Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Ingredients 

• 8 mozzarella sticks
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 egg, whisked
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ tsp each onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt

Instructions 

1. Freeze Cheese: Unwrap mozzarella sticks (or cut into sticks if starting from a block of cheese). Set on a parchment-lined plate and freeze for 30 minutes.
2. Prep: Meanwhile, set up your breading station—place flour in a ziplock baggie, whisk the egg in a shallow bowl, and combine the panko and seasonings in a separate shallow bowl.
3. Bread Once: Toss mozzarella sticks into the bag with the flour, zip it shut, and shake to coat the cheese evenly. Working one at a time, roll the mozzarella sticks in the egg, then the panko. Return to the plate and freeze for 30 more minutes.
4. Bread Twice: Lightly grease your air fryer basket or rack, and preheat to 390°F (200°C). Coat the mozzarella sticks in egg and panko again, then transfer them to the air fryer.
5. Cook: Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, until crispy and golden brown. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, like marinara or ranch.

Notes

Can you skip freezing the mozzarella sticks? I know it adds time to the recipe, but freezing the cheese before cooking is crucial. If you don’t freeze them, the cheese will melt and spill out before the coating cooks.

Can you cook store-bought frozen mozzarella sticks in an air fryer? Yes! Follow the above temperature and time to cook store-bought mozzarella sticks in your air fryer.