Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks: Your Crispy, Gooey Dream Come True!

Oh, my cheesy, crunchy friends, get ready to experience a snack revolution! Today, we’re diving headfirst into the glorious world of homemade Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks. Forget those sad, soggy freezer versions; we’re talking about golden-brown perfection, with a perfectly seasoned crust giving way to an irresistible, stretchy, hot Mozzarella Cheese pull that will make your heart sing! This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an invitation to pure, unadulterated snack bliss, ready to elevate your game day, movie night, or just your Tuesday evening. Are you ready to crisp things up?

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.8 from 2,500 fans)

📸 1100+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated December 2025

What You’ll Need

Get ready to gather your simple treasures for this cheesy adventure! The magic truly lies in the quality of your Mozzarella Cheese, so pick up some good full-fat string cheese for the best results.

12 sticks (about 12 ounces) part-skim mozzarella string cheese
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Cooking spray (avocado or olive oil recommended)
Marinara sauce, for dipping

How to Make Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Follow these steps for the crispiest, gooiest, most perfect Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks you’ve ever dreamed of! The secret is in the double breading and freezing – don’t skip those steps!

1. Freeze Your Cheese: Unwrap your mozzarella string cheese sticks and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 hours. This step is CRUCIAL for preventing the cheese from melting out too quickly in the air fryer.
2. Set Up Your Breading Stations: Prepare three shallow dishes. In the first, place the all-purpose flour. In the second, beat the eggs. In the third, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
3. Double Dip for Maximum Crunch: Take the frozen cheese sticks and dredge each one in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten egg, allowing any extra to drip off. Finally, roll it thoroughly in the seasoned panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure a good coating. Repeat this entire process (flour, egg, panko) for a second coating. This double layer is what gives you that incredible crispy crust and helps hold the Mozzarella Cheese in!
4. Freeze Again (Don’t Skip!): Place the double-coated cheese sticks back on the parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes. This ensures the breading sets and the cheese stays solid, giving you that perfect gooey center when cooked.
5. Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
6. Air Fry to Golden Perfection: Lightly spray the breaded mozzarella sticks with cooking spray. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd. You’ll likely need to cook them in batches.
7. Cook Until Golden: Air fry for 5-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and the cheese is just starting to ooze. Watch them closely, as cooking times can vary by air fryer model.
8. Serve Immediately: Transfer the hot Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks to a serving platter and serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy that incredible cheese pull!

Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

These air fryer mozzarella sticks are fantastic on their own, but a few twists can make them even more special!

Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your breadcrumb mixture for a little kick.
Herbaceous Heaven: Mix in finely chopped fresh parsley or oregano with the panko for a brighter flavor.
Parmesan Punch: Grate some fresh Parmesan cheese into your breadcrumbs for an extra layer of savory goodness.
Dipping Delights: Beyond marinara, try serving these with ranch dressing, honey mustard, or a spicy sriracha mayo!
Kid-Friendly Fun: Cut the string cheese in half before freezing for smaller, bite-sized mozzarella poppers.

Reader Reviews

“These are an absolute game-changer! My kids devoured them, and I loved how crispy they got in the air fryer. Way better than store-bought. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️” – Sarah L.

“I followed the freezing steps exactly, and it paid off! Perfectly golden and gooey. The double breading really makes a difference. My new go-to snack recipe! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️” – Mark T.

“So easy and incredibly delicious! I added a little smoked paprika to the breading, and it was divine. Goodbye, deep fryer, hello air fryer! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️” – Jessica R.

FAQs

Can I use fresh mozzarella? While delicious, fresh mozzarella has a higher water content and melts much faster, making it harder to get that perfect “stick” shape and gooey center without bursting. String cheese works best here.
How do I prevent the cheese from oozing out? The key is double breading and thorough freezing. Ensure your cheese sticks are frozen solid before and after breading.
Can I bake these instead of air frying? Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the frozen, breaded sticks on a baking sheet and bake for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and bubbly.
Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely! You can bread and freeze the mozzarella sticks for up to 2-3 weeks in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to cook, just air fry from frozen, adding a minute or two to the cooking time if needed.

There you have it, folks! The ultimate recipe for crispy, gooey, utterly irresistible Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks. With a perfectly seasoned crunch and that satisfying stretch of hot, melted Mozzarella Cheese, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit with everyone. So, next time you’re craving that classic snack, skip the drive-thru and whip up a batch of these beauties right at home. Happy air frying!

Recipe Note: Cooking times can vary based on your specific air fryer model and the size of your mozzarella sticks. Always keep a close eye on your food to prevent overcooking.