Air Fryer Mozzarella Bites

mozzarella pieces coated in bread crumbs air fried in a wire basket with a brown paper liner served with small aluminium ramekins of marinara sauce and ranch dressing garnished with green onions

4.87 from 15 votes

Air Fryer Mozzarella Bites

Crispy on the outside, cheesy and ooey gooey on the inside, these Air Fryer Mozzarella Bites are super easy to make and even easier to eat!

Course Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Keyword air fryer, mozzarella, sticks

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 8

Total Time 18

Servings pieces

Calories 25kcal

Author Debi

Equipment

Air Fryer

Ingredients

6 pieces string cheese
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon cornstarch
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 eggs beaten
1 tablespoon milk
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
nonstick cooking spray

Instructions

Cut the string cheese into thirds, making 18 pieces.
Mix together the flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl. Whisk together the eggs and milk in a separate bowl. Combine the Panko breadcrumbs and parsley flakes in an additional bowl.
Coat each piece of cheese with flour, then dip in egg, and then roll in breadcrumbs. Dip in egg and breadcrumbs again, pressing the breadcrumbs into the egg wash.
Select Preheat on the Cosori Air Fryer, adjust to 350° F, and press Start.
Set the mozzarella bites in the freezer while the air fryer is preheating.
Place the coated mozzarella bites into the preheated air fryer, and spray liberally with cooking spray.
Select Frozen Foods and 350° F, set time for 8 minutes, and press Start.
Shake the basket halfway through cooking (the shake reminder function will let you know when!).
Serve with a side of your favorite marinara sauce, or even better, ranch.

Notes

Makes 18 mozzarella bites, or 3 servings

If you don’t have Panko and don’t want to buy any, yes, breadcrumbs will work. And feel free to add in garlic powder, dried herbs, or Italian seasoning if you want.

You can also use 6 Babybel mini (or 4.5 ounces) in place of the mozzarella sticks.

Cook them in batches if desired or necessary, as space permits, making sure that you only have a single layer of mozzarella bites in the air fryer at one time.

Don't forget to serve your Mozzarella Sticks with some optional dipping sauces. Try homemade marinara sauce, Cottage Cheese Ranch, or Skinny Ranch dressing!

These nuggets of cheesy goodness are a great make ahead recipe. Simply cut up the cheese, bread it, and pop them in the freezer. They can hang out there until you’re ready to cook them. If you do have leftovers, pop them in an airtight container and into the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes until hot.

Nutrition