THE BEST Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

I perfected my Homemade Mozzarella Sticks using panko, string cheese, and parmesan that cook from frozen in the air fryer, and there’s one simple trick in the recipe that surprised me.

I was skeptical at first but these THE BEST Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks changed my game. Imagine frozen mozzarella string cheese sticks turning into crisp golden pockets with gooey cheese inside, all without a ton of mess.

I toss them in panko breadcrumbs with a little grated Parmesan and they somehow get perfect every time in my air fryer. It’s one of those Air Fried Mozzarella moments that make you wonder why you’d ever order them out again.

If you like crunchy, cheesy snacks that vanish fast at parties you’re gonna thank me later.

Ingredients

• Mozzarella string cheese adds creamy protein and calcium, melts gooey, kinda salty.
• Panko breadcrumbs give extra crunch and light texture, mostly carbs, low fat.
• Parmesan adds umami and salty tang, gives some protein, intense savory punch.
• Beaten eggs make the crumbs stick, add protein, help browning and structure.
• All purpose flour creates a dry base, adds carbs, helps the coating cling.
• Olive oil or melted butter helps crumbs brown, adds richness and some fat.
• Marinara sauce brings acidity, tomato sweetness and herbs, perfect for dippin’.
• Italian seasoning brings herbs and savory notes, little calories but big flavor boost.

Ingredient Quantities

• 12 frozen mozzarella string cheese sticks (regular size)
• 1/2 cup all purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs, packed a little
• 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (fresh or pre grated)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 3/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 to 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter to help the crumbs brown
• cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil)
• 1 cup marinara sauce, optional for dipping
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, optional for garnish

How to Make this

1. Put 1/2 cup all purpose flour in a shallow bowl, beat 2 large eggs in a second bowl, and in a third bowl stir together 1 1/2 cups panko, 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 3/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix in 1 to 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter until crumbs hold together a little.

2. Keep the 12 frozen mozzarella string cheese sticks frozen until you start. Working quick so the cheese dont thaw, dredge each stick in flour (shake off excess), dip into the beaten eggs, then press firmly into the panko mixture so the crumbs stick well. Use tongs or two forks to avoid messy fingers.

3. Place the breaded sticks on a baking sheet or plate in a single layer. For best results freeze them again for 15 to 30 minutes so the coating firms up and the cheese wont ooze during cooking. This step is the hack that makes them perfect.

4. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (about 200°C) for 3 to 5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray (olive or avocado oil) so they wont stick.

5. Arrange the frozen, breaded mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the basket, not touching. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray so they brown evenly.

6. Air fry at 390°F for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping gently halfway through. If they need more color, give a quick spray and another minute or two. Theyre done when golden brown outside and the cheese inside is melty.

7. Let the sticks rest 1 to 2 minutes before serving so the cheese sets a bit and you dont burn your mouth. If you made extra ahead and froze them, you can air fry from frozen adding 1 to 2 minutes to the time.

8. Serve with 1 cup warmed marinara for dipping and sprinkle 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley on top if you want a little color. Enjoy hot and crispy, but careful the cheese is very hot right out of the fryer.

Equipment Needed

1. Three shallow bowls (flour, eggs, panko mixture)
2. Measuring cups and measuring spoons
3. Whisk or fork to beat the eggs
4. Tongs or two forks for dredging and handling the sticks
5. Baking sheet or plate for staging and freezing
6. Parchment paper or silicone mat so the sticks dont freeze to the tray
7. Air fryer with basket (or oven if you dont have one)
8. Oil spray or oil mister for the basket and for a quick top spray

FAQ

THE BEST Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Mozzarella string cheese: use fresh part‑skim mozzarella logs cut into sticks (freeze 30 min before breading), or provolone or Monterey Jack sticks for a sharper melt, or shred low‑moisture mozzarella, pack into plastic wrap, shape into logs and freeze
• Panko breadcrumbs: swap with regular breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes or crushed pretzels for extra crunch, or gluten‑free panko if you need GF
• Eggs (for the wash): use buttermilk or plain yogurt thinned with a splash of milk, or a mixture of milk and 1 tablespoon cornstarch, or aquafaba for an egg‑free option
• Parmesan cheese: substitute Pecorino Romano for a saltier bite, nutritional yeast for a dairy‑free option, or finely grated Asiago

Pro Tips

– Work super fast and keep the sticks cold: bread them while they’re still rock hard, then pop them back in the freezer for a short chill so the coating firms up. If the cheese starts to get soft the filling will ooze, and nobody wants that mess.

– Oil the crumbs not just the top: mixing a little oil or melted butter into the panko helps it brown and stick better, and a quick light spray on top before cooking gives that deep golden color. Don’t go overboard though, too much oil makes them soggy.

– Don’t crowd the basket, flip gently: give each stick room so the hot air can circulate, and use tongs or two spatulas when turning so the coating doesn’t tear off. If you cram them in they’ll cook unevenly and you’ll get leaks.

– Freeze ahead and store smart: freeze the breaded sticks in a single layer first, then transfer to a bag so you can cook from frozen later. Reheating from frozen keeps their shape way better than thawing then trying to crisp them up.