There’s something irresistible about a gooey mozzarella stick, and when you make them in the air fryer, you get a deliciously crispy outside without the extra grease. Perfect for a cozy movie night, game day snacks, or any gathering, these air fryer mozzarella sticks are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. Not only are they quick to prepare, but they also deliver that delightful cheesy pull that everyone craves.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a delicious snack that’s both easy and kid-approved, this recipe is a winner. The air fryer makes these mozzarella sticks wonderfully crispy while still keeping them lighter than the traditional deep-fried version. Plus, they come together in just a matter of minutes, making them a fantastic choice for unexpected guests or a fun after-school treat.
“These mozzarella sticks were a hit at our family gathering! So easy to make and absolutely delicious!”
How to Make Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Making air fryer mozzarella sticks is a straightforward process that will have you diving into cheesy goodness in no time. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll create a snack that’s perfect for dipping into marinara or enjoying on their own. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients
Gather these items for your mozzarella sticks:
- Mozzarella cheese sticks
- Flour
- Eggs
- Breadcrumbs
- Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Cooking spray
For some extra flair, consider using gluten-free breadcrumbs or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick!
Directions
- Begin by preheating your air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
- Next, create a dredging station: Put flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in the second bowl, and mix breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning and salt in a third.
- Take each mozzarella stick and dip it first into the flour, then into the egg, and finally coat it with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place the coated mozzarella sticks into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are arranged in a single layer. Lightly spray them with cooking spray.
- Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they turn golden and crispy.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Serving Suggestions
These air fryer mozzarella sticks are delicious on their own, but they pair perfectly with marinara sauce for dipping. For a complete snack spread, consider serving them alongside a fresh salad or crispy veggies. They also shine as a fun appetizer at parties, so feel free to get creative with your serving plates and garnishes!
Storage & Reheating
To keep your leftovers fresh, store the mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to extend their life, you can freeze them! Just make sure to place them in a freezer-friendly bag, and they can last up to 3 months. When reheating, pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crunch.
Pro Tips
For the ultimate cheesy experience, use fresh mozzarella cheese sticks and ensure they are fully coated in the breadcrumb mixture to prevent any oozing during cooking. To save time, you can prep the mozzarella sticks ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to air fry. A light spray of oil will help to achieve that golden-brown color while keeping it healthier!
Variations
Get creative and customize your mozzarella sticks! Try adding grated parmesan to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor, or switch out the Italian seasoning for taco seasoning for a fun twist. You can even use different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy version or cheddar for a sharp alternative.
FAQs
Can I make these mozzarella sticks ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare them, coat them, and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
What dipping sauces work well with mozzarella sticks?
While marinara sauce is a classic, consider pairing them with ranch, garlic aioli, or even a spicy sriracha dipping sauce for a twist!
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses; just keep in mind that moisture content may vary, so you might need to adjust cooking times.
- Air fryer recipes
- Cheese snack ideas
Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy and gooey air fryer mozzarella sticks, perfect for snacking or dipping in marinara sauce.
Ingredients
- Mozzarella cheese sticks
- 1/2 cup Flour
- 2 Eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
- Create a dredging station: Put flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in the second bowl, and mix breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning and salt in a third.
- Dip each mozzarella stick first into the flour, then into the egg, and finally coat it with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place the coated mozzarella sticks into the air fryer basket in a single layer and lightly spray them with cooking spray.
- Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
For the ultimate cheesy experience, use fresh mozzarella cheese sticks and ensure they are fully coated. Prep ahead and refrigerate until ready to air fry.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 sticks
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 150mg