Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks (Printable version)

Crispy outside, gooey inside mozzarella sticks made in the air fryer in just 11 minutes. Quick and irresistible!

# What You'll Need:

→ Frozen Snacks

01 - 16 frozen mozzarella sticks

→ For Serving

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 Advice:

01 -
  • These mozzarella sticks go from freezer to plate in just 11 minutes, perfect for those moments when hunger strikes without warning.
  • The air fryer method gives you that deep-fried crunch without the mess or guilt of traditional frying, something I discovered during a late-night snack experiment.
02 -
  • Overcrowding the air fryer basket is the number one mistake I made when first trying this recipe - the sticks steam rather than crisp if they're too close together.
  • Watching closely during the final minute of cooking can save your snack, as the difference between perfectly melted and explosively leaky cheese can happen in seconds.
03 -
  • A light spritz of olive oil or cooking spray on the frozen sticks just before air frying creates an extra-crispy exterior that makes all the difference.
  • Keep a close eye on the cheese ends - when you see the slightest hint of cheese beginning to peek through the breading, they're perfectly done and ready to be removed.
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