Air Fryer Frozen Mozzarella Sticks

Name: Air Fryer Frozen Mozzarella Sticks
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 6 min
Ingredients: 10 mozzarella sticks; marinara sauce or sauce of your choice (to serve with); ~1/2 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese; parsley (to garnish)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Air Fryer Frozen Mozzarella Sticks are a quick, easy and tasty snack! These are a delicious, fuss-free appetizer for any and all occasions.

Overhead of Air Fryer Frozen Mozzarella Sticks in a grey white low bowl topped with parmesan and italian parsley. In the corner is a small bowl of marinara sauce.

Air Fryer Frozen Mozzarella Sticks cook much quicker than in an oven! I'm talking this recipe is done in under 10 minutes. They are crispy on the outside with a gooey mozzarella center. These are perfect for game day, an afternoon snack/starter. These cook up perfectly every time.

If you're looking for more snacks to serve with these Air Fryer Frozen Mozzarella Sticks check out my Crudité Platter and Fruit & Cheese Board.

A hand dipping a mozzarella stick into a small bowl of marinara sauce in a white low bowl with even more mozzarella sticks stacked on top of each other with grated parmesan and italian flat leaf parsley on a light wood board plank.

Why You'll Love this Recipe

No Pre-heating Necessary! - Just add the frozen mozzarella sticks to the air fryer basket and cook, making sure to gently shake the basket at least 2 times!

Quick and Easy - This recipe takes less than 10 minutes! You just need to heat, serve and eat!

Great for Snacks and Parties - golden brown mozzarella sticks make an easy and tasty appetizer/snack.

Ingredient Notes

Air Fryer Frozen Mozzarella Sticks on a wood plank background. Each item is labeled with a white rectangle box with black text of the ingredient.

Frozen Mozzarella Sticks - there will be a variety of brands at the supermarket. Choose a brand that has some herbs in the crumb for extra flavor! They need to be kept frozen and cooked straight from the freezer. I grabbed mine from Trader Joe's.

Tomato Sauce/ Marinara Sauce - the most common sauce served with mozzarella sticks. I used a good store bought version but you could also serve pesto for a more herbaceous choice or even BBQ Sauce or even, hot sauce or sweet chili sauce. I have a full list of sauce ideas in the FAQ section.

Parmesan - I used just a bit for garnish. I used ½ tablespoon of grated parmesan + ¼ teaspoon of Italian seasoning + a pinch of chili flakes.

Parsley (Optional) - For garnish! Used for presentation and adds a nice pop of green.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Frozen mozzarella sticks in an air fryer basket in an even layer without them touching. In the upper left corner is a white square with a black '1'.

Place the frozen mozzarella sticks in the air fryer basket and spread out evenly in a single layer. Make sure the mozzarella sticks are not touching. No oil spray is needed.

Golden brown mozzarella sticks with cheese oozing in an air fryer basket in an even layer without them touching. The air fryer basket sits in a wood plank background. In the upper left corner is a white square with a black '2'.

Air fry at 375°F for 6-7 minutes OR until the cheese nearly starts to ooze out. While they are cooking gently shake or turn the mozzarella sticks to ensure even browning about every 2 minutes.

Make sure to let them cool for a few minutes before eating to ensure you don't burn your mouth or tongue. The cheese can be super hot! Repeat step 2 with remaining mozzarella sticks if needed. Serve with your favorite dip and garnish with parsley and grated parmesan cheese.

Expert Tips

Don't Overlap/Overcrowd: in the basket or they might not cook evenly. Placing too much food in the basket will prevent your food from crisping and browning.

All Air Fryers are Different: make sure to check your mozzarella sticks occasionally until you reach your desired toastiness.

Shake the Basket During Cooking: you’ll want to shake the basket every few minutes to ensure even cooking.

Angled photo of Air Fryer Frozen Mozzarella Sticks in a grey white low bowl topped with parmesan and italian parsley. The white grey low bowl sits on a wood plank board. In the corner is a small bowl of marinara sauce.

Recipe FAQ

What kind of air fryer do I use?

I have a Ninja 4 qt air fryer! It's perfect for me and my boyfriend. However, there are so many great options for air fryers. Check out Amazon or Target.

Do I need spray the basket with anything?

For this recipe, I didn't feel the need to spray my air fryer basket with oil or non-stick spray. Since the mozzarella sticks are breaded they won't stick.

Do you need to thaw first?

Nope! You don't need to thaw.

What kind of sauces can I serve with mozzarella sticks?

Tomato sauce/Marinara Sauce
Pesto
BBQ Sauce
Hot Sauce/ Buffalo Sauce
Ranch/ Bleu Cheese Dressing
Butter Garlic
Chick-Fil-A sauce

PS If you try this recipe, why not leave a star rating in the recipe card right below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page? I always appreciate feedback. You can also follow me on Pinteres t, Facebook or Instagram.