Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

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Get the best of both worlds with these Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks! Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, these sticks are a perfect snack or appetizer. Made with just a few simple ingredients, these air fried mozzarella sticks are a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried mozzarella sticks. Enjoy as is or with your favorite dipping sauce!

Check out my Air Fryer Sweet Plantains and my Air Fryer Carrot Chips for more great air fryer recipes!

Air fryer mozzarella sticks are a delicious and healthier alternative to the deep-fried version. They are made by coating mozzarella cheese sticks in a mixture of flour, eggs, and nonfat milk, and then rolling them in bread crumbs.

The coated sticks are then placed in an air fryer, where they are cooked until crispy and golden brown. This recipe is quick, easy, and results in a tasty snack that is lower in fat and calories compared to traditional mozzarella sticks.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy. This recipe is quick and easy to make, taking only a few minutes to prepare and less than 10 minutes to cook in the air fryer.
• Healthy alternative. Air frying is a healthier alternative to deep frying, as it uses less oil and results in a lower fat and calorie dish.
• Perfect snack or appetizer. These mozzarella sticks are a great snack or appetizer for any occasion. Serve them as a party snack or as a fun addition to your next game day spread.
• Delicious taste. The crispy breading combined with the melted, gooey mozzarella cheese is a delicious and irresistible combination.
• Versatile. You can enjoy these mozzarella sticks on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce. Experiment with different dipping sauces to find your favorite!

Ingredients You'll Need

• Mozzarella Cheese: The main ingredient in this recipe and provides the delicious melted cheese center. It is best to use a block of mozzarella cheese and cut it into sticks rather than pre-packaged cheese sticks.
• Eggs: Helps to bind the flour and bread crumbs to the cheese sticks and add moisture to the coating.
• Nonfat Milk: Helps to make the coating creamy and provides a slight boost of flavor.
• All Purpose Flour: The flour is used to coat the cheese sticks before they are egg-washed and breaded. This helps the breading to stick to the cheese.
• Bread Crumbs: Provides a crispy outer layer and add a crunchy texture to the mozzarella sticks. You can use regular or seasoned breadcrumbs, depending on your preference.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Cut the mozzarella cheese into sticks and set aside.

Step 2:

Crack the eggs into a shallow bowl and beat lightly. Add nonfat milk to the eggs and mix well.

Step 3:

Place the flour into another shallow bowl. In a third shallow bowl, place the bread crumbs.

Step 4:

Coat each cheese stick in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip into the egg mixture, then coat in the bread crumbs. Repeat this process for each cheese stick. Freeze cheese sticks for 1-2 hours.

Step 5:

Set the air fryer to 400 degrees F and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the breading is crispy and golden brown.

Step 6:

Remove the mozzarella sticks from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute before serving.

NOTE: You can print the FULL recipe with all ingredients & detailed instructions below!

Expert Tips

• Use a high-quality mozzarella cheese. For the best taste and texture, use a high-quality mozzarella cheese. Avoid pre-shredded cheese as it may contain additives that can prevent it from melting properly.
• Pre-freeze the cheese sticks. To help prevent the cheese from melting out of the sticks during cooking, freeze the cheese sticks before air frying.
• Coat the cheese sticks twice. For an extra crispy coating, double-dip the cheese sticks in the egg mixture and bread crumbs.
• Use seasoned bread crumbs. To add extra flavor to your mozzarella sticks, use seasoned bread crumbs, such as Italian-seasoned bread crumbs.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. To ensure that the mozzarella sticks cook evenly, don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Serve with dipping sauce. Serve the mozzarella sticks with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or honey mustard.

