Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks (Printer View)

Golden, crispy mozzarella sticks cooked quickly in an air fryer, served with warm marinara and fresh basil.

# Components:

→ Frozen Snacks

01 - 16 frozen mozzarella sticks

→ For Serving (Optional)

02 - 1 cup marinara sauce, warmed

03 - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

# Method steps:

01 - Preheat the air fryer to 390°F for 3 minutes.

02 - Place the frozen mozzarella sticks in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, ensuring space between each piece.

03 - Cook the mozzarella sticks for 6 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even crisping.

04 - Remove the sticks promptly and allow them to cool for 1 to 2 minutes before serving.

05 - Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -

They go from freezer to table in under 15 minutes, no thawing or prep required.
The air fryer makes them perfectly crispy without the mess or oil of deep frying.
Theyre the kind of snack that makes everyone gather in the kitchen asking for more.

02 -

Don't skip the preheat—it's the difference between crispy and limp breading.
If you overcrowd the basket, the sticks will steam and the cheese will leak out before the coating crisps up.
A light spray of oil before cooking gives you an extra crunchy shell, but it's not necessary if you're short on time.

03 -

Shake the basket halfway through cooking so every side gets evenly golden and nothing sticks to the bottom.
If you want them even crunchier, spray them lightly with cooking oil before air frying—it makes the breading shatter when you bite in.
Serve immediately after cooling for a minute, because that first cheese pull is what everyone remembers.