Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks: Quick Golden Bites (Print Version)
Get perfectly crispy air fryer mozzarella sticks at home! My simple recipe brings that golden, gooey goodness without the mess.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
Mozzarella cheese sticks (low-moisture, part-skim)
02 -
All-purpose flour (for dredging)
03 -
Large eggs (whisked, for egg wash)
04 -
Panko breadcrumbs
→ Flavor Boosters
05 -
Garlic powder
06 -
Onion powder
07 -
Salt
08 -
Black pepper
→ Finishing Touches
09 -
Cooking oil spray (e.g., olive oil or avocado oil)
10 -
Marinara sauce (for dipping, warmed)
# Instructions:
01 -
Okay, this is where I always tell people not to skip this step, because I learned the hard way! Unwrap your mozzarella sticks and place them on a parchment-lined plate or tray. Pop them in the freezer for at least 30 minutes, or even an hour. This step is a game-changer for preventing cheese ooze. I've rushed it before, thinking "it'll be fine," and ended up with a melty mess. Trust me, you want that cheese firm!
02 -
While the cheese is chilling, get your assembly line ready. Grab three shallow bowls. In the first, put your all-purpose flour. In the second, whisk those large eggs until they're nice and uniform. In the third, combine your Panko breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir. This setup makes the coating process so much smoother; I always feel like a pro chef, even if my counter is a bit flour-dusted by the end!
03 -
Time to coat those chilly cheese sticks! Take a mozzarella stick, dredge it thoroughly in the flour, making sure it's completely covered. Shake off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg wash, letting any extra drip off. Finally, roll it in the seasoned Panko, pressing gently to ensure a thick, even coating. Repeat this process for a second layer – flour, egg, Panko – for extra crispness and protection against leaks. This double-coat is key, honestly!
04 -
Yes, another trip to the freezer! Once all your mozzarella sticks are coated, place them back on that parchment-lined tray. Freeze them for another 30 minutes to an hour. This second freeze is crucial for solidifying the breading and ensuring the cheese stays put when it hits the heat. I know, it feels like waiting forever, but this step makes all the difference between perfect crispy air fryer mozzarella sticks and sad, deflated ones. Patience, my friend!
05 -
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Once hot, lightly spray the bottom of your air fryer basket with cooking oil spray, or use a parchment liner made for air fryers. Place the frozen, breaded mozzarella sticks in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the basket. Overcrowding is another mistake I used to make, and it just leads to soggy, unevenly cooked sticks. Give them space to breathe!
06 -
Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they're golden brown and the cheese is just starting to get wonderfully gooey. Keep a close eye on them, because air fryers can vary, and you don't want them to burst! They should look beautifully golden, smell amazing, and feel firm but with a slight give. Serve them immediately, because these crispy air fryer mozzarella sticks are truly best hot and fresh!
# Notes:
01 -
Freezing the mozzarella sticks before air frying is a game-changer for preventing cheese leaks. Trust me, I learned this the hard way!
02 -
For storage, always reheat in the air fryer or oven, never the microwave, unless you like sad, rubbery cheese. I tried it once, oops!
03 -
If you're out of Panko, regular breadcrumbs work, but the crunch won't be quite the same. I've used crushed crackers in a pinch, kinda worked!
04 -
Serve these with a variety of dips! A little spicy ranch alongside classic marinara? Chef's kiss!
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Air fryer
02 -
Shallow bowls (3)
03 -
Tongs
04 -
Freezer-safe plate/tray
05 -
Parchment paper (optional)
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 280
Total Fat: 15g
Total Carbohydrate: 20g
Protein: 18g