Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
The secret to mozzarella sticks that do not burst in the air fryer is the freezer. A double coat of seasoned panko and an hour of freezing give the crust time to crisp before the cheese melts, so you get a golden shell and a long cheese pull. Serve them with warm marinara on game day or as an after-school snack.
Published
- Prep Time
- 20 mins
- Cook Time
- 12 mins
- Freeze
- 1 hr
- Total Time
- 1 hr 32 mins
- Servings
- 24 mozzarella sticks
How do you make Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks?
Halve 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks, then coat each piece in flour, beaten egg and seasoned panko, and dip in egg and panko a second time. Freeze for at least 1 hour. Spray with oil and air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 5-7 minutes, until golden, stopping as soon as any cheese starts to ooze. Serve straight away with warm marinara.
- Total time
- 1 hr 32 mins
- Calories
- 300 per serving
- Protein
- 19 g
- Yield
- 24 mozzarella sticks
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Method
- Air frying
Ingredients
Mozzarella sticks
Coating
Equipment
Air fryer · Baking sheet · Parchment paper · 3 shallow bowls · Oil spray bottle
Quick Directions
Set up the coating
Put the flour in one shallow bowl.
Coat twice
Roll each piece of cheese in flour, dip it in egg, then press it into the panko.
Freeze
Freeze the coated sticks, uncovered, for at least 1 hour, until solid.
Air fry
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F).
Serve
Let the sticks rest for 1 minute, then serve hot with the warm marinara for dipping.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to make the perfect air fryer mozzarella sticks.
Set up the coating
Put the flour in one shallow bowl. Beat the eggs in a second bowl. Mix the panko, Italian seasoning, garlic powder and salt in a third. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Coat twice
Roll each piece of cheese in flour, dip it in egg, then press it into the panko. Dip it back into the egg and roll it in the panko a second time, pressing so there are no gaps, especially at the ends. Set it on the lined sheet.
Freeze
Freeze the coated sticks, uncovered, for at least 1 hour, until solid. This stops the cheese melting before the coating crisps.
Air fry
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F). Spray the basket and the frozen sticks lightly with oil. Arrange them in a single layer with space between them and air fry for 5-7 minutes, until golden. Take them out the moment you see cheese starting to leak at the ends.
Serve
Let the sticks rest for 1 minute, then serve hot with the warm marinara for dipping. Cook the rest in batches straight from the freezer.
Recipe Tips
- Use low-moisture mozzarella, such as string cheese or a firm block cut into sticks. Fresh mozzarella is too wet and will leak.
- Any gap in the coating is where the cheese escapes, so pay attention to the ends when you do the second coat.
- Do not flip the sticks while they cook. Turning them can tear the soft coating.
- Spray lightly but evenly with oil. Dry patches of panko stay pale.
Variations
- Gluten-free: use a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free panko.
- Spicy: add 1/2 tsp chili flakes and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika to the panko.
- Ranch dip: serve with ranch dressing instead of marinara.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories | 300 |
|---|---|
| Protein | 19 g |
| Carbs | 22 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Saturated fat | 7.5 g |
| Fibre | 1 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 700 mg |
Estimated from the listed ingredients; values vary by brand.
Related Recipes
Storing & Reheating
- Fridge
- Mozzarella sticks are best eaten fresh. Refrigerate cooked leftovers within 2 hours for up to 2 days.
- Freezer
- Freeze coated, uncooked sticks in a freezer bag for up to 2 months and air fry them straight from frozen.
- Reheat
- Reheat cooked sticks in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 2-3 minutes, watching closely so the cheese does not leak.
Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks FAQs
Why do mozzarella sticks need to be frozen before air frying?
Freezing firms the cheese, so the coating has time to crisp and brown before the inside melts. Mozzarella sticks that go in unfrozen usually burst and leak before the crust is done.
How long do mozzarella sticks take in the air fryer?
Frozen homemade mozzarella sticks take 5-7 minutes at 200°C (400°F). Take them out as soon as they are golden or the first bit of cheese appears at the ends.
What kind of mozzarella is best for mozzarella sticks?
Low-moisture mozzarella, sold as string cheese or as a firm block, holds its shape and melts smoothly. Fresh mozzarella balls contain too much water and turn the coating soggy.
Can I make mozzarella sticks ahead?
Yes. Coat and freeze them up to 2 months ahead, then air fry them straight from the freezer when guests arrive. There is no need to thaw them first.
Disclaimer
- Nutrition information is an estimate based on the listed ingredients. It changes with the brands, portion sizes and swaps you use.
- Read ingredient labels for allergens and for diet claims such as gluten-free or vegan. Products and their ingredients can change.
- Cooking times are a guide, since ovens, air fryers and slow cookers all run differently. Use a food thermometer and cook meat, poultry and fish to the safe internal temperatures in government food safety guidance.
- This recipe is general information, not medical or nutrition advice. If you have an allergy, a health condition or a special diet, check with a qualified health professional.
