Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks (Homemade)

There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a crispy, golden mozzarella stick and pulling it apart to reveal that perfect, gooey cheese pull. As someone who loves both cooking and experimenting with kitchen gadgets, I’ve found that making mozzarella sticks at home is not only fun but also surprisingly easy. And when you use an air fryer, you get that delicious crunch without the guilt of deep frying. Trust me, once you try these homemade air fryer mozzarella sticks, you’ll never want to go back to the frozen ones!

I’ve always been a fan of appetizers that are quick to make but still feel like a treat. These mozzarella sticks are exactly that—simple, cheesy, and utterly irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a party, having a cozy movie night, or just craving a snack, this recipe is a winner. Plus, making them from scratch means you can control the quality of the ingredients and avoid any unnecessary additives. Let’s dive into how you can make these cheesy delights right in your own kitchen!

What You Need To Make This Recipe

Mozzarella cheese: The star of the show! Use block mozzarella cheese, not the fresh kind packed in water. It’s firmer and easier to cut into sticks, and it melts beautifully without becoming too runny.

Flour: All-purpose flour is used to coat the cheese sticks. It helps the egg wash stick to the cheese, creating a solid base for the breadcrumbs.

Eggs: Beaten eggs act as the glue that holds the breadcrumbs to the cheese sticks. They create a barrier that keeps the cheese from leaking out during cooking.

Breadcrumbs: I recommend using Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor. If you only have plain breadcrumbs, you can add a pinch of garlic powder, dried oregano, and parsley to mimic the Italian seasoning.

Panko breadcrumbs: These are optional but highly recommended. Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs, giving your mozzarella sticks an extra crunch.

Olive oil spray: A light spray of olive oil helps the breadcrumbs crisp up in the air fryer. It’s a healthier alternative to deep frying.

Marinara sauce: For dipping! You can use store-bought marinara or make your own. It’s the perfect tangy complement to the rich, cheesy sticks.

Ingredients List

8 oz block mozzarella cheese
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
½ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crunch)
Olive oil spray
1 cup marinara sauce (for serving)

How to Make Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks (Homemade)

Step 1: Cut the Mozzarella Cheese

Start by cutting the mozzarella block into sticks, about ½-inch thick and 3 inches long. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This helps the coating stick better.

Step 2: Set Up Your Coating Station

Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mix of Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs and panko breadcrumbs (if using). This assembly line makes the coating process quick and efficient.

Step 3: Coat the Cheese Sticks

Roll each mozzarella stick in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the beaten eggs, making sure it’s fully coated. Finally, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even layer. Repeat this process for all the sticks.

Step 4: Freeze the Coated Sticks

Place the coated mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet and freeze them for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial—it prevents the cheese from melting too quickly in the air fryer.

Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures the mozzarella sticks start cooking immediately, giving them a crispier exterior.

Step 6: Air Fry the Mozzarella Sticks

Arrange the frozen mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them. Lightly spray them with olive oil. Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown and crispy.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Let the mozzarella sticks cool for a minute or two before serving. They’ll be piping hot! Serve them with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Tips for Making This Recipe

Freeze the cheese sticks before coating: This makes them easier to handle and helps the coating stick better.
Don’t skip the freezing step after coating: It ensures the cheese doesn’t ooze out during cooking.
Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch: They’re lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket: Leave space between the sticks for even cooking.
Serve immediately: Mozzarella sticks are best enjoyed fresh and hot!
Experiment with seasonings: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the breadcrumbs for a spicy kick.

FAQs

Can I use string cheese instead of block mozzarella?
Yes, you can! String cheese is a great shortcut and works well for this recipe. Just skip the step of cutting the cheese into sticks.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can coat the mozzarella sticks and freeze them for up to a month. When you’re ready to cook, just pop them straight into the air fryer—no need to thaw.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake these in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be as crispy as air-fried ones, but they’ll still be delicious.

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Mozzarella works best because of its meltiness, but you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for a different flavor.

How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.

There you have it—homemade air fryer mozzarella sticks that are crispy, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re making them for a party or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to impress. Happy cooking!