Crunchy, savory, and filled with gooey, stretchy, delicious cheese, these Air-Fried Mozzarella Sticks are a dream come true! Made with toasted breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, and NO OIL, the air-fried version of everyone’s favorite appetizer is a guaranteed good time! Serve with my delicious Marinara Sauce.
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I’m always on a mission to make my favorite comfort-foods just a little more guilt-free! Crispy doesn’t always have to mean deep-fried. Coming from a HUGE fan of fried fare, that’s quite the statement. Greasy hands and mountains of oil-stained napkins are satisfying, but they’re not always necessary.
These days, I’ve been obsessed with my air fryer! From reheating soggy takeout french fries to making drool-worthy Sunday bacon, my favorite kitchen gadget can do it all. Seriously, if you haven’t jumped on the air fryer train, it’s time to get on.
Perks and Highlights of Perfect Mozzarella Sticks
Cuisine Inspiration: Italian-American Snack Attack!
Primary Cooking Method: Air Frying
Dietary Info: Vegetarian, High-Calcium
Key Flavor: Cheesy Goodness with a Crispy Crunch
Skill Level: Easy! (Perfect for cooking with kids or a quick snack fix!)
Special Perks:
- Healthier Indulgence: Get ready for a cheese-pull worthy of a slow-mo, minus the deep-fried regret. Air frying slashes those calories and fat, making these mozzarella sticks a snack you can say “yes!” to a little more often.
- Crispiness Overload: The air fryer means serious business when it comes to that golden, perfect crunch. It’s like they’re fried, but they’re not. Magic? No, it’s science. Delicious, delicious science.
- Speedy & Mess-Free: Forget about hot oil splatters and standing forever at the stove. The air fryer gets these babies done fast, with no oily mess or odors. More time for you, less cleaning, and quick cheesy bliss!
- Custom Flavor Fiesta: Get your creative chef hat on! These sticks are a blank canvas for flavors. Experiment with different dipping sauces, or add spices to the coating – make ’em your own!
- Perfect Party Starter: These sticks are like social butterflies – they fit in everywhere! Game night? Check. Cocktail party? Absolutely. Midnight snack session? They’re there for you. Cheesy, crunchy comfort on a plate!
Today, I’m sharing the latest and greatest of my air fryer experiments: Mozzarella Sticks! Something about a seasoned, crunchy crust that holds together soft, melted mozzarella cheese is irresistible to me. Utilizing the air fryer makes for that same ooey-gooey interior, and the exterior is just as crisp (if not more) as the deep-fried variety.
Alright y’all, I gotta go. There are Air Fried Mozzarella Sticks calling my name!
Ingredients
As many of you know, my fam has a bunch of lactose intolerant folks so I don’t get to indulge in cheesy treats like these very often. But when I decide to go ALL IN, I go HARD y’all! These mozzarella cheese sticks scratch that cheese-pull itch without all that extra deep-fry oil. So, they’re basically healthy, right?
With just 10 simple ingredients, you and I are on our way to enjoying our wildest, cheesiest of dreams!
Here’s what you’ll need:
Whole Milk Mozzarella Sticks- Using store-bought mozzarella sticks makes for an easy setup and execution! If desired, part-skim mozzarella will also work.
Toasted Breadcrumbs- For deeper flavor (and more color), I chose to use pre-toasted breadcrumbs. Regular or Panko breadcrumbs are also great options.
Italian Seasoning- If you don’t have a jar of Italian Seasoning in your cupboard, what’re you doing? A mixture of dried herbs such as parsley, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, basil, oregano and sage, this seasoning introduces the best flavors Italian cooking has to offer.
Garlic & Onion Powder- I can’t stand under seasoned mozzarella sticks! I want all the bold, delicious flavor! I added onion and garlic powder to layer in an aromatic, bold taste.
Salt & Pepper- You can’t skip this one. Always use kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
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AP Flour- Flour helps to build structure. If you’d like, gluten-free flour can be used.
Eggs- Eggs work with the flour to create the crust. As the mozzarella sticks cook, the eggs will help to deepen the color of the crust while holding the whole thing together.
Cooking Spray- Coating the sticks in a bit of oil makes for that crispy crust that we all crave! I chose to use an Olive-Oil spray but just about anything will work. Alternatively, you can brush the sticks with butter or oil by hand.
SERVING TIP: Mozzarella Cheese Sticks are best served alongside a fresh bowl of warm marinara sauce. Use your favorite store-bought variety or go the extra mile and make your own! Dip, dunk, and repeat!
How to Make Mozzarella Sticks in An Air Fryer
- Prep Your Station:
- Kick things off by preheating your air fryer to a sizzling 400 degrees.
- While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper (because who has time for stuck-on cheese, right?).
- Triple-Threat Dredging Station:
- Time to set up your coating command center! You’ll need three small bowls for this operation.
- In bowl numero uno, mix breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a good whisk — this is your flavor station!
