Air Fryer Wonton Mozzarella Sticks are a fun twist on a classic snack! Crispy, golden wonton wrappers hug gooey, melted mozzarella cheese, making every bite crunchy on the outside and wonderfully cheesy inside. Using the air fryer means they get perfectly crunchy without the need for deep frying, which is a big win in my book.
I love making these when I want something quick and tasty that everyone can enjoy. They’re super easy to put together, and I find that the wonton wrappers give just the right amount of crunch to balance the stretchy cheese. One handy tip is to make sure the edges are sealed well – it helps keep the cheese from sneaking out while cooking.
These mozzarella sticks are great for snacking, parties, or just an easy appetizer after a busy day. I like to serve them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping because it adds a nice touch of tomato flavor that pairs perfectly with the cheese. I always end up making a bigger batch than planned because they disappear so fast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Wonton Wrappers: These give a great crispy texture with less oil than traditional breading. If you can’t find wonton wrappers, spring roll wrappers work too, but they may be thinner.
Mozzarella String Cheese: I like string cheese for the ease of cutting and melting. You can use mozzarella sticks or even shredded mozzarella, but whole sticks hold together better.
Seasonings: Garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese add lots of flavor. Feel free to swap Italian seasoning for basil or oregano, or leave out Parmesan for a dairy-free option.
Olive Oil or Cooking Spray: Lightly coating the wontons helps get that golden crunch in the air fryer. You can use any mild oil or a non-stick spray.
How Can I Prevent Cheese from Leaking Out While Cooking?
Sealing the wonton edges well is key to keep the cheese inside and avoid mess.
- Moisten the edges with water or egg wash before folding. This acts like glue.
- Press firmly and pinch the edges to seal completely.
- Don’t overfill—use just enough cheese to fit comfortably inside the wrapper.
- If you notice gaps, fold over twice or pinch again to secure.
Taking a little extra time on this step makes a big difference in keeping your mozzarella sticks perfectly neat and melty inside!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – I recommend this because it makes the sticks crispy without extra oil and cooks evenly.
- Small bowl – for mixing seasonings and spreading before baking.
- Pastry brush or spray – helps coat the wontons lightly for crunchiness.
- Knife and cutting board – to cut the cheese sticks in half easily and neatly.
- Tongs or spatula – for removing the crispy wontons from the air fryer basket without breaking them.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use different cheeses like pepper Jack or cheddar for a spicy or sharper flavor.
- Add cooked bacon bits or chopped jalapeños inside for extra flavor.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and herbs before baking for a touch of Italian flair.
- Serve with different dipping sauces like ranch, buffalo, or pesto for variety.
Air Fryer Wonton Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 20 wonton wrappers
- 10 mozzarella string cheese sticks (cut in half)
Seasonings & Extras:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 6-8 minutes to cook in the air fryer. Overall, you’ll have delicious, crispy mozzarella sticks ready in just about 15 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep Your Air Fryer and Cheese:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. Cut each string cheese stick in half so they fit nicely inside the wonton wrappers.
2. Assemble the Wonton Mozzarella Sticks:
Place one half of a mozzarella stick in the center of each wonton wrapper. Moisten the edges of the wrapper with a little water using your finger or a pastry brush. Fold the wrapper over the cheese and press firmly to seal the edges completely, ensuring no cheese is exposed to prevent leaking.
3. Season and Prepare for Air Frying:
Lightly brush or spray each wrapped cheese stick with olive oil or cooking spray to help get a crispy golden texture. In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, Italian seasoning, grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mix evenly over the wonton mozzarella sticks.
4. Cook to Crispy Perfection:
Place the prepared wonton cheese sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if needed. Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping them halfway through so both sides get crispy and golden brown.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Carefully remove the mozzarella sticks from the air fryer. If you like, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a fresh touch. Serve warm with your favorite marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy your crispy, cheesy snack!
Can I Use Frozen Mozzarella Sticks?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw them completely in the fridge before wrapping with wonton wrappers to avoid excess moisture and ensure even cooking.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the wonton mozzarella sticks ahead, keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours, and air fry just before serving for maximum freshness and crispiness.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes to restore crispiness.
What Dipping Sauces Work Best?
Classic marinara is ideal, but ranch, pesto, or a spicy buffalo sauce also pair wonderfully with these crispy cheesy bites.
