Air Fryer Wonton Mozzarella Sticks are a fun twist on the classic mozzarella sticks you know and love. Instead of the usual breading, these use crispy wonton wrappers which get perfectly golden and crunchy in the air fryer. Inside, you’ll find gooey, melty mozzarella that makes every bite super satisfying.
I really like making these when I want a quick snack that feels a little special but is still easy to whip up. The air fryer makes them crispy without using a lot of oil, so they feel lighter than traditional fried versions. Plus, they’re a great finger food for sharing with friends or family – my kids especially love dipping them in marinara sauce.
My favorite way to serve these is straight from the air fryer, still warm and oozy, with a side of your favorite dipping sauces—tomato, ranch, or even a little spicy mustard for a kick. They’re perfect for movie nights or casual get-togethers because they don’t make a mess and taste great every time. I always think of happy, simple fun when these are on the table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Wonton Wrappers: These are the crispy shell of your mozzarella sticks. They fry up super crunchy and light. If you can’t find wonton wrappers, spring roll wrappers work well too. Just watch the cooking time as they might cook faster.
Mozzarella Cheese: I use string cheese because it’s the perfect size and melts beautifully. You can also cut a block of mozzarella into sticks if you prefer. For a different flavor, try pepper jack or a mild cheddar.
Egg: The beaten egg helps seal the wonton wrapper and also acts as glue for the seasoning coating. If you want an egg-free option, try a mixture of water and a little cornstarch or vegan mayo.
Seasoning Mix: Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt add flavor and a nice crust. Feel free to swap Italian seasoning for dried basil, oregano, or even a pinch of chili flakes for a little heat.
How Do You Make Wonton Mozzarella Sticks Crispy Without Melting All Over?
Keeping the cheese inside the wonton wrapper while getting a crispy outside can be tricky. Here’s how I do it:
- Seal well: Brush egg around all edges to close the wrapper tightly so cheese doesn’t escape.
- Don’t overfill: Use just half a string cheese stick to avoid bursting.
- Preheat air fryer: Make sure it’s hot before placing the sticks in for even cooking.
- Single layer: Arrange sticks without touching so air circulates and crisps all sides.
- Right timing: About 6-8 minutes at 390°F works well. Check at 6 minutes to prevent burning.
- Cool slightly: Let them rest a minute after cooking—the cheese will set a bit so it won’t run everywhere.
Using these tips, you get gooey mozzarella inside and a golden, crunchy wonton outside every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – I recommend a 3.7 to 6-quart size for enough space to cook several sticks at once.
- Small bowl – for mixing seasonings and egg wash, making it easy to coat each wonton.
- Pastry brush or spray bottle – to evenly coat the wontons with oil or egg wash for extra crispiness.
- Cutting board and knife – to cut mozzarella sticks into halves or smaller pieces if needed.
- Serving platter and dipping bowls – perfect for presenting and offering marinara or other dips.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the seasoning mix for a little heat.
- Herb twist: Use fresh basil, parsley, or oregano in place of dried Italian seasoning for a fresh flavor.
- Cheese options: Try pepper jack, gouda, or cheddar for a different cheesy flavor.
- Additional fillings: Stuff the cheese with a small slice of ham, cooked bacon, or pepperoni before sealing for extra flavor.
Air Fryer Wonton Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 20 wonton wrappers
- 10 mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut in half
- 1 egg, beaten
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or dried oregano and basil mix)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Cooking spray or oil spray
- Marinara sauce, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes total: 5 minutes for preparation and 6-8 minutes for air frying. It’s a quick and easy snack that you can get on the table in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. While it heats up, cut your mozzarella string cheese sticks in half and get your egg beaten in a small bowl.
2. Assemble the Mozzarella Sticks:
Place a mozzarella stick half in the center of a wonton wrapper. Use a pastry brush or your finger to brush the edges of the wrapper with the beaten egg—this helps seal the wrapper like glue. Fold the wrapper over the cheese, rolling it up tightly, and press the edges firmly to seal so the cheese won’t leak out during cooking.
3. Add the Seasoning and Cook:
Mix the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt in a small bowl. Lightly spray or brush each wrapped mozzarella stick with oil, then roll or sprinkle them in the seasoned Parmesan mixture to coat well.
Place the sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch so they can crisp evenly. Air fry for 6-8 minutes or until the wrappers are golden brown and crispy and the cheese inside is melted and gooey.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Carefully remove the mozzarella sticks from the air fryer—they’ll be hot! Let them cool for a minute or two so the cheese sets slightly. Serve warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping, and enjoy your crispy, cheesy snack!
Can I Use Frozen Mozzarella Sticks for This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before wrapping. This helps prevent excess moisture that can make the wonton wrappers soggy and ensures the cheese melts evenly.
What If I Don’t Have an Air Fryer?
You can bake these in a conventional oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until golden and crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning and flip halfway for even crispness.
Can I Prepare These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the wonton mozzarella sticks and refrigerate them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for up to 2 hours before air frying. This helps keep their shape and makes cooking quick when you’re ready.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to restore crispiness—avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.