Gluten-Free Mozzarella Sticks

The best crispy, cheesy, and gooey gluten-free mozzarella sticks are easy to make in your air fryer or oven. They’re made with cheese sticks, gluten-free breadcrumbs, and can be air-fried from frozen.

The best gluten-free homemade mozzarella sticks

I love mozzarella sticks! They are super crispy and crunchy outside, yet warm, gooey, and cheesy on the inside. But, most recipes are either deep-fried or not gluten-free. Don’t worry, I have your back! Say hello to the best homemade mozzarella stick recipe that’s 100% gluten-free and cooked in your air fryer or oven without oil.

Most homemade mozzarella stick recipes ask you to deep fry them, which adds a lot of oil. That’s why this recipe is so unique! Instead of frying them in oil, you can air fry them or bake them in the oven, and they are still super crispy and crunchy.

Mozzarella sticks are actually really easy to make, so don’t worry if you’re new to cooking. I promise if you follow the instructions, you will impress everyone! I even left step-by-step pictures for you to follow.

You’ll be hooked once you try this mozzarella stick recipe! They are just so delicious and kid-approved.

Why you’ll love this gluten-free recipe

• Secretly Gluten-Free: You can’t tell these crispy and cheesy homemade mozzarella sticks are gluten-free.
• You Choose the Cooking Method: You can air fryer them or bake them in the oven.
• No Oil or Deep Frying: There is NO OIL in this mozzarella stick recipe.
• Endless Cheese Options: Use mozzarella sticks, string cheese, or cut your own mozzarella sticks from a block.
• Crispy and Gooey: These homemade mozzarella sticks are crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside.
• Freezer-Friendly: You can prepare these mozzarella sticks in advance and store them in the freezer until you’re ready to cook them. This makes them a convenient option for quick snacks or appetizers.
• Easy Recipe: Any level cook can make them. It’s so fun!
• Serve a Party: The recipe makes 20 – 24 mozzarella sticks, which makes it perfect for hosting.
• Finger-Food Fun: These mozzarella sticks are perfect for parties, movie nights, or anytime you’re craving a satisfying finger-food snack.
• Game Day Ready: Everyone loves mozzarella sticks, especially on Football Game Day.
• Other Appetizers: Try these crispy gluten-free tater tots or this air fryer gnocchi next!

Ingredients & substitutions

These extra crispy and cheesy gluten-free mozzarella sticks call for eight simple ingredients. You’ll need mozzarella sticks, gluten-free bread crumbs, garlic powder, eggs, and a few other basic ingredients. Here is a list of ingredients so you are prepared:

• Mozzarella Cheese Sticks: Don’t confuse this with the soft and fresh mozzarella cheese or burrata. You need firm cheese sticks or a block of mozzarella to cut into sticks. You can substitute mozzarella sticks with string cheese.
• Flour: You need gluten-free all-purpose to coat the cheese sticks, so the breadcrumbs stick to the outside. Don’t use almond or coconut flour.
• Arrowroot Powder or Tapioca Starch: My secret ingredient to making these homemade baked mozzarella sticks super crispy without any oil. You can also use gluten-free cornstarch.
• Salt & Black Pepper: For seasoning.
• Garlic Powder: Mozzarella sticks are better with garlic, trust me. Don’t substitute with freshly minced garlic, it won’t work.
• Eggs: You need 2 eggs to dip the mozzarella sticks into so the bread crumbs will stick to the outside.
• Bread Crumbs: We use gluten-free Italian breadcrumbs to make these mozzarella sticks 100% gluten-free. You can also use gluten-free panko. I love Aleia’s brand, but any will work!

Kitchen tools needed

You don’t need any fancy or special kitchen utensils for homemade mozzarella sticks. Here is a list:

• 3 Shallow Bowls
• Cutting Board
• Kitchen Knife
• Air Fryer (if air frying the mozzarella sticks)
• Baking Tray
• Parchment Paper
• Measuring Tools: 1/2 teaspoon, 1 teaspoon, 1 Tablespoon, 1/3 cup, 1/2 cup, and 1 cup.

How to make gluten-free mozzarella sticks

Homemade mozzarella sticks are easy to make. They take less than 8 minutes to prepare and less than 10 minutes to cook in the air fryer or oven. Here are step-by-step directions with pictures:

Step 1:

First, line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set it to the side.

Step 2:

Then, mix the flour, arrowroot powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a small shallow bowl. In a second shallow bowl, whisk the eggs. In a third shallow bowl, add the Italian breadcrumbs.

