Air-Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Name: Air-Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 1 dozen.
Cuisine: Europe, Italian
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs; 1 tablespoon water; 1 cup dry bread crumbs; 2-1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/8 teaspoon pepper; 12 sticks string cheese; Cooking spray; 1 cup marinara sauce or meatless pasta sauce, warmed

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Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time

Prep: 15 min. + freezing Cook: 10 min.

Makes

1 dozen

Updated: May. 21, 2022

Deep-fried mozzarella sticks are one of our favorite appetizers. I figured out how to make them at home without having to haul out the deep fryer. Make sure to double-bread each one so these air-fryer mozzarella sticks get nice and crunchy, and to keep the cheese from oozing out as they get warm. —Mary Merchant, Barre, Vermont

Air-Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe photo by Taste of Home

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Ingredients

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon water
1 cup dry bread crumbs
2-1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon pepper
12 sticks string cheese
Cooking spray
1 cup marinara sauce or meatless pasta sauce, warmed

Directions

Place flour in a shallow bowl. In another shallow bowl, beat eggs and water. In a third shallow bowl, combine bread crumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder and pepper. Coat cheese sticks with flour, then dip in egg mixture and coat with bread crumb mixture. Repeat egg and bread crumb coatings. Cover and freeze for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Preheat air fryer to 400°. Place cheese in a single layer on greased tray in air-fryer basket; spritz with cooking spray. Cook until golden brown and heated through, 6-8 minutes, turning halfway through cooking and spritzing with additional cooking spray. Allow to stand 3-5 minutes before serving. Serve with marinara or pasta sauce for dipping.

Air-Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Tips

What other seasonings can you use in the breading for mozzarella sticks?

This recipe calls for Italian seasoning, garlic powder and pepper, but you can change those herbs and spices to what you enjoy! Kick up the spice level with chili powder or red pepper flakes, or just change the breadcrumbs to a seasoned brand or homemade breadcrumbs recipe you like.

How can you tell when air-fryer mozzarella sticks are done?

These air-fryer mozzarella sticks are done when they're golden brown and heated though. They should start to flatten slightly as the cheese melts. If you’re worried about overcooking, try making just one in the basket to start. Read our collection of air fryer tips to get confident cooking with your appliance.

How long can you freeze air-fryer mozzarella sticks?

It’s best to eat these mozzarella sticks fresh and hot, but they also last 1-2 days in a sealed bag or container in the fridge. Simply toss them back into the air fryer for a few minutes to reheat. To freeze these sticks for future use, place unbaked sticks on a wax-lined tray in the freezer. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer bag or container for up to 4 months. Here's how long lots of leftovers last.

—Maggie Knoebel, Taste of Home Associate Recipe Editor/Tester

Air Fryer Cook Times

In our testing, we find cook times vary dramatically between brands of air fryers. As a result, we give wider than normal ranges on suggested cook times. Begin checking at the first time listed and adjust as needed.

Nutrition Facts

1 appetizer: 148 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 384mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 11g protein.