Air Fryer Wonton Mozzarella Sticks are a fun and tasty twist on the classic mozzarella sticks we all love. Crispy wonton wrappers hug gooey, melted mozzarella cheese inside, and the air fryer gives them a perfect crunch without the mess of deep frying. These snacks are golden, cheesy, and seriously addictive.
I love making these when I want something quick but special for movie nights or casual get-togethers. They come together so fast, and the air fryer means cleanup is a snap. Plus, I like to add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning on the wonton wrappers before cooking for an extra little flavor boost.
My favorite way to enjoy these is with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping. It’s like having a mini pizza party in every bite. Whenever I serve these at home, they always disappear fast, which makes me happy because I know I’m onto a winner. It’s a delicious snack that’s sure to make everyone smile!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Wonton Wrappers: These give the sticks their crispy, golden shell. If you can’t find wonton wrappers, spring roll wrappers or even thin tortilla wraps work in a pinch. Just watch the cooking time as they might crisp faster or slower.
Mozzarella Cheese: String cheese is perfect for easy rolling and gooey inside. You can also use regular mozzarella cut into sticks. For a twist, try smoked mozzarella for a different flavor.
Seasonings: Garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan add great flavor without overpowering the cheese. Feel free to swap Italian seasoning with just dried basil and oregano if that’s what you have on hand.
Cooking Spray: This helps the wontons crisp nicely without deep frying. Olive oil spray works well for a bit more flavor, while a neutral spray keeps it light.
How Can I Get the Wontons Crispy Without Cheese Leaking?
Sealing the wonton wrappers tightly is key to preventing cheese from leaking during cooking. Here’s how:
- Place cheese near the center of the wrapper, leaving room at the edges.
- Moisten the edges with a tiny bit of water to help the wrapper stick.
- Fold carefully and press firmly to seal all edges.
- Avoid overfilling, as this can cause breaks in the wrapper.
- Spritz with cooking spray before air frying to create a crisp outer layer that holds together well.
By following these steps, you’ll get perfectly crispy sticks with a melty center every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – I recommend one with a good circulating fan for even cooking and crispiness.
- Small bowl – for mixing seasonings and seasoning the wonton wrappers.
- Pastry brush or cooking spray – to lightly coat the wontons for crisping.
- Plate or tray – for assembling the wrapped mozzarella sticks before air frying.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap mozzarella for pepper jack or cheddar for a different cheese flavor. Spicy cheeses add a kick!
- Add chopped herbs like basil or parsley on the outside for extra freshness and color.
- Mix in some cooked, crumbled bacon or diced ham inside the wrapper for a meaty twist.
- Sprinkle with red chili flakes or smoked paprika on top before cooking for a smoky, spicy flavor.
Air Fryer Wonton Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 wonton wrappers
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks (or mozzarella sticks cut in half)
- Cooking spray (olive oil or non-stick spray)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Marinara sauce, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 6-8 minutes to cook in the air fryer. Altogether, you’ll have a tasty snack ready in under 20 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. While it warms up, unwrap your mozzarella sticks and get your wonton wrappers ready.
2. Wrap the Cheese:
Place one mozzarella stick on each wonton wrapper. Roll it up tightly, folding in the edges as you go to make sure the cheese is completely sealed inside. If needed, dab a little water around the edges to help them stick together.
3. Season and Spray:
Lightly spray each wrapped wonton with cooking spray to help them crisp up nice and golden. In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan. Sprinkle this seasoning blend evenly over each roll.
4. Air Fry to Crisp Perfection:
Arrange the wrapped sticks in a single layer in your air fryer basket, making sure they have space and aren’t touching. Air fry for 6-8 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. Flipping them halfway through helps cook them evenly.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the mozzarella sticks cool for a minute or two after cooking—they’ll be piping hot! Serve them warm with your favorite marinara sauce for dipping, and enjoy every cheesy, crispy bite.
Can I Use Frozen Mozzarella Sticks?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely before wrapping in wonton wrappers to prevent extra moisture and sogginess. Thaw in the fridge for a few hours or overnight for best results.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
You can assemble the wonton-wrapped mozzarella sticks and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 4 hours before air frying. For longer storage, freeze them on a tray before placing in an airtight container and air fry straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cook time.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any uneaten mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to crisp them back up without melting the cheese too much.
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have an Air Fryer?
You can bake the wonton mozzarella sticks in the oven at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, turning halfway through for even crispiness. Keep an eye on them so the cheese doesn’t leak out!
