Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Ready in about 47 minutes.
Published by the RecipeAirFryer editorial team · How we source times · Updated
Times and temperatures come from our reviewed cooking database. Explanatory text on each page is generated from that entry so the numbers stay consistent.
Gooey, stretchy mozzarella in a crunchy golden crust. Freezing before cooking stops them leaking, so you get perfect sticks every time.
Written for 4. Cook in batches rather than stacking if you scale up.
Ingredients
- 12 mozzarella sticks
- 60 g plain flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 120 g breadcrumbs (panko)
- 1 tsp Italian herbs
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Cooking spray
Method
- 1Coat each mozzarella stick in flour, then egg, then the breadcrumbs mixed with herbs and garlic powder.
- 2Dip in egg and breadcrumbs a second time for a thick coat.
- 3Freeze the coated sticks for at least 30 minutes.
- 4Preheat the air fryer to 190°C / 375°F and spray the sticks with oil.
- 5Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden.
- 6Serve immediately with marinara for dipping.
Tips for the best results
- Do not skip the freezing step or the cheese will ooze out.
- Double-coat for the sturdiest crust.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Crowding the basket so air fryer mozzarella sticks steams instead of browning.
- Skipping the flip halfway, which leaves one side pale.
- Letting wet coating pieces touch, which peels the crust and keeps it soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature and time for air fryer mozzarella sticks?
A typical starting point is 190°C / 375°F for 6-8 min, flip halfway. Thickness and wattage change the finish, so check early.
Can I make air fryer mozzarella sticks ahead?
Cook it, cool it quickly, and refrigerate. Reheat in the air fryer at a slightly lower temperature so the outside does not dry before the middle is hot.
How many people does air fryer mozzarella sticks serve?
This recipe is written for 4. For a fuller basket, cook in batches rather than stacking, or add a couple of minutes and shake more often.
Why did my mozzarella sticks burst?
They were likely not frozen long enough or the coating had gaps. Freeze at least 30 minutes and double-coat.