Recipe: Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Meghan Splawn
Meghan Splawn
Meghan was the Food Editor for Kitchn's Skills content. She's a master of everyday baking, family cooking, and harnessing good light. Meghan approaches food with an eye towards budgeting — both time and money — and having fun. Meghan has a baking and pastry degree, and spent the first 10 years of her career as part of Alton Brown's culinary team. She co-hosts a weekly podcast about food and family called Didn't I Just Feed You.
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updated Oct 18, 2019
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Credit: Joe Lingeman

Air fryer mozzarella sticks are made entirely from kitchen staples, meaning you can you can have this crispy, gooey snack anytime you like.

Serves4 to 6

Prep40 minutes

Cook25 minutes

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(Image credit: Joe Lingeman)

Ready for the easiest mozzarella stick recipe ever? These air fryer mozzarella sticks are made entirely from pantry and fridge staples (think: cheese sticks and breadcrumbs), meaning you can dig into the crispy-coated, nostalgic snack anytime you like.

(Image credit: Joe Lingeman)

Homemade Mozzarella Sticks That Are Even Easier than Frozen

One of my favorite findings over the last few months of cooking with an air fryer is that oftentimes, homemade versions of fried foods are even better than their frozen store-bought counterparts. Frozen mozzarella sticks cooked in the oven never come out crispy, and they produce inconsistent results when cooked in the air fryer. But this homemade version takes just a few minutes to assemble, and is amazingly crispy and satisfying.

The most important step of this recipe is freezing the mozzarella sticks for a few minutes before you coat them with the breadcrumbs. Yes, I’m aware that this technically makes them frozen mozzarella sticks, but the quick chill ensures the breading sticks well and that the cheese doesn’t ooze out before the outside is golden-brown.

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Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Air fryer mozzarella sticks are made entirely from kitchen staples, meaning you can you can have this crispy, gooey snack anytime you like.

Prep time 40 minutes

Cook time 25 minutes

Serves 4 to 6

Nutritional Info

Ingredients

  • 1 (12-ounce) package

    mozzarella cheese sticks, each stick unwrapped and cut in half to make 12 sticks

  • 1/4 cup

    mayonnaise

  • 1

    large egg

  • 1/4 cup

    all-purpose flour

  • 1/4 cup

    fine, dry breadcrumbs

  • 1/2 teaspoon

    onion powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon

    garlic powder

  • 1 cup

    marinara sauce, for serving

Instructions

  1. Before frying, place the halved cheese sticks on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, assemble the breading and get out the air fryer.

  2. Whisk the mayonnaise and egg together in a medium bowl. Place the flour, breadcrumbs, onion, and garlic powder in a large bowl and whisk to combine.

  3. Working in batches of 6, roll the frozen cheese sticks in the mayo-egg mixture to coat, then in the flour mixture. Return the coated cheese sticks to the parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining cheese sticks. Return the baking sheet to the freezer for 10 minutes.

  4. Heat the air fryer to 370°F. Fry 6 the mozzarella sticks for 5 minutes -- it is important not to overcrowd the air fryer. Repeat with the remaining sticks and serve warm with the marinara for dipping.

Filed in:
Air Fryer
appetizer
Cheese
children
Cooking Methods
easy