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Learn how to make perfectly crisp Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks in under 10 minutes! This fun family appetizer is a go-to for movie nights and game nights.
Absolutely nothing beats the crunch of a perfectly breaded, ultra gooey cheese stick. As a lifelong mozzarella stick lover, I painstakingly tested my favorite frozen cheese sticks alongside my favorite homemade mozzarella sticks to share the best air frying temperature and timing. Never again deal with the empty shell of an overcooked mozz stick or the greasy, clothes-staining cleanup of your classic fried cheese. This will be your go-to snack for game nights, movie binges, and fun family dinners!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Cheese Sticks
- Frozen Mozzarella Sticks – This is the easiest and quickest way to have your favorite appetizer! However, you could also make your own cheese sticks (love this gluten free mozzarella sticks recipe, it’s even low-carb) and freeze them prior to cooking if you like!
- Spray Oil (optional but recommended) – Spraying the basket helps prevent sticking, but spraying the uncooked mozzarella sticks themselves will help them crisp up even more!
- Optional garnishes – Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh herbs, marinara sauce, pesto sauce, etc.
How to Cook Frozen Cheese Sticks in Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees F to 2-3 minutes.
- Spray the air fryer basket, then place the mozzarella sticks in it in a single layer. Make sure there is some space between each so that air can circulate (the key to that crunchy texture!).
- Spray the mozzarella sticks with your oil, then cook for 5-6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through (or flipping them if you have a toaster oven style air fryer).
- Serve immediately with marinara sauce and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
What to serve with mozzarella sticks
This works as a simple snack with marinara sauce or a side dish with classics like Air Fryer Hot Dogs, Naked Chicken Tenders, or Homemade Pizza. For a fun family movie night, try appetizers like pizza rolls or fish sticks in air fryer with your mozzarella sticks, too!
Tips for the best air fryer mozzarella sticks
- Be sure to place your mozzarella snacks in a single layer. That way, they will cook more evenly and the circulating air can hit every nook and cranny in the breading.
- Add toppings! I used parmesan and fresh parsley on mine. Cracked pepper, hot sauce, or some pesto could be delicious, too.
- Dip your appetizer. Marinara is a great dipping sauce, but you could use any sauce you like! Buffalo sauce is an underrated pairing for cheese sticks.
- Flip your sticks halfway through the cooking time. This helps ensure one side doesn’t get overcooked while the other side ends up soft and unappealing.
- Spray the mozzarella sticks with oil. Oil on the breading will help promote browning and result in a crispier, crunchier bite.
Storage and Reheating
These are best served hot and fresh, right out of the air fryer. If you have leftovers, though, you can allow them to cool, store them in an airtight container, and leave them in the fridge up to 3 days. To reheat, I recommend using the oven (350 degrees, 5-10 minutes). The air fryer can overcook the breading super quickly the second go around, and the microwave makes them too mushy to enjoy.
Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks FAQ
You sure can! I prefer cooking these in the air fryer as opposed to the oven. It’s faster, you don’t have to use a cookie sheet and you don’t have to clean anything up! I also personally feel that they get crispier in the air fryer!
These will take 5-6 minutes to cook thoroughly. If you have a basket type of air fryer, then you will need to shake the basket and you will likely have to cook in batches. If your fryer has racks, you will need to flip your mozzarella sticks.
Most brands of frozen cheese sticks are not gluten-free, low-carb, or keto-friendly. However, check out this delicious mozzarella stick recipe that manages to be all three! You can make and freeze these, then cook them as directed.
Other Great Recipes
- Keto Peanut Butter Cookies
- Air Fryer Fish and Chips
- Wine Slushie Recipe
- Air Fryer Corn Dogs
- How to Make Cajun Seasoning
Air Fryer Frozen Mozzarella Sticks
Equipment
Ingredients
- 12 frozen mozzarella sticks
- spray oil, to prevent sticking and promote browning
- Optional: parmesan for garnish, marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees for 2 minutes
- Spray air fryer basket with oil. Add mozzarella sticks in a single layer, then spray them with the oil as well. Cook 5-6 minutes. Shake once while cooking.
- Remove from air fryer and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
