Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks (Print version)

Crispy, golden mozzarella sticks with a gooey center made effortlessly using the air fryer.

# What You Need:

→ Cheese

01 - 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks

→ Breading

02 - 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
03 - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

→ Coating

04 - 2 large eggs
05 - 2 tablespoons milk
06 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

→ Seasonings (optional)

07 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
09 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ For Serving

11 - 1 cup warm marinara sauce

# How to Make:

01 - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Optionally slice each mozzarella stick in half to yield 24 shorter sticks.
02 - Prepare three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with eggs beaten together with milk, and one with a mixture of Italian-style breadcrumbs, panko, and optional seasonings.
03 - Dredge each mozzarella stick in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the egg mixture, then coat evenly with the breadcrumb blend.
04 - Repeat dipping into egg mixture and coating with breadcrumb blend to create a double layer, enhancing crispness and preventing cheese leakage.
05 - Arrange breaded sticks on the lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 1 hour until completely solid.
06 - Set the air fryer temperature to 390°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat.
07 - Place frozen sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with cooking oil. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and crisp.
08 - Remove sticks carefully and serve hot with warmed marinara sauce for dipping.

# Expert tips:

01 -
  • They come together in minutes and taste like you spent way more effort than you actually did.
  • The double breading trick keeps the cheese from exploding out, so you get that perfect oozy center without the mess.
  • You can make a huge batch, freeze it, and have a ready-to-go snack anytime hunger strikes.
02 -
  • Freezing is non-negotiable—skipping this step or trying to fry them straight from the fridge will result in cheese everywhere and a sad mess on your hands.
  • The double breading really does make the difference between a snack that holds together and one that bursts; I learned this the hard way the first time I took a shortcut.
  • Watch the timing carefully in those last minutes—air fryer temperatures can vary, and cheese goes from perfectly melted to lava-like in about thirty seconds.
03 -
  • Don't skip the parchment paper on your baking sheet—it makes cleanup instant and prevents the breaded sticks from sticking before they freeze.
  • If you want extra flavor, add a pinch of chili flakes or even some finely grated Parmesan to the breadcrumb mixture for a more complex finish.
  • The key to keeping cheese contained is that frozen center—warm cheese before air frying and you're basically guaranteed a mess on your hands.
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