Step 3:

Cut the block into 3-inch long x ½-inch thick sticks if using a block of mozzarella cheese. I had about 14 pieces. If using individual mozzarella sticks, cut each one in half so you have 24 pieces.

Step 4:

Next, roll each cheese stick in the flour (shake off excess). Then dip it in the egg mixture (letting excess egg drip back into the bowl). Then, roll and press in the bread crumbs. Place the finished mozzarella sticks on the lined baking sheet.

Step 5:

Now, freeze the mozzarella sticks for at least 2 hours or until frozen solid. This is super important; do not skip this step!

Step 6:

Decide whether you will air fry the mozzarella sticks or oven-bake them.

If you are going to air fryer them, preheat the air fryer to 390°F. When ready, line the bottom of the basket with parchment paper, place the mozzarella sticks in a single layer across the bottom (no overlapping), and spray them with a little olive oil spray or cooking spray. Air fry for 5 – 7 minutes or until crispy. Check at the 5-minute mark to ensure the cheese is not melting.

Serve homemade mozzarella sticks immediately with marinara sauce.

How to cook frozen mozzarella sticks in an air fryer:

Air frying homemade or store-bought frozen mozzarella sticks is very easy! It only takes 5 to 7 minutes. Simply preheat your air fryer to 390°F; then, when it’s ready, line the bottom of the basket with parchment paper and place the frozen mozzarella sticks in a single layer across the bottom (no overlapping). Next, spray them with a little olive oil spray or cooking spray and air fry for 5 – 7 minutes or until crispy. I recommend checking them at the 5-minute mark to ensure the cheese is not melting out.

Expert recipe tips:

1. Don’t skip out on the flour. Dredging your mozzarella sticks in flour before the egg wash is super important! It helps hold the breading together. If you don’t use it, the breadcrumbs won’t adhere as well and might fall off in the cooking process.
2. Don’t use burrata or soft mozzarella. You need mozzarella sticks or a block of firm mozzarella cut into 3-inch long x ½-inch thick sticks.
3. Freeze the mozzarella sticks before baking or air frying. This is my #1 tip for the perfect homemade mozzarella sticks. You must freeze your mozzarella sticks for at least 2 hours before baking or air frying because if not, the cheese will melt out of the bread coating, and they will not hold their “stick” shape.
4. Spray mozzarella sticks with avocado or olive oil spray. Before air frying or baking, spray the tops of the mozzarella sticks with cooking spray, so they get extra golden crispy.
5. Preheat your air fryer. If you are air frying these mozzarella sticks, make sure you preheat your air fryer, or they will not cook properly and get crispy.
6. Batch Cooking: If you’re making a large quantity, cook the mozzarella sticks in batches. Do not overcrowd the air fryer or baking sheet.
7. Dipping Sauces: While marinara sauce is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other dipping sauces like ranch, salsa, or a tangy aioli to add variety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make mozzarella sticks in the air fryer?

Yes, preparing mozzarella sticks in an air fryer is the best way to cook them! I left instructions below. Air fryer mozzarella sticks are so crispy without excess oil.

Can I use string cheese instead of mozzarella sticks?

Yes, you can use string cheese instead of mozzarella if needed. Just follow the same instructions!

Can I use almond flour or coconut flour?

No. Do not use almond or coconut flour to coat these mozzarella sticks.

What’s the best substitute for arrowroot starch?

Cornstarch and tapioca flour are the best substitutes for arrowroot starch.

Can I use panko?

Yes, feel free to use gluten-free panko instead of breadcrumbs.

What are the calories for mozzarella sticks?

The number of calories in mozzarella sticks can vary based on factors like the size, the type of breading used, and whether they’re fried or baked. On average, a single mozzarella stick (breaded and fried) can contain approximately 80 to 100 calories.

Why do you need to freeze mozzarella sticks before cooking?

You must freeze your mozzarella sticks for at least 2 hours before baking or air frying because if not, the cheese will melt out of the bread coating, and they will not hold their “stick” shape.

Is mozzarella cheese vegetarian?

Yes, mozzarella cheese is vegetarian.

If you love this recipe, try these next!

• Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
• Healthy Zucchini Fritters
• Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
• Air Fryer Quesadillas
• Air Fryer Gluten-Free Tater Tots

Did you make this recipe?

If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don’t forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!

I only recommend products I love and use myself. In full disclosure, I may receive a small compensation by purchasing a product I recommend. Thank you for supporting Healthful Blondie!

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