Variations

• Spicy Mozzarella Sticks: Add some heat to your mozzarella sticks by mixing in some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper into the breadcrumbs.
• Parmesan Mozzarella Sticks: Add extra flavor to your mozzarella sticks by rolling them in grated parmesan cheese before coating with the breadcrumbs.
• Herbed Mozzarella Sticks: Add a burst of fresh flavor to your mozzarella sticks by mixing in some dried herbs, such as basil, oregano, or thyme, into the breadcrumbs.
• Whole Wheat Mozzarella Sticks: Make your mozzarella sticks healthier by using whole wheat breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
• Jalapeño Mozzarella Sticks: Add a touch of spice and creaminess to your mozzarella sticks by stuffing them with diced jalapenos and cream cheese before coating and air frying.

Storing & Freezing

Storing: If you have any leftover mozzarella sticks, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer and cook at 400 degrees F for 3-4 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

Freezing: To freeze the mozzarella sticks, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 2 hours, or until solid. Once frozen, transfer the mozzarella sticks to a freezer-safe airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, place the frozen mozzarella sticks in the air fryer and cook at 400 degrees F for 8-10 minutes, or until crispy and heated through.

Note: You can also freeze the coated cheese sticks before cooking them. Simply follow the steps for freezing, then place the frozen cheese sticks in the air fryer and cook as directed. This makes it easy to have a quick and delicious snack on hand any time!

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Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Erika

Get the best of both worlds with these air fryer mozzarella sticks! Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, these sticks are a perfect snack or appetizer. Made with just a few simple ingredients, these air fried mozzarella sticks are a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried mozzarella sticks. Enjoy as is or with your favorite dipping sauce!

5 from 18 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 8 mins

Freeze Time 2 hrs

Total Time 2 hrs 23 mins

Course Air Fryer

Cuisine American

Servings 6 Servings

Calories 276 kcal

Equipment

• Set Of 3 Non-Stick Cookie Sheets
• Measuring Spoons and Measuring Cups
• Stainless Steel Knife Set with Block
• Cutting Board, 3 Piece

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 16 ounces mozzarella block cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 3 tablespoons nonfat milk
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup plain breadcrumbs

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

 

• Cut the mozzarella cheese into sticks and set aside.
• Crack the eggs into a shallow bowl and beat lightly. Add nonfat milk to the eggs and mix well.
• Place the flour into another shallow bowl. In a third shallow bowl, place the bread crumbs.
• Coat each cheese stick in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip into the egg mixture, then coat in the bread crumbs. Repeat this process for each cheese stick. Freeze cheese sticks for 1-2 hours.
• Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the breading is crispy and golden brown.
• Remove the mozzarella sticks from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute before serving.

Notes

• Use a high-quality mozzarella cheese. For the best taste and texture, use a high-quality mozzarella cheese. Avoid pre-shredded cheese as it may contain additives that can prevent it from melting properly.
• Pre-freeze the cheese sticks. To help prevent the cheese from melting out of the sticks during cooking, freeze the cheese sticks before air frying.
• Coat the cheese sticks twice. For an extra crispy coating, double-dip the cheese sticks in the egg mixture and bread crumbs.
• Use seasoned bread crumbs. To add extra flavor to your mozzarella sticks, use seasoned bread crumbs, such as Italian-seasoned bread crumbs.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. To ensure that the mozzarella sticks cook evenly, don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Serve with dipping sauce. Serve the mozzarella sticks with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or honey mustard.
• Storing: If you have any leftover mozzarella sticks, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer and cook at 400 degrees F for 3-4 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
• Freezing: To freeze the mozzarella sticks, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 2 hours, or until solid. Once frozen, transfer the mozzarella sticks to a freezer-safe airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, place the frozen mozzarella sticks in the air fryer and cook at 400 degrees F for 8-10 minutes, or until crispy and heated through.
• Note: You can also freeze the coated cheese sticks before cooking them. Simply follow the steps for freezing, then place the frozen cheese sticks in the air fryer and cook as directed. This makes it easy to have a quick and delicious snack on hand any time!

Nutrition

Calories: 276kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 21gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 115mgSodium: 427mg

All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.

Keyword Air Fry Mozzarella Sticks, air fryer mozzarella sticks

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