I love my Instant Pot (just look at my Instant Pot recipes for proof!), but I’ve fallen completely head-over-heels for my air fryer. And boy, oh boy, I love to use my air fryer to make these mozzarella sticks. They are amazing! They get just as crispy as deep-fried mozzarella sticks, which is something a regular oven is not capable of achieving. This nifty appliance is also great for air fryer chicken nuggets and air fryer falafel, plus it makes awesomely crispy Brussels sprouts. The air fryer is easy to use and it makes food so crispy with very little oil, which I love. Is there anyone out there who doesn’t love mozzarella sticks? There is just something about the ooey, gooey cheese encased in a crispy breaded coating that is completely and absolutely irresistible. (Have you tried my fried goat cheese? It’s so good, too.) Dipped in marinara or ranch, fried mozzarella sticks are the perfect party food or snack when you’re craving something cheesy.
About This Recipe
When we tested these, we tried out a few different methods. Our goal is always to figure out the tastiest, most effective and easy way to make recipes so you don’t have to. Our findings: The best way to make the best mozzarella sticks was to bread them twice. First, freeze cheese stick halves until they’re solid. Then, they undergo the first breading: flour, then egg, then seasoned breadcrumbs. Then, back into the freezer they go. Once they’re frozen again, you’ll repeat the egg and breadcrumb step. And yup, you guessed it, back into the freezer! Why the freezing? Well, you want the cheese to be nice and frozen when they go in the air fryer so that the breading has time to crisp up and get golden brown before the cheese starts to melt and ooze out of the breading. This will still happen occasionally and in small amounts, but if you skip the freezing steps, you’ll lose a lot more cheese. No one wants that!
What to Pair with mozzarella sticks
The real question is, what DOESN’T go with mozzarella sticks?? Truthfully, I like to stick to either ranch (try this homemade ranch) or marinara/pizza sauce. But the world is your oyster and you are free to do whatever makes you happy! Wanna dip them in BBQ sauce? Homemade fry sauce? Hot honey? Chimichurri? Pesto? Alfredo sauce? Applesauce? I’m not here to judge! If you go through the trouble to freeze – bread – freeze – bread – freeze – air fry these (I still maintain that it’s 100% worth it), you can dip them in whatever you want!
Make-Ahead Ideas
Okay, we’ve covered that these are a bit of a hassle (worth it!). BUT if you make extras (just go ahead and make a triple batch, you’ll be glad!), you can transfer them to a freezer safe bag and freeze them for up to three months. Then all you have to do is preheat the air fryer, cook them (might take 1 to 2 minutes longer), and you’ll be burning your fingers and mouth on the most delicious mozzarella sticks in less than fifteen minutes.
More great finger foods
Snacking is the best, isn’t it? If you like these air fryer mozzarella sticks, you’ll love:
Sweet Potato Wedges with Chinese five spice – these are SO good! Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites – a healthy alternative to buffalo wings Air Fryer French Fries – hard to resist! Candied Bacon – I dare you to try and only eat one piece. Ham and Cheese Sliders – a party favorite! Sausage Pinwheels – with apple, Gruyère, and sage Bacon Wrapped Dates Crispy Chickpeas – healthy snacking!
