Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks (Gluten-Free!)
Who doesn’t love mozzarella sticks? The crispy, golden crunch on the outside, with that melty, gooey cheese inside—honestly, it's pure magic. And when it’s game day or you're looking for a fun snack to munch on, you can’t go wrong with these little bites of joy. But wait—what if you could enjoy all that deliciousness without a worry about gluten? Well, my friend, I’ve got you covered! These Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks are not only crazy delicious but totally gluten-free, too. Thanks to a few easy swaps, everyone can join in on the fun, no matter their dietary needs. And the best part? The air fryer gives them that perfect crisp, without all the extra grease. Yes, please!
I’ve put together a step-by-step recipe card you can print below! If you’re ready to dive right in, you can scroll down to the recipe card. And if you have any questions I didn’t cover in the post, just drop a comment—I’m happy to help!
Why This Recipe Works
There are a few key reasons why these mozzarella sticks stand out:
Crispy, Not Greasy: Air frying gives you that deep-fried crunch without the extra oil. You get that golden, crispy texture that everyone loves, but with a fraction of the fat.
Simple Substitutions for Gluten-Free Eaters: This recipe swaps out traditional flour and breadcrumbs for gluten-free versions, making it safe for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
A Classic Snack Everyone Loves: Whether you're hosting a party or watching the big game, these mozzarella sticks are always a hit. Who can resist the gooey cheese pull?
Minimal Ingredients and Quick Prep: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip these up in no time. Plus, freezing them before air frying ensures they cook to perfection without losing their shape.
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make These Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks:
Alright, let’s make sure you’ve got everything ready to go. The best part about this recipe? You don’t need anything too fancy—just a few simple swaps, and you’ll have a gluten-free masterpiece in no time:
Mozzarella string cheese (cut into halves)
Gluten-free flour
Salt and pepper
Eggs
Gluten-free panko breadcrumbs
Avocado oil spray (for that crispy finish)
Marinara sauce for dipping
Recommended Product for This Recipe!
Wonder Oven: I love this oven for its versatility! It’s perfect for slow cooking, baking, and roasting, locking in flavors for amazing results every time. It’s a must-have for easy, delicious meals!
How You'll Make My Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Here’s how to make these mozzarella sticks from start to finish:
1. Prep the Mozzarella
Start by unwrapping the mozzarella string cheese sticks. Cut each stick in half to create smaller pieces. This gives you the perfect portion size and ensures they cook more evenly in the air fryer.
2. Set Up Your Coating Stations
Next, set up three separate bowls to make the coating process easy:
Bowl 1: Fill with gluten-free flour.
Bowl 2: Whisk the eggs until smooth.
Bowl 3: Mix the gluten-free panko breadcrumbs with salt and pepper.
3. Coat the Mozzarella Sticks
Take each piece of mozzarella and roll it in the gluten-free flour, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, dip it into the whisked eggs for an even layer. Finally, coat it in the panko mixture. For an extra crispy layer, repeat the egg and panko coating on each mozzarella stick.
4. Freeze the Mozzarella Sticks
Once all the mozzarella sticks are coated, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 1 hour. This step is crucial to keep the cheese from melting too quickly while cooking, giving you that perfect gooey center.
5. Air Fry to Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F. Lightly spray the basket with avocado oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the frozen mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd them. If needed, air fry in batches. Lightly spray the tops of the sticks with more avocado oil for a golden finish.
Air fry for about 5-7 minutes, or until the mozzarella sticks are golden and crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Once the mozzarella sticks are perfectly crispy, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute or two. Serve them immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy the crunch and gooey cheese—your snack dreams have come true!
Jazz's Substitutions & Tips:
Dairy-Free? Use plant-based mozzarella sticks.
No Air Fryer? Bake at 425°F for 10-12 minutes instead.
Want Extra Flavor? Add Italian seasoning or garlic powder to the panko mixture.
FAQs
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Absolutely! You can fully coat the uncooked mozzarella sticks and freeze them on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Once they’re frozen solid, just toss them into a freezer-safe container or airtight container—perfect for having a big batch ready anytime a cheesy craving hits. They’ll keep for up to 2 months, and you can air fry mozzarella sticks straight from frozen—just bump the cooking time up to about 8-10 minutes for best results.
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Freezing is the secret to keeping all that cheesy goodness inside. It gives you that gorgeous golden brown, crispy outside while keeping the melty cheese from oozing out too early. Think of it as the best way to get that melted stretchy mozzarella center without a mess—just like deep-fried mozzarella sticks, but in an air fryer version that’s way lighter.
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Totally! If gluten-free mozzarella sticks aren’t a must for you, swap out the gluten-free breadcrumbs for regular breadcrumbs or even seasoned bread crumbs for a little extra flavor. Either way, you’ll still get that crunchy coating we all love.
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Oh, I’ve got you! Besides a homemade marinara sauce, these homemade mozzarella sticks are next-level with ranch dressing, bbq sauce, or even a little cajun seasoning mixed into your favorite dip for a kick.
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You bet. Just bake them at 425 degrees F for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through to get that golden brown finish. I like to give them a little spritz of olive oil spray or use an oil mister for a crispier bite.
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Give the basket a good spray of cooking spray (like olive oil spray) before adding the sticks. Then, make sure to leave a little bit of space between each one and give them a quick mist on top.
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If you have leftovers, pop them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To get them crispy again, just toss them back in the air fryer at 370 degrees F for about 4-5 minutes. They’ll be good as new—perfect for a next day delicious snack or an easy appetizer repeat.
There you have it—crispy, golden, and perfectly gooey mozzarella sticks that everyone can enjoy, gluten-free or not! Whether you're gearing up for game day or just looking for a fun snack, these air fryer mozzarella sticks are sure to hit the spot. With simple ingredients and quick prep, you’ll have a delicious treat that’s both satisfying and easy to make. Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to dip them in marinara sauce for that extra touch of flavor!
I you prefer a visual, check out this quick video walk through below!
Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks (Gluten-Free!)
Ingredients
- 1 package Sprouts Mozzarella String Cheese (12 sticks, cut in half)
- ¾ cup gluten-free flour
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 eggs, whisked
- 3 cups gluten-free panko breadcrumbs
- Avocado oil spray
- 1 cup Sprouts marinara sauce, for dipping
Instructions
- Unwrap the string cheese and cut each stick in half to make 24 smaller pieces.
- Set Up Coating Stations:
- Bowl 1: Gluten-free flour.
- Bowl 2: Whisked eggs.
- Bowl 3: Gluten-free panko mixed with salt and pepper.
- Roll each piece of cheese in flour, coating evenly.
- Dip fully in whisked eggs.
- Coat in the panko mixture.
- Repeat egg and panko coating for an extra crispy layer.
- Place coated mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 1 hour (this prevents them from melting too quickly while cooking). Please don’t skip this step
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F. Spray the basket with avocado oil, place the mozzarella sticks in a single layer, and spray the tops.
- Air fry for 5-7 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Let cool for a minute, then serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
