Golden, crunchy on the outside and irresistibly gooey on the inside, crispy mozzarella sticks are the kind of snack that instantly brings people together. Whether you are planning a party, a movie night, or a quick indulgent treat, these cheese-filled sticks deliver big flavor with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These mozzarella sticks are easy to prepare, incredibly crunchy, and perfectly melty every time. Freezing the cheese and double-coating it ensures the cheese stays inside while the outside turns beautifully crisp. They are versatile, crowd-pleasing, and can be fried, air-fried, or baked depending on your preference.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the mozzarella sticks
12 low-moisture mozzarella cheese sticks (about 28 g / 1 oz each)
1 cup all-purpose flour (120 g)
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons milk
1½ cups seasoned breadcrumbs or panko (75 g)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
For frying
Vegetable or canola oil, enough for deep frying (about 1½ to 2 liters)
Place the mozzarella sticks on a tray and freeze for at least 1 hour. This step is essential to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly during cooking.
Prepare a breading station with three bowls. Place the flour in the first bowl. In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. In the third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
Roll each frozen mozzarella stick in the flour, making sure it is fully coated. Dip it into the egg mixture, then roll it in the seasoned breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps once more.
Place the breaded sticks back onto the tray and freeze for an additional 30 minutes.
Heat the oil in a deep pan or fryer to 175°C / 350°F. Fry the mozzarella sticks in small batches for 1½ to 2 minutes, until golden brown and crisp.
Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.
For an extra-crispy version, use panko breadcrumbs only and double bread every stick.
For a spicy twist, add ½ teaspoon chili powder or cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.
For a herbed flavor, mix dried parsley or oregano into the breadcrumbs.
For a lighter option, cook the sticks in an air fryer at 200°C / 400°F for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway.
For oven baking, place on a lined tray and bake at 220°C / 425°F for 10 to 12 minutes, turning once.
Storage/Reheating
Uncooked breaded mozzarella sticks can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Fry or bake them directly from frozen.
Cooked mozzarella sticks are best enjoyed immediately. If you need to store leftovers, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
To reheat, use an oven or air fryer at 190°C / 375°F for 5 to 7 minutes until heated through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving, as it makes them soft and chewy.
FAQs
Can I make mozzarella sticks ahead of time?
Yes, you can bread and freeze them ahead of time, then cook them straight from the freezer when needed.
Why do mozzarella sticks need to be frozen before frying?
Freezing keeps the cheese solid long enough for the coating to crisp before the cheese melts.
What type of mozzarella works best?
Low-moisture mozzarella sticks work best because they melt smoothly without releasing excess liquid.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, baking works well, though the coating will be slightly less crunchy than frying.
How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?
Make sure the sticks are well frozen and fully sealed with breadcrumbs, especially at the ends.
Can I use an air fryer?
Yes, an air fryer is a great alternative and produces a crispy result with less oil.
What oil is best for frying?
Neutral oils with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil, are ideal.
Can I use homemade breadcrumbs?
Yes, homemade breadcrumbs work well, especially if dried and seasoned properly.
How do I know when they are done frying?
They are ready when the coating is golden brown, usually within 2 minutes.
Are mozzarella sticks suitable for kids?
Yes, they are a family-friendly snack enjoyed by both kids and adults.
Conclusion
Crispy mozzarella sticks are a timeless snack that never fails to impress. With their crunchy coating and stretchy, molten center, they turn simple ingredients into pure comfort food. Easy to prepare and impossible to resist, this recipe is perfect for sharing, snacking, and creating those memorable “just one more” moments around the table.
These crispy mozzarella sticks are golden on the outside, gooey on the inside, and packed with bold seasoning. A perfect snack or appetizer for parties, game nights, or cozy evenings, they’re easy to make and totally irresistible.
Ingredients
For the mozzarella sticks:
12 low-moisture mozzarella cheese sticks (about 28 g / 1 oz each)
1 cup all-purpose flour (120 g)
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons milk
1½ cups seasoned breadcrumbs or panko (75 g)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
For frying:
Vegetable or canola oil (about 1½ to 2 liters)
Optional dipping sauces:
Marinara sauce
Ranch dressing
Spicy mayo
Garlic aioli
Instructions
Place mozzarella sticks on a tray and freeze for at least 1 hour.
Prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with whisked eggs and milk, and one with breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
Coat each frozen mozzarella stick in flour, dip in egg mixture, and roll in breadcrumbs. Repeat egg and breadcrumb coating for extra crunch.
Freeze the coated sticks for an additional 30 minutes.
Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry sticks in small batches for 1½ to 2 minutes, until golden and crisp.
Drain on paper towels and serve immediately with dipping sauces.
Notes
Freeze the cheese fully before frying to avoid leaks.
Double coating helps prevent cheese from oozing out.
Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 6–8 minutes as a lighter option.
