sticks in the freezer for about 30 minutes to firm up.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
- Spray the basket with olive oil and arrange the frozen mozzarella sticks in a single layer.
- Spray the tops lightly with olive oil.
- Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Serve immediately with marinara sauce for dipping.
Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Crispy, melty mozzarella sticks made easily in the air fryer, perfect for kids and busy moms.
- Total Time: 53 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 8 string cheese sticks
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Cut the string cheese sticks in half.
- Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with bread crumbs mixed with Italian seasoning and salt.
- Dip each cheese stick half in flour, then in the egg, and finally in the bread crumb mixture, ensuring it is well-coated.
- Place the coated cheese sticks in the freezer for about 30 minutes to firm up.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
- Spray the basket with olive oil and arrange the frozen mozzarella sticks in a single layer.
- Spray the tops lightly with olive oil.
- Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Serve immediately with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
Serve these hot as a snack or appetizer. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 mozzarella sticks
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
How to Serve
Serve these hot with a small bowl of warmed marinara for dipping. They work as an after-school snack, a game night appetizer, or a side with sandwiches.
Pair them with carrot sticks and cucumber slices for a quick balanced plate. For a party, set out a few dipping options like ranch, honey mustard, or pesto for variety.
How to Store
Store leftover cooked mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. They keep better when you separate layers with parchment paper.
To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes until crisp and warmed through. Do not microwave if you want to keep the coating crisp. If you froze the raw coated sticks, keep them in a freezer bag up to 1 month and air fry from frozen, adding a couple minutes if needed.
Tips and Variations
- Freeze them on a tray before packing. That prevents sticking and keeps shape while cooking.
- Press the bread crumbs firmly onto the cheese to reduce leaking during frying.
- Swap Italian seasoning for garlic powder and paprika for a different flavor profile.
- Use panko for an extra crunchy crust.
- Try adding a little grated Parmesan to the crumbs for a savory boost.
- Make a batch on weekend prep day and keep extras frozen for easy snacks all week.
FAQs
Q: Can I skip the freeze step?
A: The freeze step helps the cheese stay inside while cooking. Skip it at your own risk and expect more gooey escape.
Q: What temperature and timing work best?
A: 390°F (200°C) for 6 to 8 minutes usually gives a golden crust. Flip halfway for even browning.
Q: Can I bake these instead of air frying?
A: Yes. Bake on a lightly greased sheet at 425°F for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning once. Watch closely so the cheese does not leak.
Q: Are there gluten free options?
A: Use gluten free flour and breadcrumbs. Panko alternatives also work.
Conclusion
This air fryer mozzarella sticks recipe gives you a fast, kid-approved snack with very little cleanup. Try it once and save the recipe for nights when you want something warm and easy. Save it now so you can pull up the steps next time the clock runs out and hungry kids show up at the door.
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