Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks made with panko breadcrumbs and string cheese.Quick, cheesy, and easy appetizer ready in minutes.Perfect with marinara sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
- 8 mozzarella string cheese sticks
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2/3 cup marinara sauce optional for serving
Instructions
- Unwrap the mozzarella string cheese and cut each stick in half.
- Add the flour to a shallow bowl.
- Whisk the eggs in a second bowl.
- In a third bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Coat each mozzarella stick in flour.
- Dip into the beaten eggs.
- Roll in the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
- Place the coated sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet with space between each one.
- Freeze for at least 30 minutes to help prevent cheese from leaking while cooking.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F.
- Brush the Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks lightly with olive oil or spray with cooking spray.
- Arrange them in the air fryer basket in a single layer with space between each stick.
- Cook for 5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Watch carefully during the final minute. If cheese starts to ooze out, remove them immediately.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Serve with marinara, ranch, garlic aioli, or spicy dipping sauce.
- For extra crunch, use Italian-style panko breadcrumbs.
- You can prepare and freeze the mozzarella sticks ahead of time for quick snacks later.