Frozen Mozzarella Sticks In Air Fryer - Whole Lotta Yum

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I love keeping a box of frozen mozzarella sticks on hand because they turn into the easiest crispy snack or quick appetizer with almost zero effort. The air fryer makes them taste just like the ones you get at a restaurant.

You'll love how fast they cook, how consistently crispy they get without extra oil, and how simple this method is for busy days, after-school snacks, or last-minute hosting..

Things to Know Before Making Air Fryer Frozen Mozzarella Sticks

• Cooking from frozen helps the breading stay crisp and prevents cheese blowouts
• Choose your favorite brand, including Trader Joe's, store-brand, or name-brand options
• Every air fryer heats differently so start checking at the 5-minute mark
• Pull the sticks out right before the cheese bursts for the perfect melty center

I've tested countless air fryer snacks over the years, and this simple method has become my go-to for quick, extra crispy mozzarella sticks.

Try these easy favorites next: Frozen Jalapeno Poppers, Frozen Corn Dogs, or Air Fryer Frozen Egg Rolls.

Ingredients Overview

• Frozen breaded mozzarella sticks: The star of the recipe. Use any brand you like, we use Trader Joe's.
• Optional dipping sauces: Marinara, pizza sauce, ranch, or garlic dip add extra flavor.

Note: The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.

No special equipment is required beyond your air fryer.

How to Cook Air Fryer Frozen Mozzarella Sticks

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Preheating helps the breading crisp quickly and prevents the cheese from melting out too soon.

Step 2: Place the frozen mozzarella sticks in a single layer in your basket or tray. Make sure they are not touching so the hot air can circulate evenly.

Step 3: Air fry for about 6 minutes or until the sticks are golden and the cheese is just starting to soften inside. You can flip them halfway if your air fryer browns unevenly.

Step 4: Remove and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.

Substitutions and Variations

• Use gluten free mozzarella sticks if needed
• Sprinkle Italian seasoning or garlic powder before cooking
• Add grated Parmesan after cooking for extra flavor
• Serve with pesto, ranch, or spicy marinara

What to Serve with Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

These are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with simple sides like a green salad, cut veggies, or your favorite dipping sauces. For a full appetizer spread, try adding Air Fryer Meatballs or Air Fryer Chicken Wings from the site.

Storage and Freezing

Store leftovers in the fridge for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F until warmed through. Do not refreeze once thawed or cooked.

FAQs

How long do frozen mozzarella sticks take in the air fryer?

About 6 minutes at 400°F, but check early since air fryers vary.

Why are my mozzarella sticks bursting?

They cooked a little too long. Remove them as soon as the cheese starts to soften and expand.

Can I cook these in a Ninja air fryer?

Yes. Ninja models run slightly hotter, so begin checking around 5 minutes.

Do I need to spray them with oil?

No. Frozen breaded mozzarella sticks already contain oil in the coating, so they crisp up perfectly without added spray.

More Frozen Air Fryer Snacks

• Air Fry Frozen Taquitos
• Air Fryer Frozen Onion Rings
• Air Fryer Mini Corn Dogs
• Air Fryer Frozen Pizza

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Recipe

Frozen Mozzarella Sticks in Air Fryer

Jenni Cole Cooking frozen mozzarella sticks in an air fryer is seriously the BEST way to make pre-cooked and breaded mozzarella cheese sticks. They turn out perfect and super crisp, yet cook up faster than heating them in the oven. 5 from 2 votes Print Recipe Pin Recipe Email recipe Prep Time 5 minutes minsCook Time 6 minutes minsTotal Time 11 minutes mins Course Healthy Air Fryer Recipes Servings 18 sticksCalories 190 kcal

Equipment

• Air fryer

Ingredients 1x2x3x

• Frozen Breaded Mozzarella Sticks 1 lb

Instructions

• Preheat an air fryer to 400F.
• Arrange the frozen mozzarella sticks in a single layer in an air fryer tray or in a basket.
• Cook the mozzarella cheese sticks for a total of 6 minutes, flipping half-way if desired. Cook them until the cheese is just about to burst.
• Serve them with pizza sauce, marinara sauce, or as is.

Notes

• Cook the cheese sticks from frozen, do not let them defrost before cooking.
• If you didn't preheat your air fryer, you might need to add 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.
• Cook the mozzarella sticks until they're just about to burst but pull them out before they actually do. It's easier to keep an eye on them in an air fryer oven with a glass window.
• Flipping the mozzarella cheese sticks is optional and might depend on your model of air fryer. Experiment to see which way gets the cheese sticks just how you prefer them.
• You can make them "healthier" by buying brands that don't add sugar or artificial ingredients, which also gives you more of a homemade cheese stick taste.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 190kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 9gFat: 12gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 320mg Keyword air fryer, cheese sticks, mozzarella cheese sticks, mozzarella sticks Tried this recipe?Please consider Leaving a Review!