Air fryer mozzarella sticks are your favorite Italian appetizer made at home. So easy, crispy, gooey, and healthier than deep fried!
This air fryer mozzarella sticks recipe is simple to make and such a fun treat. We like to serve them with sausage and pepper stuffed shells, baked spaghetti, or French bread pizza!
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How do you make air fryer mozzarella sticks? (step-by-step)
⭐ First, in a shallow bowl or plate, mix together the flour, salt, pepper and garlic powder. In a second shallow bowl or plate, beat the eggs. In a third shallow bowl of plate, combine the breadcrumbs and Italian seasoning.
⭐ Next, working one at a time, coat the mozzarella sticks in flour, then dip in the beaten eggs and then roll in breadcrumbs to coat. Dip the mozzarella sticks in the beaten eggs again, and then once again roll in the breadcrumbs to coat.
⭐ Then, place each mozzarella stick on a lined baking tray, and freeze until chilled through.
⭐ Finally, bake in preheated air fryer. For best results, work in batches and flip halfway through.
Don’t skip the second layer of breadcrumbs!
Preparation
Can you make air fryer mozzarella sticks in advance?
Yes, these can be made a few days ahead of time and enjoyed cold when you’re ready to eat or be reheated in the air fryer or toaster oven.
What kind of cheese for air fryer chicken tenders?
You can use whatever cheese you like, but traditionally this recipe is made with mozzarella cheese sticks (also called string cheese). My kids also like them with the twisty cheese sticks that have two kinds of cheese!
What kind of breadcrumbs for homemade air fryer mozzarella sticks?
We like a combination of all purpose flour + panko breadcrumbs for a super crispy coating.
Ingredients
8 mozzarella sticks also called string cheese
3 eggs large, beaten
¼ cup all purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
½ tablespoon Italian seasoning
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Instructions
Notes
Calories are automatically generated. For best results calculate based on your exact ingredients.
7 minutes was perfect for us.
We tried these with just one coat of egg and breadcrumbs, and while they look a little prettier it's not enough to keep the cheese from oozing out. So make sure you do both layers!
If you spray them with a little bit of oil before putting them in the air fryer, they'll brown up a little more, but I tried it both ways and they were totally fine without it.
These are great for prepping ahead. You can make a bunch and then freeze on a sheet pan. Put them in a gallon ziploc after they are frozen to keep for later.