Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks (Print Version)

Golden crispy exterior with gooey melted cheese inside, ideal for quick, comforting snacks.

# Components:

→ Cheese

01 - 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks

→ Breading

02 - 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
03 - ½ cup panko breadcrumbs

→ Coating

04 - 2 large eggs
05 - 2 tablespoons milk
06 - ½ cup all-purpose flour

→ Seasonings (optional)

07 - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
08 - ½ teaspoon dried oregano
09 - ¼ teaspoon salt
10 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper

→ For Serving

11 - 1 cup marinara sauce, warmed

# Directions:

01 - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Optionally, slice each mozzarella stick in half to yield 24 shorter sticks.
02 - Arrange three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs combined with milk, and one with mixed Italian-style breadcrumbs, panko, and optional seasonings.
03 - Dredge each mozzarella stick in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the egg mixture, and thoroughly coat with the breadcrumb blend.
04 - Repeat dipping in egg mixture and coating with breadcrumbs to ensure a double breading that enhances crispiness and reduces cheese leakage.
05 - Place breaded sticks on the prepared baking sheet and freeze for at least 1 hour until solid.
06 - Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
07 - Place frozen mozzarella sticks in a single layer inside the air fryer basket and lightly spray with cooking oil.
08 - Air fry sticks for 6 to 8 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden and crisp with cheese beginning to melt but not leaking.
09 - Serve immediately alongside warm marinara sauce.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They're ready in under 25 minutes and taste like you spent way more effort than you actually did.
  • The air fryer does the heavy lifting—no hot oil splatters, no greasy kitchen, just perfectly crispy cheese every time.
  • Double breading is the secret that keeps the cheese inside and transforms the outside into something almost addictive.
02 -
  • Frozen is non-negotiable—room temperature cheese will melt too fast and escape before the outside gets crispy, leaving you with a greasy mess.
  • Light oil spray is enough; heavy spraying makes them greasy instead of crispy, which defeats the entire purpose.
03 -
  • If you want extra flavor, mix a pinch of chili flakes into the breadcrumb mixture for a subtle heat that plays beautifully against the creamy cheese.
  • Parchment paper on your baking sheet is worth the few extra seconds—it prevents sticking and cleanup is instant.
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