Air Fryer Wonton Mozzarella Sticks are a fun and crispy twist on a classic snack! These golden wonton wrappers hug gooey mozzarella cheese, creating a crunchy outside that gives way to melty, cheesy goodness inside. They’re quick to make and super satisfying, perfect for when you want something cheesy and crunchy without too much fuss.
I love making these because they come together fast, and using the air fryer means less oil but still that great crispiness. One tip I’ve found is to make sure the edges of the wontons are sealed really well so the cheese doesn’t leak out during cooking. It’s a little trick that makes sure every stick turns out perfectly cheesy and neat.
These sticks are my go-to for movie nights or casual get-togethers. I usually serve them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping—something about that combination is just so satisfying. I always end up making extra because they disappear fast! If you’re a fan of mozzarella sticks but want something a bit lighter and quicker, these are definitely worth trying.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Wonton Wrappers: These are what give your sticks that wonderful crispiness. You can find them in the refrigerated section of many grocery stores. If you can’t find wonton wrappers, spring roll wrappers are a good substitute, but they might be a bit thinner.
Mozzarella String Cheese: String cheese is great for portion control and melts perfectly. You can also cut a block of mozzarella into sticks if that’s easier. For a twist, try a mix of mozzarella and provolone for extra flavor.
Egg White: This acts as glue to seal the wrappers. If you prefer, you can use water or a mixture of flour and water as a sealant, but egg white tends to stick best and crisp nicely.
Parmesan & Italian Seasoning: Parmesan adds a nice tangy crunch on top. If you don’t have Parmesan, finely grated Asiago or Pecorino Romano works well. Dried parsley adds color and a mild herbal note, but Italian seasoning covers more herbs for a broader flavor.
How Can I Prevent Cheese from Leaking Out During Air Frying?
Sealing is the key to keep all that melty cheese inside the wonton wrapper.
- Brush the edges of the wrapper thoroughly with egg white before rolling.
- Press firmly along the edges to create a tight seal, making sure there are no gaps.
- A light dusting of flour before sealing can give extra grip if you’re having trouble.
- Don’t overfill with cheese; leaving about 1/4 inch from the edge helps ensure it seals well.
- Place them seam side down in the air fryer basket—this helps the seal hold during cooking.
Following these tips will mean crispy, cheesy sticks with no mess and perfect texture every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – I love it because it cooks the sticks evenly and gets them perfectly crispy with little oil.
- Small bowl – for beating the egg white, making sealing easier and neater.
- Plate or tray – to hold and prepare the rolled wontons before cooking.
- Pastry brush or small spoon – to brush the edges of the wrappers with egg white for sealing.
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray – helps the wontons turn golden and crispy in the air fryer.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap mozzarella for pepper jack or cheddar for a spicy or sharper flavor.
- Mix in cooked chopped herbs or spices like basil, oregano, or garlic powder into the Parmesan topping for extra zest.
- Add cooked, crumbled bacon inside the wonton for a smoky, meaty twist.
- Serve with a side of ranch or chipotle dipping sauce instead of marinara for a different flavor experience.
Air Fryer Wonton Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 24 wonton wrappers
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks, halved
- 1 egg white, lightly beaten
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or dried parsley
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
- Marinara sauce, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 6-8 minutes to cook in the air fryer, for a total of around 20 minutes. It’s quick and easy, perfect when you want a tasty snack fast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Air Fryer and Fill the Wontons:
First, preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Then, lay out each wonton wrapper and place half a mozzarella string cheese stick in the center. Brush the edges of the wrapper with the beaten egg white; this helps seal the cheese inside nicely.
2. Roll and Seal the Wontons:
Roll the wonton wrapper tightly around the cheese, pressing the edges firmly to seal and prevent cheese from leaking out during cooking. Place all the wrapped sticks on a plate or tray.
3. Add Seasoning and Air Fry:
Lightly spray each roll with cooking spray and sprinkle the tops with grated Parmesan cheese and dried Italian seasoning (or parsley) to add extra flavor and crispiness. Arrange the sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket without crowding.
4. Cook and Serve:
Air fry the wontons for 6-8 minutes or until they’re golden brown and crispy, and the mozzarella inside is melted. Remove carefully and let them cool for a couple of minutes to avoid hot cheese burns. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Can I Use Frozen Mozzarella Sticks?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely in the fridge before wrapping to ensure even cooking and prevent excess moisture from sogging the wontons.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
You can prepare and wrap the wonton sticks ahead, then store them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Air fry them right before serving for best crispiness.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes to refresh the crisp texture.
What Dipping Sauces Work Well?
Marinara sauce is classic and delicious, but ranch, garlic aioli, or a spicy chipotle mayo also make great dips to mix things up!