Homemade Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks – Easy to Make
These easy Homemade Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks bring the perfect cheesy crunch straight from your kitchen. They're simple, fast, and ultra satisfying with a crispy herb-coated shell and melty cheese inside.
Equipment
- 1 Mixing bowl For coating ingredients
- 1 Air fryer Preheated to 390°F
- 1 Freezer tray or dish To set coating before frying
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 4 Mozzarella string cheese sticks cut in half
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 Large egg beaten
- ¼ cup All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Warm marinara sauce for dipping (optional)
Instructions
Instructions
- Cut mozzarella sticks in half, then freeze for at least 30 minutes to prevent cheese melting during cooking.
- In a shallow bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Place flour in one bowl, and beaten egg in another for coating stations.
- Take frozen mozzarella halves, dredge in flour, dip in egg, then coat thoroughly in the panko mixture.
- Place coated sticks on a tray and return them to freezer for 15–20 minutes to set coating.
- Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
- Lightly grease air fryer basket and arrange sticks in single layer without overlapping.
- Air fry for about 6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. Remove immediately if cheese begins oozing.
- Let rest on paper towels for 2-3 minutes before serving. Serve with warm marinara sauce if desired.
Notes
Freeze mozzarella sticks before coating and again before cooking for the best texture. Store leftovers in the fridge or freeze coated sticks for quick snacking later. Best reheated in air fryer for restored crispiness.