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Air fryer mozzarella stick being pulled apart with a cheese pull.
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4.40 from 71 votes

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Unbelievably crispy, these air fryer mozzarella sticks are everything you want from a gooey mozzarella stick without all the oil! 
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Additional Time2 hours
Total Time2 hours 20 minutes
Course: Air Fryer
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Rachel Gurk

Ingredients

  • 6 ounces mozzarella string cheese (6 cheese sticks, each one cut in half)
  • 2 tablespoons whole wheat or all-purpose flour
  • ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, divided
  • ⅓ cup panko or bread crumbs
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Olive oil spray
  • Marinara or ranch, or for dipping

Instructions

  • Place cut mozzarella sticks in a zip-top bag and freeze until frozen, at least 1 hour.
    6 ounces mozzarella string cheese
  • Set out three small shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place flour, salt, and pepper; mix lightly.
    2 tablespoons whole wheat or all-purpose flour, ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste, ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • In the second bowl, add 1 egg and beat lightly.
    2 large eggs, divided
  • In the third bowl, combine panko, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
    ⅓ cup panko or bread crumbs, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • One at a time, coat mozzarella pieces in the flour mixture, then dip into the beaten egg, and finally coat with the panko mixture, pressing lightly to help the coating adhere.
  • Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze again for 30 minutes.
  • RESERVE bread crumbs. In a small shallow bowl, beat the second egg. 
    2 large eggs, divided
  • Remove mozzarella sticks from freezer and dip in egg and then coat again in bread crumb mixture.
  • Return to freezer for 30 more minutes (see note).
  • Heat air fryer to 400ºF. Place breaded mozzarella sticks in a single layer and spray with olive oil spray. (You’ll need to do them in batches - don’t stack them up or crowd the basket!)
    Olive oil spray
  • Air fry to 5 to 6 minutes or until golden brown.

Video

Notes

  • You may use nonstick cooking spray instead of olive oil spray if that’s all you have.
  • Breaded mozzarella sticks can be frozen for up to 3 months before air frying, if desired.
  • Nutrition information doesn't include dipping sauces.

Nutrition

Serving: 2mozzarella sticks | Calories: 127kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 77mg | Sodium: 320mg | Potassium: 42mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 0.3g | Vitamin A: 97IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 1mg

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