Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

pile of mozzarella cheese sticks with the cheese being pulled apart from a broken one.

4.50 from 2 votes

Easy air fryer mozzarella sticks are a cheesy, gooey appetizer or snack made with just six everyday ingredients. A homemade cheese stick that is breaded and air fried to crispy, crunchy perfection and filled with melty cheese. Perfect for dipping in marinara or ranch.

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 5

Freeze Time 15

Total Time 30

Servings servings

Author Melissa Williams

Equipment

air fryer

Ingredients

4 mozzarella cheese sticks cut in half
1 cup panko
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 large egg beaten
¼ cup flour
olive oil for spritzing
marinara sauce or ranch for dipping

Instructions

Preheat airfryer to 390° F for 5 minutes.
Cut mozzarella sticks in half to make 8 sticks. Add beaten egg to a second shallow bowl and flour in a third bowl.
4 mozzarella cheese sticks, 1 large egg, ¼ cup flour
To a small, shallow bowl, combine panko, garlic powder, and salt.
1 cup panko, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt
To another small bowl, add an egg and beat until frothy.
To a third small bowl, add the flour. Make an assembly line.
Roll mozzarella sticks in flour, then dip in egg, turning to cover all sides. Place into panko, covering with a spoon and pressing cheese firmly into panko.
Repeat this process twice with each mozzarella stick. Place on paper plate or parchment lined, freezer safe dish and freeze for 15 minutes.
Place mozzarella sticks into air fryer basket and spray or brush with oil. Cook 5 minutes or until golden brown. Air fryer cook times vary so check after 5 minutes - you may need 6-8 minutes.
olive oil
Serve with dipping sauces.
marinara sauce or ranch

Notes

Whole milk cheese sticks work best, but low-moisture is okay.
Keep one hand dry when coating to help panko stick.
Freeze at least 15 mins (or overnight if prepping ahead).
Store leftovers in fridge up to 2 days; reheat briefly.
Freeze uncooked sticks up to 3 months; use freezer-safe container.

Nutrition