Name: Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 23 min
Ingredients: 1 lb fresh mozzarella cheese; 1 cup bread crumbs; 1 egg egg; 0.5 tsp salt; 0.25 tsp black pepper

What is comfort food? What is that crispy, gooey, cheesy goodness that hits the spot every time? I’m talking about **air fryer Mozzarella Sticks**! I know you’ve probably seen them before, but trust me when I say that this recipe is a recipe. Why don’t we use the deep fryer? ) and going straight for that perfectly golden, crispy exterior with a melty, stringy cheese pull. Is there any restaurant version that rivals any other? What’s a healthier alternative to fried mozzarella? This is a recipe the whole family will love, and I guarantee, it won’t last long!

What are Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks?

What are we talking about? **Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks** are essentially the same beloved mozzarella sticks you know and love. Love, but cooked in an air fryer instead of being deep fried. How do you get that crunch without all the grease? Is it a shortcut to cheesy heaven? The air fryer circulates hot air around the mozzarella sticks, creating a crispy coating that’s just as good as it looks. As good (if not better) as any other! ) than the deep-fried kind. What’s a healthier, less messy, and faster way to enjoy your favorite cheesy snack? Perfect for game day, movie night, or just when you’re craving something deliciously cheesy.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Why should I make this recipe? First and foremost, the flavor is absolutely incredible. What’s the perfect combination of crispy, savory breading and melty, gooey mozzarella that just makes it perfect. What are some words that melt in your mouth? It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more. What’s more, the simplicity of this recipe is a major win. What are some easy recipes to make for a family dinner? What are some simple ingredients for an air fryer? Plus, it’s super *cost-efficient* How do you make air fry Mozzarella Sticks for a fraction of the cost? Is ordering them from a restaurant better than ordering from the restaurant itself? And finally, the *versatility* is fantastic. What are some good side dishes to serve with pasta? What I love about this recipe is that it’s a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a party or just having family dinner, these always disappear in minutes. What’s a good mozzarella stick?

How do I make Mozzarella Sticks in an air fryer?

Quick Overview

How do you make Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks? What’s the best way to make mozzarella sticks? How do you fry a potato in an air fryer? What’s the best part? It takes less than 20 minutes to complete! The air fryer creates the crispiest texture without the need for a ton of oil. What is the most convenient way to get a taxi If you try this method, you’ll never go back to deep-frying again.

Ingredients

For the Mozzarella Sticks: For
* 12 mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese works great!) * 13 oz.
* Make sure they are fully frozen before starting

For the Bread Crumbing:
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 2 large eggs, beaten
* 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
* 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* I like to use Italian breadcrumbs for added flavoring.

For serving (Optional):
* Marinara sauce, for dipping
* Ranch dressing, for dipping
* Whatever sauce is your preference!

What are the steps to

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). If your air fryer requires preheating, do so for about 5 minutes. While it’s preheating, lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray. How do I stop my Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks from sticking?

Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station

In a shallow dish, place the flour. Set up your breading station. In a second shallow dish, beat the eggs. In a third shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Italian breadcrumbs, garlic powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and pepper. Serve immediately. Salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is well mixed. What is the secret to a crispy crust? For best results, make sure to separate the mixture into a second bowl to double bread the dough. What are mozzarella sticks?

Step 3: Bread the Mozzarella Sticks

Take a mozzarella stick and dredge it in the flour, making sure to coat it completely. If you have beaten eggs, dip it in the egg mixture. Allow any excess to drip off. Finally, coat it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the crumbs. Repeat steps for mozzarella sticks. For best results, put the cheese sticks back in the freezer for 15 minutes.

Step 4: Double Bread the Mozzarella Sticks

How do you get mozzarella sticks out of the freezer? Take a mozzarella stick and dredge it in the flour, making sure to coat it completely. If you have beaten eggs, dip it in the egg mixture and let it drip off. Finally, coat it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help it adhere to the crumbs. Repeat steps for mozzarella sticks.

