Air Fryer Wonton Mozzarella Sticks are crispy, cheesy little bites wrapped in flaky wonton skins that get perfectly golden and crunchy in the air fryer. The mozzarella inside melts just right, making every bite gooey and delicious without all the extra oil from deep frying. It’s a fun twist on classic mozzarella sticks that’s quick and easy to make at home.
I love making these when I want a tasty snack that comes together fast but still feels special. Using wontons gives the sticks a light crunch that’s different from the usual breadcrumb coating, and the air fryer makes cleanup a breeze. I usually keep some marinara sauce nearby for dipping because the combo of warm cheese and tangy tomato sauce is unbeatable.
These mozzarella sticks are great for parties, movie nights, or just a cozy night in. I’ve found that they impress both kids and adults, and they’re perfect if you’re craving something cheesy but don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. I always make a double batch because they tend to disappear pretty quickly!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Wonton Wrappers: These give a light, crispy shell that fries up nicely in the air fryer. If you don’t have wontons, spring roll wrappers or even thin tortilla wraps can work as a substitute.
Mozzarella Cheese: String cheese is handy and pre-portioned. Fresh mozzarella can be used too, but cut it into sticks and freeze briefly so it holds shape better while cooking.
Parmesan Cheese & Herbs: Parmesan adds flavor and helps the coating crisp up. If you’re out, try Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a cheesy touch. The Italian seasoning can be swapped with any mix of dried herbs you like.
How Do I Keep the Wontons Sealed So They Don’t Burst Open?
Sealing the wontons well is key to avoid cheese leaks during cooking. Here’s how to do it:
- Use the egg wash (egg beaten with water) to moisten the edges before folding. It acts like glue.
- Press edges firmly with fingers or a fork to create a tight seal.
- Make sure there is no air trapped inside before sealing — gently push out any bubbles.
- If needed, double-wrap by folding in half and sealing again for extra security.
Taking these steps helps the cheese stay inside, and you get a nicely crisp, well-shaped snack.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – I love it because it makes the mozzarella sticks crispy without extra oil.
- Small bowls – useful for beating the egg and mixing the Parmesan-seasoned coating.
- Pastry brush – helps evenly spread the egg wash on the wonton edges for sealing.
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray – ensures a golden, crispy exterior without drowning in oil.
- Plate or tray – to hold the prepared wonton packages before air frying.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Change cheese: swap mozzarella for pepper jack or cheddar for different melty flavors.
- Add herbs: mix chopped fresh basil, parsley, or oregano into the Parmesan coating for fresh flavor.
- Spicy kick: sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes inside or on top before cooking.
- Stuffing twist: insert a small piece of cooked bacon or a slice of ham with the cheese for extra richness.
Air Fryer Wonton Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Wontons:
- 20 wonton wrappers
- 10 mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut in half
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons water
For the Coating:
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or mixed dried herbs: oregano, basil, parsley)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
For Serving:
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 8 minutes to cook in the air fryer. So, in less than 20 minutes, you’ll have a crispy, cheesy snack ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Mozzarella Sticks:
Place your cut mozzarella sticks on a clean surface. In a small bowl, beat the egg with water to make an egg wash. Lay one mozzarella stick in the center of each wonton wrapper.
2. Wrapping and Sealing:
Brush the edges of each wonton wrapper with the egg wash to help seal. Fold the wrapper over the cheese stick, forming a triangle or rectangle. Press firmly around the edges to seal completely and make sure no cheese will leak out.
3. Adding the Flavor Coating:
In a small bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, dried Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Lightly spray each wrapped stick with cooking spray, then sprinkle the Parmesan mixture all over them for extra crispiness and flavor.
4. Air Frying to Perfection:
Place the wrapped mozzarella sticks in a single layer inside your preheated air fryer basket. Cook at 390°F (200°C) for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’re aiming for a golden brown, crispy crust on the outside while the cheese melts inside.
5. Serving:
Carefully remove the mozzarella sticks (they’ll be hot!). Serve them warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy your crispy, cheesy snack!
Can I Use Frozen Mozzarella Sticks for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh string cheese for this recipe. If you only have frozen mozzarella sticks, thaw them completely in the fridge first to prevent sogginess and uneven cooking.
How Do I Store Leftover Wonton Mozzarella Sticks?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes until crispy and warm.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Wrap the mozzarella sticks and keep them refrigerated for a few hours or freeze them on a tray before transferring to a bag. Cook them straight from frozen, just add a couple of extra minutes to the air frying time.
What Can I Use Instead of Wonton Wrappers?
If you don’t have wonton wrappers, thin spring roll wrappers or even tortillas work. Just keep in mind they may produce a slightly different texture but still taste delicious!