Craving that satisfying gooey cheese pull without the guilt (or the grease)? These air-fried mozzarella sticks with Italian herbs hit the sweet spot. Crunchy on the outside, indulgently gooey inside, and perfectly seasoned with a fragrant herb blend—this is the grown-up version of easy homemade mozzarella sticks. It's a DIY mozzarella sticks dream come true, and you’ll never look back. They’re quick, fun to make, and perfect as appetizers for party nights, movie marathons, or rainy-day comfort snacks.
Air-Fried Mozzarella Sticks with Italian Herbs
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 8 minutes mins
Total Time 28 minutes mins
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4 (about 6 sticks per person)
Air fryer (preferably with a basket; 4-quart or larger)
3 shallow bowls or pie plates for flour/egg/breadcrumbs setup
Wire rack or plate lined with parchment paper to freeze sticks pre-air-frying
Tongs or long-handled fork for safe flipping
Kitchen thermometer (optional, but helpful for oil‑free cooking)
- 500 g mozzarella cheese sticks “string cheese sticks” can work if you can't find full-size
- 110 g all-purpose flour for dredging
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 120 g Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs or plain breadcrumbs + 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp dried parsley
- ¼ tsp salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- Cooking spray olive oil–based
Optional dipping sauces: Marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or spicy aioli
Prep the Cheese
Unwrap the mozzarella sticks (or cut string cheese into halves if needed) and freeze them on a tray lined with parchment paper for 30 minutes. This ensures the cheese doesn’t ooze out too fast when cooking.
Set Up the Breading Station
In bowl #1: Combine the flour with a pinch of salt and pepper.
In bowl #2: Beat the eggs until smooth.
In bowl #3: Mix breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, parsley, and salt.
Coat the Sticks (Double-Dip for Best Crisp)
One at a time:
Roll a chilled cheese stick in flour, shaking off excess (this helps the egg adhere).
Dip in beaten egg, coating fully.
Press into breadcrumb mixture, ensuring full coverage.
For a thick crust, repeat egg + breadcrumb step again.
Place each coated stick on the wire rack or tray.
Once you have a dozen or so, freeze again for 15 minutes—essential for homemade mozzarella sticks to hold their shape.
Air Frying
Preheat air fryer to 200 °C (400 °F) for 3 minutes.
Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray—olive oil gives a richer taste.
Arrange sticks in a single layer, spacing them out; don’t overlap.
Spray the tops lightly once more.
Air fry at 200 °C for about 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through; you want golden, evenly crispy breading.
Pro tip: Keep some freezer sticks ready to replace any that go rogue. They cook fast!
Serve
Transfer to a platter, let rest for 1–2 minutes (they stay hot inside).
Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or dried Italian herb mix.
Serve with warmed marinara, creamy ranch, or spicy aioli for dipping.
Pairings
Create a full spread with these mozzarella cheese sticks:
- Marinara sauce: Warm, garlicky, and tangy—classic for cheese sticks recipe dips.
- Ranch dressing: Cool and herby; great contrast to the hot cheese.
- Spicy aioli: Mayonnaise + garlic + chili flakes, for heat-lovers.
- Side salads: Arugula with lemon vinaigrette or a simple cucumber salad cuts richness.
- Beverages: Carbonated drinks (cola or sparkling water with lemon) or light beers balance the richness.
FAQs
1. Can I use breast meat instead of cheese?
This recipe is for cheese‑only sticks, so stick to mozzarella cheese sticks or string cheese sticks. Chicken doesn’t bread the same way in an air fryer and needs different cooking times.
2. Should I use low-moisture or fresh mozzarella?
Low-moisture mozzarella is best—less liquid means crisper crust. Fresh mozzarella is too wet and oozes out, so avoid it.
3. What if I want Nashville hot mozzarella sticks?
After air-frying, lightly brush with melted butter mixed with cayenne pepper for a Nashville hot mozzarella sticks twist—great spicy upgrade.
4. Can I bake them instead?
Absolutely! Preheat oven to 200 °C (400 °F), bake on a wire rack for ~10–12 minutes, turning once. You’ll get baked mozzarella sticks with similar crunch.
5. How long to freeze the sticks for best results?
Freeze unbaked coats for at least 15 minutes after breading. If you prep ahead, freeze them in a single layer until solid (about 1 hour), then store in a freezer bag up to 1 month.
