Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks (Printable)

Golden crispy mozzarella sticks made in the air fryer. Ready in minutes with a warm, melty center.

# What You'll Need:

→ Frozen Snacks

01 - 16 frozen mozzarella sticks

→ For Serving (Optional)

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

# How-To Steps:

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 Suggestions:

01 -
  • From freezer to table in eleven minutes with zero prep work required.
  • The air fryer makes them crispier than the oven ever could, with that perfect cheese pull every single time.
  • No messy breading stations or hot oil splatters to clean up afterward.
02 -
  • Do not skip the shake halfway through or the bottoms will stay pale while the tops get too dark.
  • If you see cheese starting to ooze out during cooking, pull them immediately because another thirty seconds will turn them into a melted mess stuck to the basket.
  • Lightly spraying them with oil before air frying creates an even crispier shell, but they are honestly great without it too.
03 -
  • Keep a dedicated air fryer liner or parchment paper in the basket to catch any cheese drips and make cleanup instant.
  • If you are making multiple batches, wipe the basket between rounds so old crumbs do not burn and make the next batch taste bitter.
  • Freeze any leftover marinara sauce in ice cube trays so you always have single serving portions ready to thaw and warm.
Go Back