Air Fryer Chicken Mozzarella Stick - Easy Snack Idea

There’s something wildly satisfying about biting into a crunchy, cheesy snack that literally oozes happiness. And these air fryer chicken mozzarella sticks deliver that exact joy on demand. Hot, comforting, and loaded with flavor, they’re the kind of game-day heroes that make everyone hover around the snack table… including the people who swore they weren’t hungry.

Picture this: juicy seasoned chicken wrapped around melty mozzarella, rolled in a crispy panko coating, then air-fried to golden perfection. Call them Buffalo Mozzarella Sticks, Buffalo Chicken Cheese Sticks, Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks, or even Mozzarella Chicken—whatever name you pick, they’re straight-up addictive. Honestly, aren’t the best snacks the ones you can’t stop reaching for?

One of the biggest wins? They’re ready in just 30 minutes. No marathon prep session, no deep-frying mess—just the air fryer doing what it does best. IMO, that’s the definition of snack-time efficiency. Mix ground chicken, herbs, garlic, Italian seasoning, wrap it around your Mozzarella Sticks, roll in panko, and boom—you’re on your way to cheesy bliss.

And let’s talk flavor. The crunch hits first, then that meaty, savory layer, and finally the gooey mozzarella center that pretty much steals the show. Add a little buffalo sauce or make them as Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks for that extra kick. FYI, they’re total Buffalo Chicken Snacks perfection.

Expecting company? These beauties disappear fast. Kids devour them. Adults pretend they’re “just trying one” and then come back for five more. They fit right in with your favorite Buffalo Chicken Recipes or alongside lighter bites like Cauliflower Bites if you feel like balancing things out… you know, for health.

In short, your air fryer is about to become your MVP all over again—and these cheesy, crunchy sticks are the reason why.

Air Fryer Chicken Mozzarella Stick - Easy Snack Idea

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 27 minutes

Servings: 8 | Category: Appetizer | Author: Aleda

This crunchy, cheesy appetizer is a total crowd-pleaser! Juicy ground chicken wraps around gooey mozzarella sticks, then gets air-fried to perfection.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground chicken
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs, divided
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 9 mozzarella sticks
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp garlic salt
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 cup marinara sauce, for serving
• Nonstick cooking spray, as needed

Instructions

1. Mix the chicken: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, salt, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, 1 egg, ½ cup of the Italian breadcrumbs, parsley, and minced garlic. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated.
2. Prep the cheese: Cut the mozzarella sticks in half lengthwise so they’re easier to wrap.
3. Form the chicken around cheese: Place a sheet of plastic wrap on a plate. Take about ¼ cup of the chicken mixture and press it into a small rectangle on the wrap. Lay a mozzarella stick on top to measure—make sure the chicken rectangle extends slightly past the cheese.
4. Wrap tightly: Place the cheese in the center of the chicken. Use the plastic wrap to roll the chicken around the cheese, twisting the ends to seal snugly. Transfer each wrapped stick to a baking sheet and chill in the fridge while you shape the rest.
5. Set up dredging station: In one shallow dish, mix flour and garlic salt. In another, whisk together the remaining eggs and heavy cream. In a third dish, combine the leftover Italian breadcrumbs with panko.
6. Coat the sticks: Remove plastic wrap and dredge each chicken stick in flour, dip in the egg mixture, then roll in the breadcrumb mixture. Press lightly so the crumbs stick.
7. Air fry: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the basket with nonstick spray. Arrange the sticks in a single layer and cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
8. Serve: Plate the golden, crispy sticks and pair with warm marinara sauce for dipping. Sprinkle extra parsley on top for garnish.

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