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Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

These crispy and cheesy air fryer mozzarella sticks are easy to make and are healthier than the store-bought version. Just coat cheese sticks in breadcrumbs, freeze, and air fry. It's easily made gluten-free, too!

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
2 hrs
Servings: 24 servings
Calories: 73 kcal
Course: Side Dish , Appetizer
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 12 oz Mozzarella cheese sticks cut in half (24 mozzarella sticks total)
  • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour gluten-free if needed
  • 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder or tapioca starch or corn starch
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup Italian bread crumbs gluten-free if needed

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
  2. In a shallow bowl, mix the gluten-free all-purpose flour, arrowroot powder (or tapioca flour), salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. In a second shallow bowl, whisk the eggs until well beaten. In a third shallow bowl, place the gluten-free Italian breadcrumbs.
  3. If using a block of mozzarella cheese, cut it into sticks approximately 3 inches long and ½ inch thick.
  4. Roll each mozzarella stick in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then dip the floured stick into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip back into the bowl. Finally, roll and press the egg-coated stick in the breadcrumbs, ensuring an even coating.
  5. Place the coated mozzarella sticks on the lined baking sheet. Freeze for at least 2 hours, or until frozen solid.
  6. Oven-Baked: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly spray the tops of the frozen mozzarella sticks with oil or avocado oil spray. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until crispy and golden. Keep an eye on them to ensure the cheese doesn’t melt out!
  7. Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F.Line the bottom of the basket with parchment paper. Place the mozzarella sticks in a single layer (no overlapping) and spray lightly with olive oil or cooking spray. Air fry for 5-7 minutes, or until crispy. Check at the 5-minute mark to make sure the cheese isn’t melting out
  8. Serve the mozzarella sticks immediately with marinara sauce, ranch, pesto, caesar, or aioli for dipping.

Notes

  • * You must freeze your mozzarella sticks for at least 2 hours before baking or air frying because if not, the cheese will melt out of the bread coating, and they will not hold their “stick” shape.
  • String Cheese: You can use string cheese instead of mozzarella if needed. Just follow the same instructions!
  • Flour: Do not use almond or coconut flour to coat these mozzarella sticks.
  • Arrowroot Powder: Cornstarch and tapioca flour are the best substitutes.
  • Not Gluten-Free: If you are not gluten-free, you can use regular all-purpose flour and Italian bread crumbs.
  • Storing: Homemade mozzarella sticks are best enjoyed within 5 – 10 minutes of baking or air frying them. You can store leftovers for up to 2 days in an airtight container in the fridge.
  • Freezing: Air fryer frozen mozzarella sticks can last up to 3 months in the freeze if stored uncooked.
  • Reheating: For best results, reheat in your air fryer at 350°F for 2 – 4 minutes or in your oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 5 – 8 minutes. Avoid the microwave because they will get soggy.

Nutrition Information

Calories 73kcal (4%) Carbohydrates 6g (2%) Protein 4g (8%) Fat 4g (6%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Cholesterol 23mg (8%) Sodium 181mg (8%) Potassium 19mg (1%) Fiber 0.4g (2%) Vitamin A 34IU (1%) Vitamin C 0.1mg (0%) Calcium 23mg (2%) Iron 0.4mg (2%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 24servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 73

% Daily Value*

Calories 73kcal 4%
Carbohydrates 6g 2%
Protein 4g 8%
Fat 4g 6%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Cholesterol 23mg 8%
Sodium 181mg 8%
Potassium 19mg 0%
Fiber 0.4g 2%
Vitamin A 34IU 1%
Vitamin C 0.1mg 0%
Calcium 23mg 2%
Iron 0.4mg 2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.