Air Fried Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Mozzarella cheese sticks: The main star of the recipe, these melt perfectly inside the crispy coating.

Breadcrumbs: Used to create a crunchy outer layer that gets golden in the air fryer.

All-purpose flour: Helps the coating stick to the cheese sticks before dipping in egg.

Eggs: Acts as a glue to hold the breadcrumbs on the cheese sticks.

Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs that adds a delicious, savory flavor to the breadcrumbs.

Garlic powder: Gives a subtle garlic taste that makes the coating more flavorful.

Salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the recipe.

Black pepper: Adds a little bit of mild heat and depth to the coating.

One of the trickiest parts of making these air fried mozzarella sticks is getting the coating just right so it sticks well and gets super crispy. Here’s how you can do it step by step:

1. Start by rolling each mozzarella cheese stick in the all-purpose flour. This helps the next layer stick better.
2. Next, dip the floured stick into the beaten eggs. The egg acts like glue for the breadcrumbs.
3. Then, roll the stick in the breadcrumb mixture that has the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. For an extra crunchy outside, repeat the egg dip and breadcrumb coating one more time.

Doing this double coating makes the mozzarella sticks less likely to leak cheese while cooking and gives you that perfect crispy crust. If you skip the flour or don’t do the double dip, the breadcrumbs might fall off or the cheese could ooze out too soon.

When I first tried this, I didn’t do the double coating and ended up with a few sad mozzarella sticks that lost their crunchy shell. After trying the double dip, I noticed a big difference—it’s like a little armor for the cheese! Also, don’t crowd the air fryer basket; giving each stick some space helps them cook evenly and stay crispy all around.

This simple layering trick makes the whole process smoother and the final snack way tastier. Plus, it’s kind of fun to dunk and roll the sticks like a mini assembly line!

• Mozzarella cheese sticks - Substitute with string cheese: String cheese is essentially the same as mozzarella and has a similar texture and flavor.

• Breadcrumbs - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier, providing a similar crunch when air-fried.

• All-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour can provide a slightly nuttier flavor and is a bit healthier.

• Beaten eggs - Substitute with buttermilk: Buttermilk can help the breadcrumbs adhere to the cheese sticks and adds a slight tangy flavor.

• Italian seasoning - Substitute with herbes de Provence: Herbes de Provence offers a similar blend of herbs and can provide a slightly different but still complementary flavor.

• Garlic powder - Substitute with onion powder: Onion powder can provide a similar depth of flavor and aromatic quality.

• Salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can offer a slightly different texture and a more complex flavor profile.

• Black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat but a slightly different flavor, which can add a unique twist to the dish.

• Allow the mozzarella sticks to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
• Place the cooled sticks in an airtight container. If stacking, separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes to regain crispiness.
• For longer storage, freeze the mozzarella sticks. Arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.
• Transfer the frozen sticks to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and store for up to 2 months.
• When ready to enjoy, reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until hot and crispy.
• Avoid microwaving as it can make the cheese rubbery and the coating less crispy.

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the leftover mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 5-7 minutes or until they are heated through and the cheese is melty again.

• Use your air fryer for a quick reheat. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and place the mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 3-4 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they don't overcook.

• For a stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to the pan. Place the mozzarella sticks in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are crispy and heated through.

• If you’re in a rush, the microwave can be used, though it may not retain the crispiness. Place the mozzarella sticks on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for 20-30 seconds. Check and add more time if needed, but be cautious as the cheese can become too melty.

• Air fryer: This is the main appliance used to cook the mozzarella sticks, ensuring they become golden and crispy without the need for deep frying.

• Mixing bowls: You will need multiple mixing bowls to separately hold the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumb mixture.

• Whisk: This is used to beat the eggs until they are well combined.

• Tongs: These are useful for handling the mozzarella sticks, especially when dipping them into the flour, eggs, and breadcrumb mixture.

• Measuring cups: These are essential for accurately measuring the ingredients like breadcrumbs, flour, and seasonings.

• Baking sheet: This can be used to hold the coated mozzarella sticks before they go into the air fryer.

• Parchment paper: Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper can help prevent the mozzarella sticks from sticking.

• Cooling rack: After air frying, you can place the mozzarella sticks on a cooling rack to maintain their crispiness while they cool slightly.

• Knife: If your mozzarella sticks are not pre-cut, you will need a knife to cut the mozzarella cheese into sticks.

Pre-cut cheese sticks: Buy pre-cut mozzarella sticks to save time on preparation.

Use pre-seasoned breadcrumbs: Opt for pre-seasoned breadcrumbs to skip mixing seasonings.

Double batch: Make a double batch and freeze half for a quick snack later.

Assembly line: Set up an assembly line with flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs to coat the sticks faster.

Preheat air fryer: Preheat your air fryer while you prepare the sticks to save cooking time.

Non-stick spray: Use non-stick spray on the air fryer basket to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.