Pin My roommate in college used to make mozzarella sticks in the oven every Friday night while we studied. They always came out soggy, but we didnt care because we were broke and anything with melted cheese felt like a luxury. Last winter I decided to finally crack the code for crispy ones at home, and after six tries with different temperatures and coatings, I landed on this method.
I made these for Super Bowl last year and honestly, people were more excited about them than the actual game. My brothers friend asked for the recipe before he even finished his first plate, which I took as a massive compliment considering he usually only cares about wings.
Ingredients
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks: These are already portioned and have the perfect moisture content for melting without turning into a puddle
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs and 1/2 cup panko: The combo gives you seasoning from the Italian crumbs and that extra shaggy crunch from panko
- 2 large eggs and 2 tbsp milk: Whisked together, this creates the glue that holds everything to the cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: The first layer helps the egg mixture actually stick instead of sliding right off
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper: Even plain breadcrumbs get a boost, but if yours are already seasoned you can skip this
- 1 cup marinara sauce: Warm it up while the sticks cook so everything hits the table together
Instructions
- Set up your assembly line:
- Get out three shallow bowls and put flour in the first one, eggs whisked with milk in the second, and both kinds of breadcrumbs mixed together in the third. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Freeze the cheese first:
- Coat each string cheese stick in flour, shake off the extra, dip it in the egg mixture, then press it into the breadcrumbs. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps again for that double coating, then freeze everything for at least an hour until solid.
- Air fry until golden:
- Heat your air fryer to 390°F, arrange the frozen sticks in one layer, and give them a quick spray of oil. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are crisp and just starting to ooze.
Pin These became my go-to contribution to friend gatherings because they are impossible to mess up when you follow the freezing trick. Plus, people genuinely get excited when they see them on the counter.
Freezing For Later
I always double this recipe and freeze half because the work is already done. After the initial freeze on the baking sheet, transfer the coated sticks to a freezer bag and they will keep for a month. You can air fry them straight from frozen, just add a minute or two to the cooking time.
Getting The Best Crunch
The first few times I made these, I skipped the double breading to save time and regretted it every single time. That second layer of egg and breadcrumbs is what creates the seal that keeps the cheese inside where it belongs. Also, do not skip the cooking spray because it helps the breadcrumbs get that deep fried color and texture.
Serving Ideas
Marinara is classic, but I have also served these with ranch, garlic aioli, or even just plain marinara spiked with some red pepper flakes for heat.
- Let them rest for about 2 minutes after air frying so the cheese sets slightly
- Sprinkle some grated parmesan over them right after they come out
- Keep them in a warm oven at 200°F if you are cooking in batches
Pin Hope these become your new favorite snack, and do not be surprised if you end up making them twice a week like I did.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I prevent cheese from leaking during cooking?
Double coating the sticks with egg and breadcrumbs helps seal in the cheese, reducing leakage during cooking.
- → Can I prepare these mozzarella sticks ahead of time?
Yes, freeze the coated sticks for at least an hour before air frying, or store in the freezer for up to a month for convenience.
- → What is the ideal temperature for air frying these sticks?
Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for crispy and evenly cooked mozzarella sticks.
- → Are there recommended seasoning additions?
A pinch of chili flakes or herbs like oregano and garlic powder in the breadcrumb mix add extra flavor.
- → Can I substitute mozzarella with other cheeses?
Semi-firm cheeses can be used as alternatives, but mozzarella provides the best melt and stretch.