Step 5: Air Fry the Mozzarella Sticks

Place breaded mozzarella sticks in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket, as this will prevent them from getting crispy. Is it necessary to cook them in batches? Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and the cheese is melted. Serve warm or cold. Keep a close eye on them, as cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer.

Step 6: Cool Slightly & Serve

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks** Carefully remove from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. Is there a minute or two before serving? How do you avoid burning your mouth with cheese? Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara or ranch. What is crispy goodness?

What should I serve it with?

What are Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks? How can I use differentWhat is a quick snack?Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. Is it a classic combination that’s always hit?For Game Day:Pair them with other appetizers like wings, nachos, and sliders for the ultimate game-day spread. What are some good blue cheese Dip Recipes?As a side dish:Serve them alongside your favorite pasta dish for a cheesy and satisfying meal. What are some good side dishes to serve with spaghetti and meatballs?What is a fun kid-friendly meal?What are some healthy side dishes to serve with carrot sticks, celery, and ranch dressing? What are some things that kids will love? My family loves to dip these in garlic aioli. I’ve made them several times now. The creamy, garlicky flavor complements the cheesy mozzarella perfectly. It’s become a tradition in our house!

How do I make my air fryer Mozzarella Sticks?

How do I make sure my Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks are perfect? What are some of my top tips?How do you freeze Mozzarella sticks? Make sure your mozzarella sticks are fully frozen before breading them. This will help prevent the cheese from melting too quickly in the air fryer and making a mess.

Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Make sure to place the mozzarella sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Overcrowding the basket will prevent them from getting crispy and may result in uneven cooking. You may need to cook them in batches.

Use Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are larger and coarser than regular breadcrumbs, which gives the mozzarella sticks a crispier and more satisfying texture. I highly recommend using them for the best results.

Double Bread the Sticks: Double breading the mozzarella sticks is essential for creating a thick and protective crust that will prevent the cheese from leaking out. Trust me, it’s worth the extra effort!

Adjust Cooking Time as Needed: Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer, so keep a close eye on the mozzarella sticks and adjust the cooking time as needed. You want them to be golden brown and crispy, with the cheese melted and gooey.

Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings in the breadcrumb mixture to customize the flavor of your mozzarella sticks. Try adding some Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, or Italian seasoning for a unique twist.

I’ve learned that freezing the breaded mozzarella sticks for about 15-20 minutes before air frying them helps the breading adhere even better and prevents the cheese from melting too quickly. It’s a little trick that makes a big difference!

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you happen to have any leftover **Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks** (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat them:

Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving these at room temperature for more than 2 hours, just to be safe.

Refrigerator Storage: Store the leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They may lose some of their crispiness, but they’ll still be delicious.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked mozzarella sticks. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating: To reheat the mozzarella sticks, you can use the air fryer again! Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and air fry the mozzarella sticks for 3-5 minutes, or until they’re heated through and crispy again. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

I find that reheating them in the air fryer is the best way to restore their original crispiness. Just be sure to keep a close eye on them so they don’t burn!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?

While you can use regular breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs provide a much crispier texture. If you use regular breadcrumbs, your mozzarella sticks may not be as crunchy.

Can I bake these in the oven instead of air frying?

Yes, you can bake them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the mozzarella sticks for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can bread the mozzarella sticks ahead of time and store them in the freezer until you’re ready to cook them. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What if the cheese melts out of the mozzarella sticks?

If the cheese starts to melt out, it could mean that the mozzarella sticks weren’t frozen enough or that they were cooked for too long. Try freezing the mozzarella sticks for a longer period of time and reducing the cooking time slightly.

Can I add other seasonings to the breadcrumb mixture?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different seasonings to customize the flavor of your mozzarella sticks. Some popular options include Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – my go-to recipe for **Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks**! It’s a simple, delicious, and crowd-pleasing recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. I love this recipe because it’s a healthier alternative to deep-fried mozzarella sticks without sacrificing any of the flavor or crispiness. Plus, it’s so easy to make, even on a busy weeknight. If you’re looking for more delicious and easy appetizer recipes, be sure to check out my other posts. And don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how your **Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks** turned out! I can’t wait to hear from you. Happy cooking!