Go Back
Air-Fried Mozzarella Sticks with Italian herbs

Air-Fried Mozzarella Sticks with Italian Herbs

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4 (about 6 sticks per person)

Equipment

  • 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)

Ingredients
  

  • 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

Instructions
 

Prep the Cheese

  1. 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

  1. In bowl #1: Combine the flour with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  2. In bowl #2: Beat the eggs until smooth.
  3. In bowl #3: Mix breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, parsley, and salt.

Coat the Sticks (Double-Dip for Best Crisp)

  1. One at a time:
  2. Roll a chilled cheese stick in flour, shaking off excess (this helps the egg adhere).
  3. Dip in beaten egg, coating fully.
  4. Press into breadcrumb mixture, ensuring full coverage.
  5. For a thick crust, repeat egg + breadcrumb step again.
  6. Place each coated stick on the wire rack or tray.
  7. Once you have a dozen or so, freeze again for 15 minutes—essential for homemade mozzarella sticks to hold their shape.

Air Frying

  1. Preheat air fryer to 200 °C (400 °F) for 3 minutes.
  2. Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray—olive oil gives a richer taste.
  3. Arrange sticks in a single layer, spacing them out; don’t overlap.
  4. Spray the tops lightly once more.
  5. 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

    1. Transfer to a platter, let rest for 1–2 minutes (they stay hot inside).
    2. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or dried Italian herb mix.
    3. Serve with warmed marinara, creamy ranch, or spicy aioli for dipping.