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, then these Air Fryer Applebee’s Copycat Mozzarella Sticks are for you! This delicious appetizer is made using only a few ingredients and takes mere minutes to prepare. You can have your favorite restaurant dish right in your own home with this quick and easy recipe!

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 that 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 that 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. In case you do not own an air fryer but still want to try the recipe.
Check out How To Make Applebee’s Copycat Mozzarella Sticks In Your Air Fryer!
What Are Applebee’s Copycat Mozzarella Sticks?
Applebee’s is a popular restaurant with an extensive menu. However, one of the most popular items on their menu is their mozzarella sticks. They are delicious, and people can’t seem to get enough of them. If you have ever wondered how to make these at home, keep reading! 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

- Mozzarella Sticks
- All-Purpose Flour
- Eggs
- Plain Bread Crumbs
- Grated Parmesan Cheese
- Italian Seasoning
- Salt
- Black Pepper
How To Make Air Fryer Applebee’s Copycat Mozzarella Sticks

Cut the mozzarella sticks in half and then place the mozzarella sticks 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 bread crumb 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, then add your 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 it as you air fry them, and they will end up inedible.
Freeze: You will need to double freeze these. That is truly the only way that 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 freely circulate 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 of 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 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

Air Fryer Applebee’s Copycat Mozzarella Sticks
Description
Ingredients
- 12 full-fat mozzarella sticks
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cut the mozzarella sticks in half and then place the mozzarella sticks 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, mix well.
- Coat your mozzarella sticks, first in the flour, then in the egg wash, and finally in the bread crumb mixture. As you bread them, place them back on the parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
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, then add your 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, air fryer setting.
- Plate, serve, and enjoy!
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper
- Baking Sheet
Nutrition
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