Save Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, these air fryer mozzarella sticks are a quick and irresistible snack or appetizer, made straight from the freezer in minutes. With a preparation time of only 3 minutes and a cook time of 8 minutes, you can have a delicious treat ready for 4 servings in no time.
Save Whether you are looking for a simple afternoon snack or a crowd-pleasing appetizer for game day, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. It is an easy, vegetarian-friendly option that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
→ Frozen Snacks- 16 frozen mozzarella sticks
- 1 cup marinara sauce, warmed
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- 1. Preheat
- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
- 2. Arrange
- Arrange the frozen mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each stick.
- 3. Air Fry
- Air fry for 6–8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- 4. Cool
- Remove immediately and let cool for 1–2 minutes before serving.
- 5. Serve
- Serve with warm marinara sauce and garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Do not overcrowd the air fryer to ensure even cooking. For extra crunch, you can lightly spray the mozzarella sticks with oil before air frying.
Varianten und Anpassungen
While marinara is the traditional choice, you can try serving these with ranch dressing or a garlic aioli as alternative dipping sauces.
Serviervorschläge
Serve the mozzarella sticks immediately with warm marinara sauce. For a beautiful presentation, garnish the platter with fresh basil leaves.
Save 
Grab your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy these hot, melty air fryer mozzarella sticks while the cheese is at its stretchiest!
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I cook mozzarella sticks from frozen without thawing?
Yes, cooking from frozen is recommended. Air frying frozen mozzarella sticks helps maintain the crispy coating while keeping the cheese perfectly melted inside. Thawing may cause the cheese to leak during cooking.
- → Why are my mozzarella sticks leaking cheese?
Cheese leakage usually occurs from overcrowding the basket, preventing proper air circulation, or cooking too long. Ensure sticks don't touch, maintain proper spacing, and remove promptly when golden. Avoid reheating, as this increases leakage.
- → What temperature and time should I use?
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and cook for 6-8 minutes total. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning on all sides.
- → What dipping sauces pair best with mozzarella sticks?
Marinara sauce is the classic choice, but these sticks also pair wonderfully with ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or even spicy sriracha mayo for added flavor variation.
- → How do I get extra crunch on the outside?
Lightly spray the frozen mozzarella sticks with cooking oil before air frying. This promotes better crisping and browning while maintaining the creamy cheese center.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
Mozzarella sticks are best enjoyed immediately after cooking while still warm and crispy. They don't store well after cooking, as the cheese hardens and the coating loses its crunch.