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Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

These Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks are crispy, gooey, and easy to make—a perfect healthier snack for any occasion!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Air Fryer, Cheese, Easy, Quick, Snack
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 12 low-moisture string cheese sticks halved
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs regular or panko for extra crunchy sticks
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or to taste
  • cooking spray
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano for sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil for sauce
  • ½ teaspoon salt or to taste, for sauce
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or to taste, for sauce

Instructions

  • Take string cheese sticks and cut them in half to create perfectly sized mozzarella sticks.
  • Set up three shallow bowls: mix flour and cornstarch in the first; beaten eggs in the second; combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper in the third.
  • Dip each mozzarella stick half into the flour mixture, then beaten eggs, and finally the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to coat well.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
  • Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place breaded sticks in a single layer, spray tops lightly with cooking spray.
  • Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
  • While cooking, heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat, sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute. Add marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper; stir and simmer until heated through.
  • Remove mozzarella sticks from air fryer, let cool slightly, and serve hot with marinara sauce for dipping.

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Shallow bowls
  • Cooking Spray
  • Spatula

Notes

  • Freeze breaded mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet before storing to prevent sticking and cook from frozen with extra time.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness; cook in batches if needed.
  • Let mozzarella sticks cool slightly before eating to avoid burning your mouth on hot melted cheese.
  • Substitute gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
  • Add crushed red pepper flakes to breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick or try different cheeses like pepper jack or cheddar.