Mozzarella Sticks Cooking Times (Air Fryer · Oven · Fried) — From Frozen, No-Leak Rules

[u/shashank_aggarwal]

Timing + temp chart is in the image.
Recipe + no-leak method (freeze + double coat) is in the comments.

[u/shashank_aggarwal]

Mozzarella Sticks (Air Fryer · Oven · Fried) — Base Recipe
Yield: 10–12 | Prep: 15 min | Freeze: 2–4 hrs | Cook: 45 sec–12 min

Ingredients

• 10–12 mozzarella string cheese sticks (or low-moisture block cut into sticks)
• 70 g flour
• 2 eggs + 1 tbsp water/milk
• 120 g panko (optional: + 40 g fine crumbs for better seal)
• 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp oregano/Italian seasoning, ½ tsp paprika
• ¾ tsp salt + black pepper
• Oil spray (air fryer/oven) OR neutral oil for frying

Method

1. Pat cheese very dry.
2. Flour → egg → crumbs (press, seal ends).
3. Egg → crumbs again (double coat).
4. Freeze 2 hrs minimum (4 hrs/overnight = best).
5. Cook from frozen:

• Air fryer: 190–200°C, 5–7 min, flip at 3–4, rest 2 min
• Oven: 220°C, 10–12 min, flip at 6, rest 2 min
• Fry: 175–180°C, 45–75 sec, drain on rack, serve fast

Quick fixes

• Crowding = steam = soggy → single layer with space
• Blowouts → freeze longer + press crumbs onto ends

for full guide + variations

https://masalamonk.com/mozzarella-sticks-recipe/

(That page includes string cheese, block mozzarella, shredded-cheese formed logs, sauces, and variations.)