Satisfy your snack cravings with Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks, a mozzarella sticks treat that’s golden and crunchy outside with gooey cheese inside. This Cheesy Air Fryer Snack is perfect for quick weeknight bites or party appetizers. Whip up this easy recipe on Food and Tips for a cheesy snack that’s sure to delight!
Why You’ll Love Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
- Gooey Perfection: Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks deliver melty cheese in this easy recipe.
- Quick Cooking: Ready in 15 minutes for a fast cheesy snack.
- Crunchy Coating: Panko ensures crispiness in this mozzarella sticks treat.
- Kid-Friendly: Loved by all ages for this easy recipe.
- Versatile: Great for snacks or gatherings in this cheesy snack.
Ingredients for Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Here’s what you’ll need for this mozzarella sticks dish (makes ~12 sticks):
For the Mozzarella Sticks:
- 6 mozzarella cheese sticks (about 8 oz/225 g), halved
- ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup (100 g) panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray
For Serving (Optional):
- ½ cup (120 ml) marinara sauce
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Shallow bowls (3)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Tongs
Ingredient Tips
- Mozzarella: Fresh string cheese for stretchy texture in this cheesy snack.
- Panko: Light and airy for crispiness in this mozzarella sticks treat.
- Eggs: Beaten to coat evenly in this easy recipe.
- Seasonings: Italian blend adds flavor to this cheesy snack.
- Marinara: Warm for dipping in this mozzarella sticks dish.
Directions for Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Let’s make this delightful cheesy snack!
Prep Cheese Sticks
I cut 6 mozzarella sticks in half and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. I freeze them for 30 minutes to prevent melting for this mozzarella sticks treat.
Set Up Breading Station
I set out three shallow bowls: one with ½ cup flour, ¼ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper; one with 2 beaten eggs; and one with 1 cup panko, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, ½ tsp garlic powder, and ½ tsp onion powder for this easy recipe.
Coat Sticks
I dip each frozen mozzarella stick in flour, then egg, letting excess drip off, and then roll in the panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere, for this cheesy snack.
Preheat Air Fryer
I preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 5 minutes and lightly spray the basket with cooking spray for this mozzarella sticks treat.
Air Fry
I place the breaded sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overlap. I cook for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden for this Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks.
Serve
I let the sticks cool for 1–2 minutes, then serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping in this easy recipe.
Nutrition
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 minutes
- Total Time: ~15 minutes (plus 30 minutes freezing)
- Servings: ~12 sticks (3–4 servings)
- Calories: ~150 kcal per serving (3 sticks)
- Macros per Serving: 10g carbs, 8g protein, 8g fat
Variations for Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Try these twists on this mozzarella sticks dish:
- Spicy Kick: Add ¼ tsp cayenne to the panko for a fiery cheesy snack.
- Herb Boost: Mix 1 tbsp chopped parsley into the breadcrumbs for this easy recipe.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for this mozzarella sticks treat.
- Stuffed Sticks: Wrap mozzarella around a slice of pepperoni before breading for this cheesy snack.
- Low-Fat: Use part-skim mozzarella for a lighter mozzarella sticks dish.
Serving Ideas:
- Pair with Food and Tips’ spicy ranch dip for extra flavor.
- Serve with Food and Tips’ salad recipes for a balanced snack.
- Enjoy with Food and Tips’ iced tea for a refreshing cheesy snack.
Storage
- I store this cheesy snack in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- I reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes to restore crispiness for this easy recipe.
- I freeze breaded, uncooked sticks for up to 2 months, cooking from frozen for 8–10 minutes.
Serving Tips
- Presentation: Serve Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks on a wooden board for a rustic look.
- Garnish: Sprinkle extra Italian seasoning for this mozzarella sticks appeal.
- Pairing: Enjoy with Food and Tips’ appetizer recipes for a cheesy snack spread.
- Portion Size: 3–4 sticks per person for a satisfying serving.
- Occasions: Perfect for movie nights, parties, or quick snacks.
FAQs About Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Here are answers to common questions about this mozzarella sticks dish:
Can I use pre-breaded mozzarella sticks?
Yes, but homemade offers better crunch for this cheesy snack.
What if I don’t have panko?
Regular breadcrumbs work, but panko is crispier for this easy recipe.
Can I freeze breaded sticks?
Yes, freeze on a tray, then store in a bag; cook from frozen for this mozzarella sticks treat.
Can I use other cheeses?
Cheddar or pepper jack work, but adjust cooking time for this cheesy snack.
How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate for 2 days or freeze uncooked for 2 months for this easy recipe.
More Delicious Appetizer Recipes You’ll Love
- Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Green Beans
- Vegetable Fritters
- Crispy Chickpea & Sweet Potato Fritters with Avocado Sauce
Conclusion
Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks are a mozzarella sticks treat with a crunchy coating and gooey center. This easy recipe is ideal for quick snacks or party appetizers. Make this cheesy snack on Food and Tips for a crowd-pleasing, delicious treat!
Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients
For the Mozzarella Sticks:
- 6 mozzarella cheese sticks about 8 oz/225 g, halved
- ½ cup 60 g all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 cup 100 g panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray
For Serving (Optional):
- ½ cup 120 ml marinara sauce
Instructions
Prep Cheese Sticks
- I cut 6 mozzarella sticks in half and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. I freeze them for 30 minutes to prevent melting for this mozzarella sticks treat.
Set Up Breading Station
- I set out three shallow bowls: one with ½ cup flour, ¼ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper; one with 2 beaten eggs; and one with 1 cup panko, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, ½ tsp garlic powder, and ½ tsp onion powder for this easy recipe.
Coat Sticks
- I dip each frozen mozzarella stick in flour, then egg, letting excess drip off, and then roll in the panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere, for this cheesy snack.
Preheat Air Fryer
- I preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 5 minutes and lightly spray the basket with cooking spray for this mozzarella sticks treat.
Air Fry
- I place the breaded sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overlap. I cook for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden for this Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks.
Serve
- I let the sticks cool for 1–2 minutes, then serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping in this easy recipe.
Notes
- Make sure the cheese sticks are frozen before breading to help them keep their shape during cooking.
- You can season the breadcrumbs with additional spices for extra flavor.
- Cooking time may vary based on your air fryer model, check for desired crispiness.
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