- Moving on to bowl number two, it’s all about the flour. Plain and simple.
- Last up, beat those eggs in bowl three until they’re ready to give you the perfect stick!
- Coat ‘Em Up:
- Ready for some fun? Take each mozzarella stick and give it a good ol’ dunk in the flour, a dip in the eggs (let that excess drip right off), and a dive into the breadcrumbs. But wait — we’re going for double-dipped delight here! Back into the egg and one more roll in the breadcrumbs they go!
- Lay your soon-to-be golden goodies out on the baking sheet to chill for a sec.
- Air Fryer Magic:
- Now, here’s where the magic happens. Spray that air fryer basket with a little cooking spray love, and place three sticks in (no more, folks — they need their space!).
- Give them a final spritz with cooking spray. This is the secret to that golden glow!
- Let them cook for 6 minutes, giving them a little turn at the halfway mark then they are ready to go!
Storage and Reheating
So, you’ve eaten your fill of ooey-gooey mozzarella sticks but you just can’t bear to see the leftovers go! After the sticks have completely cooled, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
To ensure these bad boys return to their cheesy glory (and don’t go soggy), you’ve gotta choose the right reheating method.
Here are your options:
- Back to the Air Fryer! Place the leftover sticks into the basket, then set the fryer to 350 degrees for 2 minutes. Flip the sticks after the first minute. If needed, add extra time!
- Use the Oven or Toaster Oven- If using the oven, preheat to 350 degrees and line the mozzarella sticks on a parchment paper (or aluminum foil) lined cookie sheet. Heat for 10 minutes, turning halfway through. If using a toaster oven, preheat it to 450 degrees, line the tray, and arrange the sticks on top. Heat for 5-8 minutes, adding time if not heated thoroughly.
- Blast them in the Microwave! This option isn’t ideal and it won’t reanimate our crust, but it’ll do in a pinch. Place the mozzarella sticks on a microwave-safe plate, then place a moistened paper towel over the top. Heat for 30 seconds, then flip them and heat for an additional 30 seconds. If they’re still cold in the center, just cut them in half and repeat the heating process.
TIP: I highly recommend only cooking the necessary amount of mozzarella sticks. You can always make more as needed! Any uncooked leftovers can be tightly wrapped in aluminum foil, then placed into a freezer-safe bag and tucked into the freezer for later consumption. I wouldn’t suggest freezing mozzarella sticks after they’ve been cooked.
Best Appetizers
Dinner doesn’t always need to be so conventional! I love mixing things up by tossing together an assortment of fun finger-foods. Whether it’s game-day or a regular Tuesday night, treat yourself (and your loved ones) to an epic Grandbaby Cakes spread!
Check out a few of my FAVORITE snacks and appetizers:
Mozzarella Sticks
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Ingredients
- 12 whole milk mozzarella sticks
- 1 cup plain breadsticks toasted
- 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the air-fryer to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Set out three small bowls. Add breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper into one bowl and whisk well.
- Add flour to the second bowl, and beat the eggs in the last one.
- Coat each mozzarella stick in flour, then egg (allowing the excess to drip off), then into the breadcrumbs then repeat back into the egg and then again finally into the breadcrumbs and rest on the baking sheet.
- Once all the sticks are ready, spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place 3 of the 12 sticks into the air fryer basket then coat them lightly with cooking spray. Any more and you will overcrowd them. Cook for 6 minutes, rotating halfway through. Repeat with remaining sticks.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes, then serve with marinara sauce!
Notes
- Back to the Air Fryer! Place the leftover sticks into the basket, then set the fryer to 350 degrees for 2 minutes. Flip the sticks after the first minute. If needed, add extra time!
- Use the Oven or Toaster Oven- If using the oven, preheat to 350 degrees and line the mozzarella sticks on a parchment paper (or aluminum foil) lined cookie sheet. Heat for 10 minutes, turning halfway through. If using a toaster oven, preheat it to 450 degrees, line the tray, and arrange the sticks on top. Heat for 5-8 minutes, adding time if not heated thoroughly.
- Blast them in the Microwave! This option isn’t ideal and it won’t reanimate our crust, but it’ll do in a pinch. Place the mozzarella sticks on a microwave-safe plate, then place a moistened paper towel over the top. Heat for 30 seconds, then flip them and heat for an additional 30 seconds. If they’re still cold in the center, just cut them in half and repeat the heating process.
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I can not wait to try this recipe. I love all your recipes
Super tasty and easy. This recipe is a new favorite in our house! Thank you, Jocelyn!
I’m always looking for something new to try in the air fryer, so thanks for this recipe!
One Super delicious Mozzarella sticks. That bowl will vanish in seconds at my place.
These are fantastic! The whole family loved them–thank you for our new favorite recipe!
I have to try these soon! I’ve been on a major air fryer kick and I love how crisp everything comes out. I can’t wait to taste these.
I absolutely love how easy these mozzarella sticks are to make. They are perfect as an appetizer or an afternoon snack.