Snacks · Italian
Crunchy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Golden, stretchy mozzarella sticks with a crisp herby crumb — no deep fryer and no greasy mess.
All the gooey pull of a deep-fried mozzarella stick with none of the oil. The double panko-parmesan coating crisps up into a shatteringly crunchy shell while the centre stays molten. The freezing step is the difference between perfect sticks and a melted mess — don't skip it.
Ingredients
Instructions
Air fryer:200°C / 392°F
Cut the cheese sticks in half. Set up three bowls: flour, beaten egg, and panko mixed with parmesan, herbs and garlic powder.
Coat each piece in flour, then egg, then crumb. Dip in egg and crumb a second time for a thicker shell.
Freeze the coated sticks for at least 30 minutes — this stops the cheese leaking out.
Spray with cooking oil and arrange in a single layer in the basket.
Air fry at 200°C for 6–8 minutes until golden, watching closely near the end.
Serve immediately with warm marinara for dipping.
Tips & tricks
- Freezing is non-negotiable — warm cheese will ooze out before the crumb crisps.
- Double-breading gives the sturdiest, crunchiest shell.
- Don't overcook, or the cheese bursts. Pull them as soon as they're golden.
Air fryer cooking guides
Exact times & temperatures for the ingredients in this recipe.
You may also like
SnacksAir Fryer Frozen Dumplings: How Long for Potstickers, Gyoza, and Mandu
Air fryer frozen dumplings cook from frozen in about 8–12 minutes, with no thawing needed. Use 360°F for softer wrappers or 380°F for crispier edges.
SnacksHow Long to Air Fry Frozen Tater Tots at 400°F
Frozen tater tots cook in the air fryer at 400°F for about 10–15 minutes, straight from frozen with no oil needed.
SnacksPerfect Air Fryer French Fries
Golden, fluffy-inside fries from scratch with a fraction of the oil. The cold-water soak makes them shatteringly crisp.