This Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks recipe comes together in about 20 minutes yes, you heard that right! Using the air fryer means you’ll have a perfectly crispy, golden-brown snack that your family will love! These cheesy sticks can easily become your go-to recipe for after-school snacks, game day treats, or simply a kid-friendly meal to whip up with whatever ingredients you have on hand. Seriously, they’re versatile enough to clean out the fridge or to use up that leftover cheese sitting in the back!

What You’ll Need for Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

String Cheese Sticks
All-Purpose Flour
Eggs
Bread Crumbs
Seasonings
Cooking Spray

Let’s Get Cooking!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Your Cheese: Start by cutting the string cheese sticks in half. If you prefer your mozzarella sticks longer, you can skip this step, but I find that shorter sticks are better for easy dipping!
Set Up Your Breading Station: Grab three bowls and set them up like this: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with bread crumbs mixed with seasonings. Arrange them in a line for easy access.
Dredge: Now comes the fun. I mean messy, part! Dredge each cheese stick in flour, tap off the excess, then dip it into the egg, getting it nice and coated. Finally, roll it in the crumb mixture until fully covered. This is super important for that crunchy texture we all crave!
Air Fry: Place the coated mozzarella sticks in your air fryer basket in a single layer. You’ll want to make sure they aren’t touching, my air fryer fits about 8 at a time comfortably. Spray them lightly with cooking spray to help them brown.
Cook Time: Air fry these babies at 390°F (200°C) for about 6-8 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy. You may want to check on them around the 6-minute mark. You’ll know they’re done when they’re looking perfectly golden brown and the cheese is oozing out a bit.
Serve with Marinara: Transfer your cheesy masterpieces onto a plate and serve them with marinara sauce for dipping. You could also go wild and use ranch or a spicy aioli for a fun twist!

Why I Love This Recipe

Honestly, this is my go-to recipe when I need a quick snack or want something comforting and cheesy. I’m a real sucker for anything that’s melt-in-your-mouth delicious and these mozzarella sticks totally fit the bill! They’re a great way to keep my family happy without spending hours in the kitchen. And the best part is, you can customize them to use whatever you’ve got on hand. We’ve tried everything from adding crushed red pepper flakes to experimenting with different cheeses, and they always come out amazing!

Be sure to check out my Easy Homemade Pizza Rolls, my Air Fryer KFC Copycat, or my Air Fryer Apple Fries for more snack ideas that your family will love!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

In just 20 minutes, your kitchen will be filled with the mouth-watering aroma of air-fried cheese. It’s the perfect choice for a last-minute craving!

Minimal Cleanup Required

All of this comes together in one air fryer basket, making cleanup a breeze! No messy pots and pans to wash afterward, just toss your bowls in the dishwasher and you’re done!

Loaded with Flavor

With the perfect blend of seasonings and the gooey, melty cheese, every bite is an explosion of flavor that your whole family will love! Seriously, just thinking about them makes my mouth water!

Customizable

Don’t have string cheese? No problem! Use whatever cheese you have, adjust seasoning levels, or try with different kinds of bread crumbs. This recipe is all about being flexible!

Family-Friendly Fun

These mozzarella sticks are perfect for after-school snacks, game days, or even a movie night. The kids can help with the breading process, making it a fun family activity!

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions

Pair these sticks with classic marinara sauce for dipping, or spice things up with a delicious ranch or buffalo sauce! They also make a great appetizer alongside a fresh salad or your favorite sandwich.

Storage

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for about 2-3 days in an airtight container.

Reheating Instructions

For the best results, I recommend reheating them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 3-4 minutes. This will help restore that lovely crispiness!

Freezer Friendly

Yes! These mozzarella sticks are excellent for meal prep! Place them on a baking sheet and freeze them first until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to cook, toss them straight into the air fryer without defrosting, just add a couple extra minutes to the cooking time!

These Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks are everything you’d want in a snack, crunchy, gooey, and unbelievably easy! They’re a definite crowd-pleaser that never fails to satisfy, trust me, your family will be asking for these again and again! So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get cooking! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!