Crispy, golden on the outside and irresistibly gooey on the inside, these Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks are a lighter, mess-free version of the classic fried appetizer. Using simple ingredients and an air fryer instead of deep-frying, this recipe delivers all the satisfying flavor and crunch without the excess oil. Paired with warm marinara sauce, they make a perfect snack, party appetizer, or kid-friendly treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy without deep frying—thanks to the air fryer
Simple ingredients and quick assembly
Melty cheese center that stretches with every bite
Less oil and mess than traditional frying methods
Perfect for parties or snacks—great crowd-pleaser
Kid-approved and adult-loved
Customizable seasonings for your flavor preferences
Freezer-friendly—great for making ahead
Fast cooking time with no need to preheat the oven
Pairs perfectly with marinara or any dipping sauce

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

mozzarella string cheese sticks, halved
large eggs
all-purpose flour
Italian-style breadcrumbs
grated Parmesan cheese
dried parsley
garlic powder
onion powder
cooking spray
marinara sauce, for dipping

Directions

Unwrap the mozzarella string cheese and cut each stick in half. Place on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 1 hour until completely firm.
Prepare three shallow bowls: add flour to the first, beaten eggs to the second, and a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder to the third.
Dredge each frozen cheese piece in flour, then dip in egg, and coat with the breadcrumb mixture. For an extra crispy coating, dip in the egg again and coat with breadcrumbs a second time.
Return the coated sticks to the freezer for another 15–20 minutes to help set the coating.
Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Lightly spray the mozzarella sticks with cooking spray.
Arrange the sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece.
Air fry for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crisp.
Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (includes freezing time)
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 140 kcal per serving

Variations

Spicy version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mix
Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour
Extra cheesy: Try using mozzarella cheese sticks filled with cheddar or pepper jack
Add Italian seasoning: For a bolder herb flavor in the coating
Use different cheese: Cut small blocks of cheddar or provolone into stick form
Serve with different sauces: Try ranch, garlic aioli, or pesto for dipping
Panko breadcrumb alternative: Use panko for a crunchier texture
Vegetarian twist: Mix nutritional yeast into the breadcrumbs for added savory flavor
Make mini sticks: Cut cheese into thirds for bite-size party appetizers
Add lemon zest: For a fresh note in the breadcrumb mix

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Freezing (uncooked): Freeze breaded mozzarella sticks on a tray, then transfer to a bag and freeze up to 2 months. Cook directly from frozen when ready
Freezing (cooked): Cool completely, freeze in a single layer, then store in freezer bags
Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 360°F (180°C) for 4–5 minutes or until hot and crispy. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture

FAQs

Why do I need to freeze the cheese before cooking?

Freezing helps the cheese hold its shape during cooking and prevents it from melting and leaking out too quickly.

Can I use fresh mozzarella instead of string cheese?

String cheese is ideal because it’s firmer and holds up better during frying. Fresh mozzarella may melt too quickly and lose structure.

Do I have to use an air fryer?

This recipe is designed for an air fryer, but you can bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.

Can I double coat the sticks?

Yes, double-coating helps create a thicker crust and reduces cheese leakage during cooking.

What if I don’t have Italian-style breadcrumbs?

You can use plain breadcrumbs and add your own Italian seasoning blend.

Why are my mozzarella sticks exploding?

If the sticks aren’t frozen solid or are cooked too long, the cheese may ooze out. Be sure to freeze adequately and monitor the cooking time closely.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can bread the cheese sticks and keep them frozen until ready to air fry.

What’s the best dipping sauce?

Marinara is classic, but you can also use ranch, honey mustard, or spicy ketchup.

How do I get them extra crispy?

Double-coating and using a light layer of cooking spray will help achieve a crispier texture.

Are these healthier than traditional mozzarella sticks?

Yes, air frying uses significantly less oil than deep frying, resulting in a lower-fat snack.

Conclusion

These Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks are everything you love about the classic snack—cheesy, crispy, and crave-worthy—without the grease and hassle of deep frying. Whether you’re serving them as a party appetizer, a kid-friendly snack, or just indulging in a comfort food moment, this recipe delivers big flavor and golden crunch with minimal effort. Enjoy them hot, dipped in your favorite sauce, and straight from the air fryer.

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Mari
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (includes freezing)
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

12 mozzarella string cheese sticks, halved (24 pieces)
2 large eggs
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Cooking spray

Marinara sauce, for dipping

Ingredients

Cut each mozzarella stick in half and place on a baking sheet. Freeze for at least 1 hour until firm.
Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: flour in one, beaten eggs in the second, and a mix of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder in the third.
Coat each frozen cheese stick in flour, then egg, then the breadcrumb mixture. For extra crunch, dip again in egg and breadcrumbs.
Return coated sticks to the freezer for 15-20 minutes to set.
Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Lightly spray mozzarella sticks with cooking spray.
Place in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch. Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
Serve hot with warm marinara sauce on the side.

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cut each mozzarella stick in half and place on a baking sheet. Freeze for at least 1 hour until firm.
Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: flour in one, beaten eggs in the second, and a mix of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder in the third.
Coat each frozen cheese stick in flour, then egg, then the breadcrumb mixture. For extra crunch, dip again in egg and breadcrumbs.
Return coated sticks to the freezer for 15–20 minutes to set.
Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Lightly spray mozzarella sticks with cooking spray.
Place in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch. Cook for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
Serve hot with warm marinara sauce on the side.