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Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks on a white plate with marinara sauce and fresh basil garnish

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

These Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks are quick, easy, and deliver a deliciously crispy texture. Perfect for parties, game days, or a satisfying snack, they’re sure to impress with minimal effort!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Additional Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 1 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups dry bread crumbs
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 12 sticks string cheese
  • Cooking spray
  • 1 cup marinara sauce, warmed
  • Chopped fresh basil (optional)

Method
 

  1. In a skillet, toast the bread crumbs over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until lightly browned. Let them cool completely.
  2. Set up a breading station: one bowl for flour, one for beaten eggs mixed with water, and a third for the breadcrumb mixture with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and pepper.
  3. Coat each cheese stick lightly with flour, dip into the egg mixture, and then coat with breadcrumbs. Repeat egg and breadcrumb coatings for a double layer. Place coated sticks on a tray and freeze for 8 hours or overnight.
  4. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray and arrange cheese sticks in a single layer. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray.
  5. Air fry for 6-8 minutes, turning sticks halfway through and spritzing with more cooking spray. You want them crisp and golden brown—check after 6 minutes to avoid spilling cheese.
  6. Let the mozzarella sticks rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. Pair them with warm marinara sauce and sprinkle with basil if desired.

Notes

Don’t skip freezing: This step keeps the cheese inside while it cooks perfectly. Double breading: Ensures that crave-worthy crunch while preventing cheese leaks. Toast those breadcrumbs: A quick pass in the skillet levels up the flavor. Spritz generously: Cooking spray is your crispiness booster here! Reheat leftovers with care: Pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F for 3 minutes to recreate the magic.