Go Back

Air Fryer Chicken Mozzarella Sticks

This dish features tender pieces of chicken breast filled with melted mozzarella cheese, coated in seasoned breading, and crisped to perfection in the air fryer. The outside is crunchy, while the interior remains juicy and cheesy, with the melted cheese bursting out at the first bite.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 330
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips
  • 8 ounces mozzarella cheese cut into sticks
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour for dredging
  • 2 eggs large eggs beaten
  • 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs seasoned preferred
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • cooking spray olive oil or non-stick spray

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking Dish
  • Cooking thermometer

Method
 

  1. Slice the chicken breasts into evenly sized strips, about 3 inches long and half an inch thick, then set aside.
  2. Cut the mozzarella cheese into sticks that match the size of the chicken strips, ensuring they can be stuffed inside without overflowing.
  3. Using a small spoon, create a pocket in each chicken strip and stuff it with a mozzarella stick, then secure the opening with a toothpick if needed.
  4. Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with seasoned panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  5. Dredge each stuffed chicken strip first in the flour, shaking off excess, then dip into beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly in seasoned panko breadcrumbs.
  6. Place the breaded chicken strips on a baking dish lined with parchment or a lightly greased surface. Spray lightly with cooking spray for extra crispness.
  7. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Once hot, carefully place the chicken strips in a single layer inside the basket, ensuring they don't touch for even cooking.
  8. Cook the chicken in the air fryer for about 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the outside is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  9. Remove the cooked chicken mozzarella sticks from the air fryer and let them rest for a minute to settle and allow the cheese to slightly set inside.
  10. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce for a gooey, cheesy bite, enjoying the satisfying crunch and melty center.

Notes

To ensure the cheese doesn't leak out excessively, use mozzarella sticks that are firm and well chilled before stuffing. For additional flavor, sprinkle herbs or spices into the breadcrumb mixture. These can also be assembled ahead and kept refrigerated until ready to cook.