Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks (Print View)

Crispy exterior, gooey interior. Ready in 11 minutes straight from frozen. Perfect appetizer or snack.

# Ingredient List:

→ Frozen Snacks

01 - 16 frozen mozzarella sticks

→ For Serving (Optional)

02 - 1 cup marinara sauce, warmed
03 - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

# Directions:

01 - Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
02 - Arrange the frozen mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each stick.
03 - Air fry for 6–8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crispy.
04 - Remove immediately and let cool for 1–2 minutes before serving.
05 - Serve with warm marinara sauce and garnish with fresh basil if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • These mozzarella sticks go from freezer to plate in under 10 minutes with virtually zero prep work, perfect for those moments when hunger strikes without warning.
  • The air fryer gives you that deep-fried crunch without the mess or guilt of traditional frying, so you can enjoy that stretchy cheese moment without heating up a pot of oil.
02 -
  • Resist the temptation to crowd the air fryer basket, even when hungry guests are watching, as overlapping sticks will steam rather than crisp and may stick together in a cheesy mess.
  • The sweet spot for cooking time depends on your specific air fryer model, so the first batch becomes your test run, start checking at 6 minutes if your air fryer runs hot.
03 -
  • If your air fryer has a preheat setting, use it rather than just setting a timer, as some models need that full warmup to reach optimal temperature for the crispy exterior.
  • For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle the hot mozzarella sticks with a pinch of garlic powder and grated parmesan the moment they come out of the air fryer, when the residual heat will help the seasonings stick.
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