Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks (Printable)

Golden-crispy mozzarella sticks cooked in the air fryer. Ready in minutes from frozen, perfect as an appetizer or snack.

# What You Need:

→ Frozen Snacks

01 - 16 frozen mozzarella sticks

→ For Serving

02 - 1 cup marinara sauce, warmed

03 - Fresh basil leaves for garnish

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat air fryer to 390°F for 3 minutes.

02 - Arrange frozen mozzarella sticks in single layer in air fryer basket, leaving space between each stick to ensure even air circulation.

03 - Air fry for 6 to 8 minutes, shaking basket halfway through cooking, until golden and crispy on all sides.

04 - Remove from air fryer immediately and let cool for 1 to 2 minutes before serving to allow cheese to set slightly.

05 - Serve with warm marinara sauce and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

# Helpful Tips:

01 -

Zero prep work means you go from craving to eating in under twelve minutes flat.
The air fryer gives you that deep-fried crunch without heating a pot of oil or dealing with splatters.
Perfect for sudden guests, movie nights, or those moments when only melted cheese will do.

02 -

Never thaw the mozzarella sticks before air frying, the frozen center is what keeps the cheese from exploding out during cooking.
If you skip shaking the basket halfway through, the bottoms will brown faster than the tops and you'll end up with uneven texture.
Letting them rest for a minute or two after cooking isn't just about safety, it helps the cheese firm up just enough so it doesn't all pull out in one bite.

03 -

Check the sticks at six minutes if your air fryer runs hot, some models cook faster and you don't want the cheese bursting through the breading.
For an extra layer of flavor, toss the hot sticks with grated Parmesan and dried oregano right after they come out of the basket.
Keep a close eye during the last two minutes of cooking, the difference between golden and burnt happens fast.