Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Golden double-breaded mozzarella sticks with a dramatic cheese pull. Freeze before air frying for the perfect result.
🍽 4 servings
⏱ Prep: 20 min
🔥 Cook: 7 min
⏰ Total: 27 min
📊 Medium
Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 8 sticks string cheese or mozzarella batons
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup cup seasoned breadcrumbs or panko
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce, warmed
- as needed oil spray
Instructions
- Cut string cheese in half if using full-length sticks. Set up three dishes: flour, beaten eggs, and panko mixed with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt.
- Double-bread each stick: dredge in flour, dip in egg, coat in panko, dip in egg again, coat in panko again. Press gently so crumbs adhere.
- Place breaded sticks on a plate and freeze for at least 1 hour. This is critical — freezing prevents the cheese from exploding out before the crust sets.
- Lightly spray frozen sticks with oil spray. Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket with space between each.
- Air fry at 390°F / 199°C for 5–7 minutes. Watch closely — remove when the coating is golden and crisp and cheese just begins to soften. Do not overcook or they will burst.
- Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce.
Chef's Notes
Chef's Notes: Freezing is non-negotiable — without it, the cheese will leak out before the crust crisps. Watch closely during the last 2 minutes. Air fryer models vary; check at 5 minutes. Contains: Milk, Egg, Wheat.