These Air Fryer Wonton Mozzarella Sticks are a fun twist on a classic snack! Crispy wonton wrappers wrap around gooey mozzarella cheese, creating a crunchy outside with a melty, cheesy center. Cooking them in the air fryer gives a perfectly crispy texture without the mess of deep frying.
I love making these when I want a quick and tasty treat that’s ready in minutes. The best part is how easy they are to customize—you can add Italian seasoning or a little garlic powder to the wrappers before cooking for extra flavor. I always keep some on hand in the freezer for a fast snack or appetizer.
My favorite way to enjoy these is with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping. They’re great for game days, casual get-togethers, or whenever you’re craving something crunchy and cheesy. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a go-to snack in your house too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Wonton Wrappers: These give the sticks a light, crispy shell when air fried. If you can’t find wonton wrappers, try spring roll wrappers or even thin egg roll wrappers. They’ll have a similar crunch.
Mozzarella Cheese: Using string cheese makes it easy to cut the perfect size and melt well. You can swap for block mozzarella cut into sticks if needed. For a twist, try pepper jack for a little heat.
Egg Wash: The egg mixed with water acts like glue to seal the wonton edges and keep cheese inside. If avoiding eggs, you can use a little water or milk as a substitute but sealing might be less secure.
Seasoning Mix: Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and parsley add great flavor and mimic classic mozzarella stick taste. Feel free to add paprika or chili flakes if you like it spicy.
How Do You Seal Wonton Wrappers Without Melting Cheese Leaking?
Sealing the wrappers tightly is key to keep the cheese inside while cooking. Here’s how I do it:
- Brush the edges of the wonton wrapper with the egg-water wash before folding. This helps glue the edges together.
- Press firmly around the edges to remove any air pockets and seal well.
- Roll the wrapper tightly around the cheese stick but don’t stretch it too much, as that can cause tearing.
- If you want extra security, you can pinch the edges twice or use a little extra egg wash on any spots that seem loose.
Doing this carefully means you get perfectly crisp sticks with melty cheese inside and no leaks. It also makes handling easier when transferring to the air fryer basket.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – I recommend this because it makes the sticks crispy without deep frying. A good air fryer can cook evenly and quickly.
- Small brush – useful for applying the egg wash to seal the wonton edges easily.
- Shallow bowl – perfect for mixing the Parmesan and seasoning, making it easy to coat the wraps.
- Cooking spray or oil spray – helps get that golden, crispy exterior and prevents sticking in the air fryer.
- Cutting board and knife – for cutting mozzarella sticks into smaller pieces. Simple tools for easy prep.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use pepper jack or cheddar instead of mozzarella for a different cheesy flavor and a little kick.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne to the seasoning mix for some spice.
- Mix in finely chopped herbs like basil or oregano to the Parmesan mixture for extra freshness.
- Wrap a thin slice of cooked ham or pepperoni with the cheese for a meaty twist.
Air Fryer Wonton Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Sticks:
- 20 wonton wrappers
- 10 mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut in half
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
For The Seasoning:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
- Cooking spray or oil spray
For Serving:
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time to roll and season the sticks, plus 6-8 minutes of cooking time in the air fryer. In total, you’ll have a delicious snack ready in under 20 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep The Air Fryer and Cheese:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, cut each mozzarella string cheese stick in half to make 20 pieces.
2. Wrap The Cheese:
Place one mozzarella stick piece on a wonton wrapper. Brush the edges lightly with a mixture of the egg and water (this helps seal the wrapper). Roll the wrapper tightly around the cheese to form a cylinder. Press the edges firmly to seal and keep the cheese from leaking out while cooking.
3. Season The Rolls:
In a shallow bowl, mix together grated Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and dried parsley. Lightly spray or brush the wrapped sticks with cooking spray. Then roll them in the Parmesan seasoning mixture until fully coated.
4. Air Fry The Mozzarella Sticks:
Place the coated sticks in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket. Make sure they don’t touch, so they cook evenly. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 6-8 minutes, turning or shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Carefully remove the sticks from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute or two. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy your crunchy, cheesy treat!
Can I Use Frozen Mozzarella Sticks for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them completely in the fridge before wrapping with wonton skins. This helps prevent excess moisture and ensures even cooking in the air fryer.
How Should I Store Leftover Wonton Mozzarella Sticks?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes to regain crispiness.
Can I Bake These Instead of Air Frying?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake the sticks on a parchment-lined tray for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crispy.
What Is the Best Dipping Sauce for These Mozzarella Sticks?
Marinara sauce is classic and perfect for these. You can also try ranch dressing or a spicy sriracha mayo for a different flavor experience.