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.

5 from 7 votes

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 2

Serving servings

Ingredients

12 oz mozzarella cheese sticks, cut in half (24 mozzarella sticks total)
⅓ cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
1 tbsp arrowroot powder, or tapioca starch
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
2 large eggs
1 cup gluten-free Italian bread crumbs, I love the Aleia's brand

Instructions

Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
In a small shallow bowl, mix the gluten-free all-purpose flour, arrowroot powder (or tapioca flour), salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. In a second shallow bowl, whisk the eggs until well beaten. In a third shallow bowl, place the gluten-free Italian bread crumbs.
If using a block of mozzarella cheese: cut it into sticks that are approximately 3 inches long and ½ inch thick.
Roll each mozzarella stick in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, sip the floured stick into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip back into the bowl. Fianlly, roll and press the egg-coated stick in the bread crumbs, ensuring an even coating.
Place the coated mozzarella sticks on the lined baking sheet. Freeze the mozzarella sticks for at least 2 hours or until frozen solid.
Oven-Baked: Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly spray the tops of the frozen mozzarella sticks with the oil or avocado oil spray. Bake 8 - 10 minutes until crispy and golden. Keep an eye on them as they back to make sure the cheese doesn't melt out!
Air Fry: Preheat your 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 make sure the cheese is not melting out.
Serve the gluten-free mozzarella sticks immediately with marinara sauce, pesto, Caesar, or aioli for dipping.

Notes

* 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.

String Cheese: You can use string cheese instead of mozzarella if needed. Just follow the same instructions!

Flour: Do not use almond or coconut flour to coat these mozzarella sticks.

Arrowroot Powder: Cornstarch and tapioca flour are the best substitutes.

Not Gluten-Free: If you are not gluten-free, you can use regular all-purpose flour and Italian bread crumbs.

Storing: Homemade mozzarella sticks are best enjoyed within 5 – 10 minutes of baking or air frying them. You can store leftovers for up to 2 days in an airtight container in the fridge.

Freezing: Air fryer frozen mozzarella sticks can last up to 3 months in the freeze if stored uncooked.

Reheating: For best results, reheat in your air fryer at 350°F for 2 – 4 minutes or in your oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 5 – 8 minutes. Avoid the microwave because they will get soggy.

Nutrition

Course Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine American

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