Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delivers that classic fried-cheese crunch with far less oil
Quick to assemble and cook, especially when prepped ahead
Easy to customize with different seasonings or coatings
Great for serving at parties, game nights, or as a snack when guests arrive

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Mozzarella cheese (string cheese or cut from a block)
All-purpose flour
Eggs
Panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
Seasonings (Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper)
Cooking spray or a light oil mist

Recipe Card (example quantities)

8 mozzarella string sticks (or equivalent from block)
¼ cup flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking spray or oil misters

Directions

Prep the mozzarella
If using block mozzarella, cut into sticks or medallions. For string cheese, unwrap and optionally cut in half. Pat dry with a paper towel so there’s minimal moisture.
Set up breading stations
- Bowl 1: Flour (season with a bit of salt & pepper)
- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs
- Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs + Italian seasoning + garlic powder
Bread the cheese
a. Dredge a cheese stick in flour, shaking off excess.
b. Dip into the beaten egg, coating all sides.
c. Roll in the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
d. For extra security, repeat the egg → breadcrumb step a second time (i.e. double coat).
e. Place the coated sticks on a parchment-lined tray or plate, ensuring they don’t touch.
Chill or freeze briefly
Freeze or refrigerate the breaded sticks for at least 30 minutes (or up to an hour). This helps firm the coating so it won’t slip off during cooking.
Preheat air fryer
Heat your air fryer to about 390 °F (≈ 200 °C) (some recipes use 375-390 °F).
Cook in batches
- Spray or lightly oil the air fryer basket and the tops of the mozzarella sticks.
- Place in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Air fry for 5–7 minutes, flipping the sticks halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. (Watch closely so the cheese doesn’t ooze out.)
- If using thicker pieces or frozen ones, you may need 1–2 extra minutes.
Serve immediately
Let rest just a moment (they’ll be very hot), then serve with marinara sauce, ranch, or your favorite dip.

Servings and timing

Servings: about 8 mozzarella sticks (adjust based on how much cheese you use)
Prep time: ~10–15 minutes (excluding chilling)
Chill/freezing time: ~30 minutes
Cook time: ~5–7 minutes per batch
Total time: approximately 45 minutes (including chilling)

If your recipe had different quantities or timing, you can scale accordingly.

Variations

Cheese types: Use smoked mozzarella, provolone, or pepper jack for flavor twists
Breadcrumb mix-ins: Add grated Parmesan, chopped herbs (parsley, basil), or red pepper flakes
Gluten-free: Substitute gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs
Seasoned coating: Use Cajun seasoning, Italian herbs, or paprika
Panko + crushed cornflakes or crackers: For extra crunch
Serving dips: Marinara, pesto, garlic butter, spicy mayo, ranch

Storage/Reheating

Uncooked (breaded) sticks: Freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen in air fryer (add 1–2 minutes).
Cooked leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days.
Reheating: Re-crisp in the air fryer at ~360–370 °F for 2–3 minutes. Avoid the microwave, as that can make them soggy.

FAQs

What type of mozzarella is best for this recipe?

Use full-fat mozzarella (string cheese or block) for best melting. Low-moisture varieties hold shape better. Avoid very soft fresh mozzarella — it may ooze excessively.

Can I skip chilling or freezing before air frying?

It’s not recommended. Chilling the coated sticks helps the breading set and prevents it from sliding off during cooking.

How many sticks can I cook at once?

It depends on your air fryer’s size. Cook in a single layer without overlapping. If they touch, the coating may get soggy.

What temperature should the air fryer be?

About 375–390 °F (190–200 °C) is typical. Adjust based on your air fryer’s performance — some units run hotter or cooler.

How do I prevent cheese from leaking out?

Use a double coating, chill the sticks before cooking, and avoid overcooking. Also, keep them spaced so hot air circulates evenly.

Can I bake these instead of using an air fryer?

Yes — bake in a preheated oven at ~400 °F (200 °C) for ~9–11 minutes, flipping halfway.

Can I use other coatings besides breadcrumbs?

Yes. Try crushed cornflakes, panko mixed with herbs, or crushed nuts (almonds, pecans) for variation.

How long can I freeze the uncooked breaded sticks?

They can be frozen for a couple of months. Cook them from frozen in the air fryer, adding a bit more time.

What dips go well with fried mozzarella?

Marinara sauce is classic. Others include ranch, garlic aioli, pesto, spicy mayo, or even honey mustard.

Will air fryer brands affect cooking time?

Yes — size, airflow, and wattage vary. Check your mozzarella a minute or two before suggested time to avoid burning or leaking.

Conclusion

Air fryer fried mozzarella gives you all the indulgence of classic fried cheese with much less mess and oil. With a little prep and the right technique, you’ll end up with golden, crispy bites and that satisfying cheese pull every time. Try customizing the coating or cheese variety to make it uniquely yours, and enjoy this appetizer or snack whenever you want something cheesy and crispy.

Air Fryer Fried Mozzarella

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Air Fryer Fried Mozzarella delivers the perfect crispy coating and gooey cheese center with a fraction of the oil used in traditional frying. These golden, melty sticks are quick, easy, and make an irresistible appetizer or snack.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 7 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Yield: 8 mozzarella sticks
Category: Appetizer, Snack
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

8 mozzarella string cheese sticks (or equivalent cut from a block)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking spray or light oil mist

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Instructions

Cut mozzarella into sticks if using a block and pat dry with paper towels.
Prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Dredge each cheese stick in flour, dip in egg, then coat in breadcrumbs. Repeat egg and breadcrumb steps for a double coating.
Place coated sticks on a tray and freeze or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up the coating.
Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
Lightly spray the air fryer basket and the tops of the mozzarella sticks with oil.
Arrange in a single layer and air fry for 5–7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Remove carefully and serve immediately with marinara, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

Freezing the coated sticks helps prevent the cheese from leaking during cooking.
Double-coating gives a crispier exterior.
Don’t overcrowd the basket; cook in batches for even crisping.
Check near the end of cooking time to prevent cheese from oozing out.
Experiment with different seasonings or coatings like crushed cornflakes or Parmesan.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 sticks
Calories: 210
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 340mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 65mg