Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks (Printable version)

Crispy outside, gooey inside—these air-fried mozzarella sticks are ready in 11 minutes from freezer to plate.

# 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

# Directions:

01 - Preheat your air fryer to 390°F 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 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crispy.
04 - Remove immediately and let cool for 1 to 2 minutes before serving.
05 - Serve with warm marinara sauce and garnish with fresh basil if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in under 15 minutes from freezer to plate, making it perfect for last minute guests or sudden cravings
  • The air fryer creates that satisfying crunch without the mess and heaviness of deep frying
  • They stay molten and gooey inside while getting beautifully crispy outside, exactly like restaurant quality
02 -
  • Never skip the single layer rule. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of frying, and you will end up with soggy disappointment.
  • If your air fryer runs particularly hot, check at 5 minutes. Some models cook faster than others, and burnt cheese is a sad thing.
  • Spray oil creates extra crunch but can make them slightly greasy. I only do this for special occasions.
03 -
  • Set a timer for 1 minute less than the recipe suggests, then check. You can always add more time but you cannot undo burnt cheese.
  • If the cheese does start to leak during cooking, use a silicone brush to carefully spread it back over the stick before serving.
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