These Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks are the ultimate appetizer made healthier in the air fryer! Mozzarella cheese sticks are coated in a flavorful breading, then air fried until perfectly golden and crispy on the outside and warm and gooey in the middle.
You will have 3 different bowl for coating these mozzarella sticks.
In the first bowl, place ¼ cup flour.
In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
In the third bowl, stir together the bread crumbs, the remaining ¼ cup flour, Italian seasoning, garlic powder and onion powder.
Dip mozzarella sticks in flour, then egg, then bread crumbs. Repeat the egg and the bread crumbs one more time. Place breaded mozzarella sticks on a parchment lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 2 hours.
Preheat air fryer to 375 degrees F according to manufacturer's instructions (I usually give mine 5 or 10 minutes).
Open the air fryer basket and lightly grease with oil or non-aerosol non-stick spray.
Place the mozzarella sticks inside (you may have to do two batches depending on the size). Spray the tops of the mozzarella sticks with non-stick spray or oil as well.
Cook at 375 degrees F for 5-10 minutes, until golden brown all over. If mozzarella sticks are browning more on the bottom than the top, flip at the 5 minute mark and continue cooking.
Let cool until cool enough to handle, then serve with marinara sauce.
Video
Notes
Notes:
Grease the basket. This helps prevent the cheese sticks from sticking.
Use non-aerosol spray. Aerosol products can damage the lining of the air fryer basket.
Cook in a single layer. The cheese sticks need room around them for the air to circulate. If they're piled on top of one another, they'll be soggy rather than crispy.
Spray the cheese sticks. I always spritz the outside of the cheese sticks with cooking spray before I air fry them. This helps them get deliciously golden-brown and crispy.
Storage:Air-fried mozzarella sticks are best right away but they will last in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days in the fridge. To reheat, air fry again for 3 minutes to warm and re-crisp.reheat in the air fryer for 3 minutes.You can also freeze them before you cook them for a more extended period of time! Follow the instructions up until the mozzarella cheese sticks are frozen. Once they're fully frozen you can transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months. When you're ready to enjoy, cook as instructed. No thawing necessary!