Mozzarella Sticks From The Air Fryer (Or Frozen)
By How to Air Fry Mozzarella Sticks – These double-breaded, crisp, and gooey cheese sticks are a delicious snack! This simple air fryer recipe includes instructions for both homemade and frozen mozzarella sticks.
Why Do We Enjoy This Air Fryer Recipe?
Crispy fried cheese sticks filled with hot molten mozzarella are always a hit! However, they are extremely high in fat, as are most deep-fried foods.
Make your own Mozzarella Cheese Sticks and cook them in the air fryer for a lighter version of this incredible comfort food… They have fewer calories and fat than heavy fried snacks, even with a thick and crunchy double breading.
Furthermore, homemade mozzarella sticks have far superior flavor and seasoning to store-bought frozen varieties. Make them ahead of time and freeze them so you can enjoy them whenever you want!
Ingredients You Need
- String cheese mozzarella – use low fat if desired
- To bind the breadcrumbs to the sticks, use eggs.
- Milk – combined with eggs to make a non-thick binder
- Breadcrumbs – gluten-free Italian seasoning can be used – try our easy homemade Italian seasoning
- Garlic powder – enhances the breading’s delicious savory flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste All-purpose flour (gluten-free optional)
- Oil spray – your preferred high-temperature cooking spray, such as avocado or canola oil
Plus, of course, your favorite dipping sauces!
Making Homemade Mozzarella Sticks
Prepare three bowls. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
Combine the breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and ground black pepper in the second bowl. Combine thoroughly.
In the third bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and baking powder.
Remove the cheese sticks from the package and cut them in half to make 24 pieces. Coat the cheese sticks in flour until completely covered.
Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. Dip the floured cheese sticks in the egg wash one at a time.
Then dunk in breadcrumbs, then back into the egg wash, and finally back into the breadcrumbs.
Get the Complete (Printable) Air Fryer Cheese Sticks Recipe + VIDEO Below. Enjoy!
That’s one layer of flour, but two layers of egg wash and breadcrumbs for a thick double coating to keep the melted cheese in place.
Put them on a baking sheet. Then do it again and again.
Place the baking sheet in the freezer for at least one hour after all of the cheese sticks have been breaded.
When the cheese sticks are completely frozen, you can air fry them right away or store them in a freezer bag for later use.
How to Air Fry Frozen Mozzarella Sticks
One of the many (many!) reasons we love this recipe is that the sticks do not need to be thawed before baking!
Preheat the air fryer to 360°F when ready to use. Spray the air fryer basket with oil spray, then place half of the frozen cheese sticks in a single layer in the basket.
Use the oil spray to coat the tops of the cheese sticks.
5 minutes in the air fryer Shake the basket gently, then air fry for another 1 to 3 minutes. Check the air fryer after 6 minutes to ensure they do not overcook and burst.
Rep with the rest of the mozzarella sticks.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-free mozzarella sticks can be made with your favorite GF breadcrumbs and all-purpose flour.
- Yes, dairy-free cheese sticks are possible! Use your favorite plant-based “cheese” sticks, and replace dairy milk with soy or oat milk.
- Try it with cheddar or pepper jack cheese sticks in the air fryer!
- Alter the spices! For a spicy kick, add crushed red pepper. Try a Cajun seasoning mix or a taco seasoning mix. Replace the Italian spice blend with paprika or ranch seasoning for cheddar or pepper jack sticks.
Serving Suggestions
Crunchy, hot, and cheesy mozzarella sticks beg for a tasty dipping sauce.
Marinara sauce (warm or cold!) and ranch dressing are, of course, classics. However, don’t stop there! Here are some other delectable options to consider:
Creamy, tangy, and bold Southern Comeback Sauce
Remoulade Sauce – delicious with Cajun spiced mozzarella sticks
Tzatziki Sauce – for a delectable Greek flavor
Avocado Crema – delicious with southwestern spiced sticks
Frequently Asked Questions
DO MOZZARELLA STICKS NEED TO BE FROZEN BEFORE AIR FRYING?
Yes, freezing the sticks for at least an hour before air frying ensures that the breading sticks.
HOW DO YOU PREVENT MOZZARELLA STICKS FROM EXPLODING IN AN AIR FRYER?
Keep track of the cooking time! Shake the basket after 5 minutes and continue to check them every minute or so. Remove from the oven as soon as the outside is evenly golden.
ARE AIR-FRIED MOZZARELLA STICKS GOOD FOR YOU?
Are they in good health? No. Are they more healthy? Yes! The breading on homemade cheese sticks contains no artificial fillers. In addition, air frying with a light spray of oil instead of deep frying reduces the calories and fat per serving.
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Mozzarella Sticks From The Air Fryer (Or Frozen)
Description
Air-fried cheese sticks that are double-breaded, crisp, and gooey are an irresistible snack! This simple air fryer recipe includes instructions for both homemade and frozen mozzarella sticks.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare three bowls. In one bowl, combine the eggs and milk. To combine, whisk everything together. Combine the breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and ground black pepper in the second bowl. Combine thoroughly. In the third bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and baking powder.
- Unwrap the cheese sticks and cut in half to create 24 pieces. Toss the cheese sticks in the flour until well coated.
- Set out a large baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. One at a time, dunk the floured cheese sticks in egg wash, then in breadcrumbs, back into the egg wash, and back in the breadcrumbs. That’s one coating of flour, but two coatings of egg wash and breadcrumbs, for a thick coating to hold in the melted cheese. Place on a baking sheet. Then repeat, repeat, repeat.
- Once all the cheese sticks are breaded, place the baking sheet in the freezer for at least one hour. *Once the cheese sticks are frozen solid, you can place them in a freezer bag and keep them frozen for later use.
- DO NOT THAW THE CHEESE STICKS. *When ready to air fry, preheat the air fryer to 360°F. Spray the air fryer basket with oil spray, then place half the cheese sticks in the basket in a single layer. Spray the tops of the cheese sticks with the oil spray.
- Air fry for 5 minutes. Gently shake the basket, then air fry for another 1 to 3 minutes. Be sure to check the air fryer after 6 minutes to make sure they do not overcook and bust open.
- Repeat with the remaining mozzarella sticks. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Video
Notes
- Refrigerate homemade mozzarella sticks in an airtight ziplock bag for up to 3 months.
