Air-Fried Mozzarella Sticks

Learn how to make mozzarella sticks in the air fryer with this easy recipe. These ooey, gooey mozzarella sticks are better for you than their deep-fried cousin!

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 35 mins
• Calories: 246 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon cornmeal
• 5 tablespoons cornstarch
• cooking spray
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, or as needed
• 5 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2-inch strips
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.25 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 cup water
• 0.25 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.25 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon parsley flakes

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Heat an air fryer to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) according to manufacturer's instructions.

Step 2

Make batter: Place water, flour, cornstarch, cornmeal, garlic powder, and salt in a shallow bowl; mix until thick like pancake batter. Adjust ingredients if needed to get the right consistency.

Step 3

Make coating: Stir together panko, salt, pepper, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and basil in a second shallow bowl. Place flour in a third bowl.

Step 4

Place a row of mozzarella sticks in the fryer basket. Spray lightly with cooking spray and close the lid.

Step 5

Cook sticks in the preheated air fryer for 6 minutes. Open the lid and flip sticks with tongs. Close the lid and continue cooking until golden brown, 7 to 9 minutes.

Step 6

Make mozzarella sticks: Lightly press each mozzarella stick in flour. Dip in batter, then toss in panko mixture until evenly coated. Place sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for at least 1 hour.