Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks (Printable)

Quickly achieve crispy, gooey mozzarella sticks with simple air frying and minimal prep steps.

# What You'll Need:

→ Frozen

01 - 16 frozen mozzarella sticks

→ Serving

02 - 1 cup marinara sauce, warmed
03 - Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat the air fryer to 390°F for 2 minutes.
02 - Place frozen mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket without touching.
03 - Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
04 - Remove from air fryer and allow to cool for 1 minute to prevent cheese leakage.
05 - Serve hot with warmed marinara sauce and garnish with chopped herbs as desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in under ten minutes with almost zero cleanup afterward.
  • The air fryer gives you that deep fried crunch without the mess or guilt.
  • Perfect for last minute cravings, movie nights, or when friends show up unannounced.
02 -
  • Overcrowding the basket is the fastest way to end up with unevenly cooked sticks, some burnt and some pale.
  • A light spray of olive oil before cooking adds an extra layer of crispness that makes them taste almost restaurant quality.
  • Do not skip the one minute cooling period, molten cheese needs a moment to settle or it will leak out everywhere.
03 -
  • Always preheat the air fryer, starting with a cold basket means uneven cooking and longer wait times.
  • Shake the basket at the halfway mark instead of flipping each stick individually, it saves time and prevents breading from sticking to your tongs.
  • Keep a close eye during the last two minutes, the line between golden and burnt is thinner than you think.
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