Air Fryer Applebee’s Copycat Mozzarella Sticks

Air Fryer Applebee’s Copycat Mozzarella Sticks — Are you a fan of fried food? Do you also love the comfort that comes from eating at Applebees? Well, these Air Fryer Applebee’s Copycat Mozzarella Sticks are for you! This delicious appetizer uses only a few ingredients and takes mere minutes to prepare. This quick and easy recipe lets you have your favorite restaurant dish right in your own home!

Air Fryer Applebee’s Copycat Mozzarella Sticks, Yummy! Mozzarella Sticks in the Air Fryer are truly Amazing!!

This was my kid’s favorite lunch this year. Not only did we have Air Fried Mozzarella Sticks, but we also had Instant Pot Potato Skins, so it was like an appetizer day. And who doesn’t love appetizers?

I have been using my air fryer and experimenting with different foods. So this is what I came up with.

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This was one of the great game-day snacks we had this past Sunday. They were terrific, and they do require some hands-off time, freezing, but they are so worth the extra time if you have been purchasing the TGIF’s one in the freezer case, save some time over the weekend, and make these. You will not be disappointed with the results.

These cheese sticks can be made healthier, but choose low-fat or skim mozzarella sticks in your dairy aisle. You do not get the deeply fried color you get when you oil fry these, but since that is mostly oily and gives your mozzarella stick that color, you shouldn’t be surprised or disappointed. It is saving you thousands or hundreds of calories. I did try baking this recipe, and it does work. If you do not own an air fryer but still want to try the recipe.

What Are Applebee’s Copycat Mozzarella Sticks?

Applebee’s is a popular restaurant with an extensive menu. However, their mozzarella sticks are one of the most popular items on their menu. They are delicious, and people can’t get enough of them. Keep reading if you have ever wondered how to make these at home! We will show you how in this recipe!

Applebee’s is a typical restaurant for many people across America- they have over 2,000 locations in 49 states, after all! One of the most popular items on their menu is their mozzarella sticks that look too good to be true but taste even better than they appear. People loveApplebee’ss mozzarella sticks so much that if you have ever wanted to know how to make it at

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Applebee’s Copycat Mozzarella Sticks

Recreate the beloved Applebee’s appetizer right in your kitchen with this Air Fryer Copycat Mozzarella Sticks recipe. This guide will walk you through each ingredient needed to capture that iconic taste and crispy texture, making it a perfect snack for any occasion.

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

• Mozzarella Cheese Sticks: The foundation of this classic appetizer, choose high-quality mozzarella sticks for that essential gooey, stretchy center.
• All-Purpose Flour: A light dusting of flour helps the egg wash to adhere better to the cheese sticks, ensuring a more uniform coating.
• Eggs: Beaten eggs act as the glue, binding the breadcrumbs to the cheese sticks, which is crucial for achieving that crispy exterior.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Mixing panko with Italian seasoned breadcrumbs gives the mozzarella sticks an extra crunch, mimicking the texture of Applebee’s famous appetizer.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan mixed into the breadcrumbs introduces a sharp, cheesy flavor that makes these mozzarella sticks irresistibly delicious.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings the classic Italian flavor to your mozzarella sticks, adding herbs and spices that perfectly complement the mozzarella.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning, salt and pepper fine-tune the flavors of your coating, ensuring your copycat mozzarella sticks taste just as good as the original.

How To Make Air Fryer Applebee’s Copycat Mozzarella Sticks

Recreating the iconic Applebee’s mozzarella sticks at home using your air fryer is simpler than you might think. This copycat recipe brings the deliciously gooey and crispy appetizer into your kitchen, offering a homemade twist on a favorite indulgence. With just a few key ingredients, you can achieve that perfect blend of crunch and melt that makes these mozzarella sticks irresistible.

Cut the mozzarella sticks in half and then place them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet (that will fit in your freezer); freeze for about 20 to 25 minutes until they are frozen solid.

Once they are frozen solid, set up your breading station. In one bowl, add the flour. In another bowl, add the eggs and beat them until frothy. And in the last bowl, add the bread crumbs, cheese, and seasonings, and mix well.

Coat your mozzarella sticks, first in the flour, then in the egg wash, and finally in the breadcrumb mixture. Place them back on the parchment paper-lined baking sheet as you bread them.

Freeze them again for about 1 hour. Then preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F, air fryer setting. Spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray and add mozzarella sticks. Spray your mozzarella sticks while they are in the air fryer. This will help your mozzarella sticks crisp up.

Set the time for 5 to 8 minutes at 400 degrees F.

Pro Tips For Making Mozzarella Sticks

• What Mozzarella Sticks To Use: For best flavor, use full-fat mozzarella sticks, the texture of the low-fat mozzarella changes as you air fry them, and they will end up inedible.
• Freeze: You will need to double-freeze these. That is the only way the cheese sticks will not burst in your air fryer! They need to be frozen solid.
• Oil: For best results, spray them with a cooking spray right before air frying, which will help the bread crumbs crisp up. Read my article here about not using non-stick cooking spray in your air fryer.
• Crowding: For best results, do not crowd your air fryer basket. Otherwise, the Air Fryer Applebee’s Copycat Mozzarella Sticks will not crisp up. Let the air fryer do its magic by perfectly cooking them, allowing the hot air to circulate freely around the basket, causing a great and crispy batch of homemade mozzarella sticks!
• Using an Air Fryer Oven: Place the shelf on the last rack for a perfect and delicious batch of homemade Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks!

How To Store:

Are you looking for a way to keep your Mozzarella sticks fresh and delicious? For best results, let the mozzarella sticks cool to room temperature. Then, place all the leftover mozzarella sticks into a container with a lid or an airtight bag before placing them in the refrigerator or freezer if possible.

They will last in the refrigerator for about 2 to 4 days.

How To Freeze:

This is a great make-ahead snack, and when the craving hits, you will be so happy that you doubled or even triple air-fried this homemade batch of Mozzarella Sticks!

The trick is that after you coat and freeze your mozzarella sticks, place them all into a Ziploc bag, and freeze for about 1 to 2 months.

Then when you’re ready to cook them, place them into the air fryer, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes at 400 degrees F, air fryer setting!

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• AIR FRYER BOSTON BROWN BREAD
• AIR FRYER HOMEMADE PIZZA ROLLS
• EASY AIR FRYER COPYCAT DUNKIN DONUTS MAPLE BACON CROISSANTS
• AIR FRYER MAPLE BACON DIP
• AIR FRYER PERUVIAN LOMO SALTADO

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