I’m making golden, crunchy mozzarella sticks in the air fryer—gooey, cheesy, and perfectly crispy for a snack that’s both indulgent and convenient.

Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I love how effortlessly this recipe elevates a classic favorite. The air fryer delivers that satisfying crunch with much less oil, while the melty cheese inside still hits all the comfort cravings. It’s quick, easier to clean up, and always a crowd-pleaser—perfect for gathering or a cozy night in.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

String cheese sticks (cut in half)
All-purpose flour (seasoned with salt and pepper)
Eggs
Panko breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper
Cooking spray
Marinara sauce for dipping

Directions

I start by cutting each string cheese stick in half and freezing them for about 30 minutes—this helps them stay firm while coating. Next, I set up my breading station in three bowls: seasoned flour, beaten eggs, and the breadcrumb mixture. I coat each frozen cheese stick in flour, egg, then breadcrumbs, pressing gently to make sure the crumbs stick well. After breading, I freeze them again for 15–20 minutes to lock in shape. Meanwhile, I preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). I spray the basket lightly with cooking spray and arrange the sticks in a single layer without overcrowding. I air fry them for 5–7 minutes, flipping halfway, until they’re golden and crispy. Then I plate them with a bowl of marinara sauce and garnish with fresh herbs if I’m feeling fancy

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 24 mozzarella sticks and takes about 1 hour total—including prep, freezing, and air frying—for a delicious and shareable snack. /

Variations

I tweak the breadcrumb mix by adding Parmesan or swapping panko for plain breadcrumbs if needed.
Switching up the seasoning—maybe a pinch of chili flakes or herbs—gives it a new flavor vibe.
I sometimes serve them with garlic butter or ranch instead of marinara.
To make them gluten-free, I use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.

Storage/reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat them in the air fryer or oven to bring back that crisp—much better than the microwave.

FAQs

Can I skip freezing the cheese?

No, I don’t recommend that—freezing helps the cheese hold its shape during cooking and prevents messy leakage

Do I have to use panko breadcrumbs?

Panko gives the crispiest result, but regular breadcrumbs work, too—they just create a slightly denser crust

How do I prevent the sticks from sticking?

I always spray both the air fryer basket and the tops of the sticks lightly with cooking spray to ensure they crisp evenly without sticking

Can I prepare them ahead of time?

Absolutely—I bread and freeze them in advance, then air fry just before serving for maximum convenience.

Are these healthier than deep-fried mozzarella sticks?

Yes—air frying uses significantly less oil, making these lighter yet still deliciously indulgent

Conclusion

I adore making these crispy air fryer mozzarella sticks because they’re simple, fun to prepare, and deliver that perfect mix of crunchy exterior and melty cheese inside. They’re my go-to finger food for game nights, parties, or whenever I want a cheesy, delightful bite that’s quick and satisfying.