Fail Proof Air Fryer Mozzarella

These fail-proof air fryer mozzarella sticks are the perfect snack when you want something cheesy with a crunchy outside and none of the mess or heaviness of traditional frying. They come together quickly, making them ideal for game day or a delightful weekend treat.

I remember making these for the first time during a family movie night. The cheese pulled perfectly without oozing all over, and everyone kept reaching for more. It’s become a regular go-to snack in our house ever since.

Ingredients

• Mozzarella sticks: use pre-made sticks for convenience or cut a block of mozzarella into sticks yourself for freshness
• Allpurpose flour: acts as the first seal for the cheese, helps coatings stick better
• Eggs: beaten eggs bind the coating layers so they stay put
• Breadcrumbs: regular breadcrumbs work well for crunch, Panko can be used for an extra crisp texture
• Parmesan cheese: adds a savory depth and nuttiness to the crumb coating, look for freshly grated if possible
• Garlic powder: infuses flavor into the breadcrumb mixture, fresh garlic can overpower here, so stick to powder
• Cooking spray: ensures the final coating crisps up nicely in the air fryer without drying out

Instructions

Sift and prepare dry ingredients:

Place the flour in a shallow bowl set it aside. In a second shallow bowl mix together the breadcrumbs parmesan cheese and garlic powder thoroughly. In a third bowl beat the eggs well until smooth and uniform.

Coat the mozzarella sticks first round:

Dip each mozzarella stick into the flour making sure it is fully coated. Then dip the floured stick into the beaten egg mixture completely submerging it. Finally roll the stick in the breadcrumb mixture pressing gently to ensure an even coat. Place the coated sticks onto a parchment lined baking sheet.

Freeze the coated sticks:

Transfer the baking sheet with the coated mozzarella sticks into the freezer for 10 minutes. This step is essential to firm up the cheese and coating so they hold together during cooking.

Second coating for extra crunch and protection:

After the initial freeze repeat the coating process dipping sticks again into the egg mixture followed by another roll in the breadcrumb mixture for a thicker crunchy shell. Return the sticks to the parchment lined baking sheet and freeze for another 15 minutes at least until completely frozen solid.

Preheat and air fry:

Five minutes before cooking preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the frozen mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If your air fryer basket is small cook in batches to avoid sticks touching. Lightly spray the sticks with cooking spray to promote crispiness. Cook for 6 minutes or until golden and crunchy.

Serve immediately:

Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired and serve hot with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for the ultimate cheesy snack experience.

My favorite ingredient is definitely the parmesan cheese. It adds a subtle richness that makes the crumb coating so much more than just crispy it brings a savory balance to all that gooey mozzarella. This recipe reminds me of football nights when I wasn’t even watching the game but just enjoying the festive snacks with friends.

Storage tips

Uncooked coated mozzarella sticks freeze well in an airtight container and can be cooked straight from frozen in the air fryer at a slightly lower temperature for a longer time. Cooked mozzarella sticks keep up to two days in the refrigerator and can be reheated quickly in the air fryer to regain their crunch.

Ingredient substitutions

If you want a gluten free option swap all purpose flour and breadcrumbs for gluten free versions. You can also experiment with different cheeses like cheddar bites but watch how they melt as mozzarella is ideal for texture and stretchiness.

Serving suggestions

Serve these sticks alongside tangy marinara sauce ranch dressing or even a spicy aioli for dipping. Adding a small salad or steamed veggies balances out the richness making it a more complete snack or appetizer.

Serve hot with marinara and enjoy the perfect crispy cheesy snack. They’re great for game day and family nights.

Common Recipe Questions

→ How do I prevent the cheese from oozing out?

Dipping the sticks twice in the breadcrumb mixture and freezing them between coatings helps create a thick, protective crust that keeps the cheese inside during cooking.

→ What temperature should I air fry these sticks at?

Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and cook the mozzarella sticks for about 6 minutes for the best crunch without melting cheese leakage.

→ Can I prepare mozzarella sticks ahead of time?

Yes, coat and freeze the sticks in an airtight container before air frying later. You can also store cooked sticks in the fridge and reheat them in an air fryer.

→ What ingredients provide the best flavor coating?

A mixture of parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and breadcrumbs adds a savory, crispy layer enhancing the mozzarella sticks’ taste.

→ What are suitable dipping options?

Classic marinara sauce is popular, but ranch or fresh veggies also pair well with these crunchy mozzarella sticks.