Nashville hot air fryer mozzarella sticks

If you love crispy, cheesy mozzarella sticks with a fiery kick, these Nashville Hot Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks are about to become your new favorite snack! This recipe combines the gooey goodness of fresh mozzarella with a crunchy panko coating, all finished with a bold and spicy Nashville hot sauce. And the best part? They’re made in the air fryer for a lighter, mess-free version of this classic indulgence.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Crispy & Gooey: Perfectly crunchy on the outside, melty on the inside
• Spicy & Flavorful: The Nashville hot sauce takes these mozzarella sticks to the next level.
• Air Fryer Friendly: No need for deep frying—less oil, same crunch!
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal prep time make this a great snack for any occasion.

Ingredients

Mozzarella Sticks:

• 16 ounces fresh mozzarella, cut into sticks (about 1/2 inch thick)
• 8 ounces plain panko bread crumbs
• 2 Tablespoons Italian seasoning
• 2 Tablespoons salt
• 2 eggs, whisked
• 1 Tablespoon hot sauce
• Non-stick cooking spray

Nashville Hot Sauce:

• 3 Tablespoons paprika
• 3 Tablespoons cayenne pepper
• 1 Tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 3 teaspoons oil, heated

How to Make Nashville Hot Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Step 1: Prepare the Mozzarella Sticks

1. Cut the mozzarella into sticks about 1/2 inch thick.
2. In a bowl, whisk together eggs and hot sauce.
3. In a separate bowl or plate, mix panko bread crumbs with Italian seasoning and salt.

Step 2: Coat the Mozzarella Sticks

1. Dip each mozzarella stick into the egg mixture, then coat it in the panko mixture.
2. Repeat the coating process by dipping it back into the egg and again into the panko. This double coating ensures maximum crispiness!
3. Freeze the coated mozzarella sticks for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from melting too quickly in the air fryer.

Step 3: Air Fry the Mozzarella Sticks

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
2. Arrange the mozzarella sticks in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching.
3. Lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray.
4. Air fry at 390°F for 5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Step 4: Make the Nashville Hot Sauce

1. In a small bowl, combine paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Add heated oil and stir until the mixture forms a smooth sauce.

Step 5: Coat & Serve

1. Toss the mozzarella sticks in the Nashville hot sauce until evenly coated.
2. Place them back in the air fryer for 2-3 more minutes to allow the sauce to set.
3. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or marinara and enjoy!

Pro Tips & Variations

🔥 Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder version, reduce the cayenne to 1 tablespoon.
🧄 Extra Flavor: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or onion powder to the panko mixture.
🥑 Dipping Sauce Ideas: Try pairing with a cool avocado ranch or a spicy sriracha mayo.
🌱 Make it Vegetarian: Swap regular eggs for a flaxseed egg mixture (1 tbsp flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water per egg) for a plant-based option.

Final Thoughts

These Nashville Hot Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks are the ultimate spicy, crispy, and cheesy snack. Whether you're making them for game day, a party, or just because you’re craving something delicious, they’ll hit the spot every time!

If you make this recipe, let me know how it turned out! Don’t forget to share and tag @cookwithskye on TikTok and YouTube or @skylerpaladino everywhere else—I love seeing your creations!