Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
These Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks deliver a perfect balance of crunchy breadcrumb crust and oozy, stringy cheese — all made simply and with minimal oil. With a double-dredge, a flash-freeze step, and a 200°C / 400°F air-fry, you’ll get consistent, restaurant-quality snacks ready in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- 12 oz 340 g low-moisture mozzarella block, cut into 12–16 sticks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs + 2 tbsp water
- 1 ½ – 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan optional
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Cooking spray avocado or olive oil
- Optional dips: sugar-free marinara garlic aioli, pesto.
Instructions
- Cut cheese: Slice the 12 oz mozzarella into 12–16 even sticks (approx. ¾ × 3 inches). Pat dry.
- Set up dredges: Bowl 1: flour. Bowl 2: whisked eggs + water. Bowl 3: panko + Parmesan + garlic powder + onion powder + Italian seasoning + salt & pepper.
- Double dredge: Roll each stick in flour (tap off), dip in egg, press into crumbs. Repeat egg → crumbs again. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Flash-freeze: Freeze assembled sticks for 20–30 minutes to set the coating.
- Preheat air fryer: Preheat to 200°C / 400°F for 3–4 minutes.
- Air fry: Arrange frozen sticks in a single layer. Lightly mist with oil. Air fry 200°C / 400°F for 6–8 minutes, flipping at 3–4 minutes. Aim for golden brown exterior and internal temp ≈ 57°C / 135°F (melty).
- Rest & serve: Let rest 1–2 minutes; serve hot with dips.