What Are the Best Frozen Mozzarella Sticks?

The best mozzarella sticks in the freezer aisle depend on what you value most. Want a crunchy coating with premium cheese? Try Big Mozz or TGI Fridays . Need something gluten-free? Feel Good Foods has you covered. For convenience and availability, Farm Rich is a solid go-to.

Can You Make Mozzarella Sticks in the Air Fryer?

Absolutely! Air fryers are a game changer. Whether you’re cooking homemade or frozen mozzarella sticks, they’ll turn out crispy without all the oil. Just make sure to preheat the air fryer and spray the basket with cooking spray. A quick flip halfway through helps them cook evenly.

How Do You Keep Cheese from Leaking?

Great question! To stop cheese from escaping, freeze the sticks for at least an hour before cooking. Also, make sure every inch is breaded — no gaps! If you skip the chilling step or undercoat the sticks, expect a cheesy mess.

Is String Cheese Good for Mozzarella Sticks?

You can totally use string cheese, especially if you're in a hurry. It’s quick and holds its shape. But if you’re chasing the best mozzarella sticks , block-style whole milk mozzarella offers better melt and flavor.

How Long Should You Freeze Mozzarella Sticks Before Frying?

One full hour is the sweet spot. This firms up the cheese so it doesn’t ooze out while cooking. Got time? Chill them overnight for even better results.

Best Mozzarella Sticks: Homemade & Frozen Picks

Description

These Best Mozzarella Sticks are crispy on the outside and perfectly gooey on the inside, made with simple ingredients and bursting with flavor. Ideal as an appetizer or snack, they use whole milk mozzarella and seasoned panko breadcrumbs to deliver the perfect cheese pull and golden crunch. Whether deep-fried or air-fried, they’re easy to prepare and freezer-friendly, making them a go-to crowd pleaser for game nights, parties, or indulgent homemade treats.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb whole milk mozzarella block or 15 string cheese sticks
1 ½ cups plain panko breadcrumbs
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon dried parsley
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon salt
2 large eggs, beaten
½ cup all-purpose flour
Vegetable oil (for frying) or cooking spray (for air frying)
Marinara sauce (for dipping)

Instructions

Cut mozzarella block into 12–15 sticks, or use whole string cheese.
Crush panko breadcrumbs slightly and pour into a shallow bowl.
Mix panko with Italian seasoning, parsley, garlic powder, pepper, and salt.
Place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and panko mix in a third.
Dredge each cheese stick in flour, then egg, then panko. Repeat egg and panko for extra crunch.
Arrange sticks on a tray and freeze for at least 1 hour.
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C), or preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
Fry 2–3 sticks at a time for 1 minute until golden, or air fry for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway.
Drain fried sticks on paper towels and serve warm with marinara sauce.

Notes

Freeze sticks before frying to prevent cheese leakage.
Use gluten-free panko and flour for a gluten-free version.
Double-coating with panko adds extra crunch.
Store leftover cooked sticks in the fridge and reheat in the air fryer.

Prep Time: PT25M
Cook Time: PT3M
Category: Appetizer
Method: Frying or Air Frying
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 mozzarella stick
Calories: 138
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 281mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 9g
Cholesterol: 46mg

Keywords: Best mozzarella sticks, homemade mozzarella sticks, crispy cheese sticks, air fryer snacks, cheesy appetizers, deep fried mozzarella, easy snacks