Frozen Mozzarella Sticks in the Air Fryer

Cheese: No matter what kind, cheese is often considered a favorite food. Macaroni and cheese, a grilled cheese sandwich, cheese fondue... all of these are considered comfort foods and can really hit the spot when you’re craving something salty, melty, and comforting. Fried mozzarella sticks in the air fryer are another way to enjoy one of North America’s favorite foods! 

Jump to:

• Why You Will Love This Recipe
• Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
• Step by Step: How to Air Fry Mozzarella Sticks
• Serving Suggestions
• FAQs
• Frozen Mozzarella Sticks in the Air Fryer

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Fried “mootz,” as you might order it in a restaurant, is a popular appetizer. It’s also a nice snack to serve when you’re kicking back to watch a football game or enjoy a family movie night on the weekend.

Check out the frozen foods section of your grocery store, and you’re likely to stumble upon frozen mozzarella sticks alongside restaurant-style appetizers like potato skins, fried pickles, and spinach dip. 

Here’s why you’ll fall in love with air-fried frozen mozzarella sticks:

• They’re a filling source of protein, so you can serve them alongside a salad or some sliced fruit for lunch or a light dinner.
• Mozzarella cheese is super kid-friendly. It’s not as sharp as cheddar, and it has a gooey, stretchy texture that children love.
• Cheese sticks are easy to eat with your hands, so you can put them on the table with other finger foods at a party or informal gathering.
• The cheese will cook up quickly in the air fryer. The FarmRich brand takes only 6 minutes in the air fryer.
• You can serve fried mozzarella with a variety of dips, including marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or even a spicy dip like buffalo sauce.
• If you’re making pasta, you can fry up your string cheese and stir it into your dish. The cheese will be melty and delicious!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Dips: You can serve your cheese sticks with or without a dip on the side. Some popular options are pizza sauce, spaghetti sauce, buffalo ranch, garlic aioli, or pesto. Experiment to see what you and your family like best!

Seasonings: Feel free to add seasonings to make your fried mozzarella pop. Italian seasoning, chili powder, or onion and garlic powder are all good options to consider.

Step by Step: How to Air Fry Mozzarella Sticks

1. Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees.
2. Spritz the air fryer basket with cooking spray. This is optional; fried mozzarella sticks often have enough fat that they won’t stick to the basket, but if you’re concerned about it, a little spray of oil will ensure they come off the basket easily.
3. Place the frozen mozzarella sticks in the basket in a single layer. Make sure they’re not touching; if they are, they could stick together as they begin to melt.
4. Cook the cheese for 6 minutes. Shake the basket or turn them over halfway through, but double-check that they’re not sticking together.
5. Check to be sure the mozzarella sticks are soft yet crisp. If they need more crisping, put them back in the air fryer for another minute.
6. Serve as desired!

Alternative oven directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees.
2. Arrange your breaded mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet. You don’t need to grease the pan. Make sure the pieces aren’t touching each other.
3. Place the baking sheet in the middle rack of your oven.
4. Bake for 8 minutes. Check the sticks to see if they’re crisp; if you’d like them a bit crispier, leave them in for an additional minute.
5. Serve as desired.

Serving Suggestions

While air-fried frozen mozzarella is delicious eaten on its own, here are some ideas for serving it as part of a larger snack or meal:

• Serve them alongside a freshly tossed salad or even on top of the salad. This gives you a crispy protein source with your fresh, light meal.
• Present a selection of dips and put out fried mozzarella sticks, fried pickles, and fried jalapeno poppers. Substitute whatever easy finger foods sound good to your family! People can mix and match their snacks and dips.
• Make fresh salsa and guacamole. Put out tortilla chips and air-fried mozzarella sticks for a Mexican-inspired snack to nosh while watching the big game.
• Wrap the frozen fried cheese sticks in bacon, then air-fry for 10 to 12 minutes. The bacon will be crispy, and the cheese will be gooey.
• Add freshly air-fried mozzarella sticks to any pasta dish for extra oomph. Consider spaghetti and meatballs, ziti with pesto, or even macaroni and cheese.
• Put your fried cheese on burgers instead of a slice of American or cheddar cheese.