Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Mozzarella sticks are a great appetizer or snack to have lying around in your freezer to just pop in the air fryer the next time you have a party. You can keep mozzarella sticks ready in your freezer so all you have to do is take them out and pop them in the air fryer for 6 minutes. 

Hey guys! Got another air fryer recipe coming at yah. I just love the convenience of this kitchen appliance and I also love the convenience of store-bought products when you're in a hurry. Instead of going to the freezer section of your grocery store for mozzarella sticks try making your own next time. I did and it's pretty easy. You can keep mozzarella sticks ready in your freezer so all you have to do is take them out and pop them in the air fryer for 6 minutes.

Panko Breadcrumbs vs Regular Bread Crumbs

Both types of breadcrumbs work for this recipe. I tested both. The only difference was that the panko bread crumbs were much crispier and tastier. Combine the panko with different spices to enhance the flavor of the mozzarella sticks. 

Air Fryer Timing

When I was testing these out in the air fryer for timing, I did a couple of tests. When you first get an air fryer you will want to do a lot of experimenting on cooking time. My go-to temperature for breaded food is 400 degrees.  If you don't watch the timing on these you will have melty cheese sticks everywhere and that's not a fun mess to clean up.

I place the mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket for 2 minutes. You can use parchment paper for easy cleanup.  Opened up the basket and they weren't done yet. I also did the same thing at 4 minutes. Still not done. 5 to 6 minutes seems to be the just the right amount of time these air fryer mozzarella sticks need before becoming just a goo of string cheese.

Ingredients Needed 

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• Cooking Spray or Olive Oil Spray 
• 12 lite or reduced-fat mozzarella cheese sticks
• 1 cup seasoned fine dry bread crumbs
• ½ cup of marinara sauce

Optional Ingredients

Seasonings you can add to the bread crumb mixture: paprika, garlic powder

Favorite dipping sauces: ranch, honey mustard, bbq sauce  

How to Make 

In a shallow dish stir together first three ingredients (through Italian seasoning). In another shallow dish combine eggs and whisk them until well combined. Dip cheese sticks into egg mixture, then coat with flour mixture. Dip again in egg mixture, then coat with breadcrumbs. Place on a baking sheet and freeze 1 hour or until firm.*

Set your air fryer to a temperature of 400 degrees. If your air fryer doesn't go that high, just use the highest setting. Air Fry frozen cheese sticks, six at a time for 5 to 6 minutes.

In a small saucepan heat marinara sauce over medium heat. If you don't want to use a saucepan to heat up your marinara sauce, warm the marinara sauce up in a small bowl in your microwave. Serve cheese sticks with warm marinara sauce.

Storage Tips 

Always store leftovers in clean, food-grade containers. The  type  of container doesn’t really matter. Use zip lock, glass, plastic,  whatever!  Store the mozzarella sticks in an airtight container. 

More Great Recipes to Try:

• Air Fryer Onion Rings
• Grinder Salad Sandwich - Tiktok Recipe 
• Zero Point Cabbage Soup 
• Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
• French Fries in the Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Pickle Chips

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