Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
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Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside
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No deep frying required
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Ready in under 15 minutes
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Kid-friendly and party-approved
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Perfect with marinara, ranch, or garlic sauce
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Customizable with spices and coatings
Unlike frozen store-bought versions, these homemade mozzarella sticks have real flavor, better texture, and fresher ingredients—and they won’t leak cheese if you follow the simple freezing trick.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
For the Mozzarella Sticks
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10–12 mozzarella cheese sticks (full-fat works best)
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½ cup all-purpose flour
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2 large eggs
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1 tablespoon water or milk
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1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
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½ cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
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½ teaspoon paprika
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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Cooking spray or olive oil spray
For Serving (Optional)
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Marinara sauce
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Ranch dressing
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Garlic aioli
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Spicy mayo
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Breading Station
Set up three shallow bowls:
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Flour bowl – add flour with a pinch of salt and pepper.
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Egg wash – whisk eggs with water or milk.
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Breadcrumb mixture – combine panko, Italian breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
This layered coating is the key to crispy air fryer mozzarella sticks.
Step 2: Bread the Mozzarella Sticks
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Roll each mozzarella stick in flour, shaking off excess.
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Dip into the egg mixture.
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Coat thoroughly in breadcrumb mixture.
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Repeat the egg and breadcrumb step for a double coating (highly recommended to prevent cheese leaks).
