Air Fryer Low-Fat Weight Watchers Mozzarella Cheese Sticks is a quick and easy, healthy recipe with Italian breadcrumbs and gooey cheese. This recipe will show the cook time and how long to cook frozen cheese sticks.
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Table of Contents
Can You Make Mozzarella Sticks in an Air Fryer?
Yes. The idea for Air Fryer Low-Fat Mozzarella Cheese Sticks came to me from my friend Amber. We often exchange food porn photos that we find on Instagram. Recently, she sent me a photo of a Stacked Cheesy Tower.
It was a tower of five mozzarella patties filled with TONS of cheese. It was a short video that showed the tower being ripped apart with cheese oozing from the middle.
One serving = 2 mozzarella sticks Calories: 224 Fat: 7G Net Carbs: 19G Protein: 17G
Weight Watchers Smart Points: 6
Amber's message was, "Can you snatch this? Ohhh can you air-fry mozzarella sticks?" My response was, "Well are going to find out!" And here we are, and here is the recipe.
How Long Do You Cook Frozen Cheese Sticks?
I cooked mine for about 15 minutes.
Can You Put Oil in the Air Fryer?
Yes. Spritz the mozzarella sticks with oil from a spray bottle.
I have used Weight Watchers' string cheese for years. I am in love with the smoky flavor! Using string cheese really helped make this a quick and easy recipe.
The first time I tried this recipe, I was having a day where everything that can go wrong, will go wrong. It did not start out that way.
I had a Friday off from work I planned to sleep in, work out, run errands, whip up this recipe, and then meet up with friends for the annual Plaza Art Fair here in Kansas City. My workout went well, but my errands were a disaster.
I spent much more time waiting in lines than I anticipated. Everywhere I went I could not dash the long waiting times. So when I got back home to start cooking, I immediately felt rushed....which is not what you want when you are planning a new recipe.
The thought crossed my mind when I was developing this recipe that I may need to freeze or at least refrigerate the breaded cheese sticks prior to frying them. I opted to use string cheese because I thought I could avoid having to freeze.
I was wrong! If you are pressed for time and wish not to freeze the sticks in advance, this recipe will still work. However, if looks and presentation mean a lot to you, you will need to freeze the sticks in advance so that they maintain a nice shape.
As with my other posts, if you do not own an Air Fryer you can probably bake these and still obtain nice results.
More Air Fryer Recipes:
Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Breaded Fried Chicken Wings
Air Fryer Parmesan Truffle Oil Fries
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries with Garlic Truffle Aioli
Air Fryer Sriracha Honey Bourbon Fried Chicken Wings
Air Fryer 3 Ingredient Fried Catfish
Air Fryer Bang Bang Panko Breaded Fried Shrimp
Air Fryer Apple Cinnamon Dessert Empanadas
Air Fryer Beef Taco Fried Egg Rolls
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Air Fryer Low-Fat Weight Watchers Mozzarella Cheese Sticks
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 10 pieces mozzarella string cheese I used Weight Watchers Smoked Flavor
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- ½ cup flour
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season the breadcrumbs with salt and pepper.
- Create a workstation by adding the flour, bread crumbs, and eggs to separate bowls.
- Dip each string of cheese in flour, then egg, and last the breadcrumbs.
- Freeze the sticks for one hour so that they harden. This will help the cheese maintain the stick shape while frying.
- Season your Air Fryer basket before each use so that items do not stick. I like to glaze the basket with coconut oil using a cooking brush.
- Turn the Air Fryer on 400 degrees. Add the sticks to the fryer.
- Cook for 8 minutes. Remove the basket. Flip each stick. You can use tongs, but be careful not to manipulate the shape. I used my hands to flip them. They weren't too hot. Cook for an additional 8 minutes.
- Allow the sticks to cool for 5 minutes before removing them from the pan. Some of the sticks may leak cheese on the outside. Allow the sticks to cool, and then use your hands to correct the shape.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
Shibani says
I'm already a fan of Air fryer which helps make low fat food. Now mozzarella cheese sticks, wow, would love to try your recipe. Thanks for sharing!!
Anjali says
my kids have been asking for a vegan version of this...i need to try it with vegan moz cheese!
Dana says
Mozzarella sticks are honestly one of my most favorite bar foods ever, and low and behold, I actually have an air fryer so I can try this. Can't wait!
Thanh | Eat, Little Bird says
I've never tried cheese sticks but that looks so delicious!! I'm going to be thinking about this all day!
Vicky @ Avocado Pesto says
I hate those days when everything seems to go wrong! These mozzarella sticks look like they could turn a day like that around! I need to get my hands on an air fryer - seriously need to try something made in one too!
Cassie says
I've been curious about an air fryer for awhile - really want to give it a try. These mozzarella cheese sticks look fantastic!
Sues says
So fun!! I seriously feel like i need an air fryer!
Nichole says
Mozzarella sticks are easily one of my favorite appetizers. Love that I can enjoy them without all the guilt now!
Carine says
This looks so delicious and super comforting !!! Great appetizer for those cold falls nights.
Ginny says
I use my air fryer all the time. They make things crisp up so well - just like your mozzarella sticks! So easy too!
Julie says
I love cooking in the air fryer. So many delicious treats can be made in that machine like your sticks!
Julie Gordon says
I love cooking in the air fryer. So many delicious and healthy treats.
michele says
Ive just recieved an air fryer as a gift... and am so happy I found your site! Cant wait to try so many of your recipes!
Lois Alter Mark says
Those look delicious! Thanks for including the Weight Watchers info because I think it's time for me to go back on it. It never seems so bad when I can eat foods like these.
Terri Beavers says
I really love mozzarella cheese sticks and the fact that these are low fat makes them even better. I'm going to have to invest n an air fryer.
Krysti says
Oh my goodness these look so amazing!! Definitely going to try making these asap!
Cynthia says
I don't have an air fryer, but I'd love to do this! Can I follow the same directions if I bake them?
staysnatched says
Yes.
Jen Temcio says
I think that they look great! I definitely want to try it with the smoked flavored cheese sticks.
Eloise says
OMG it sounds so easy to do... I never thought of making my own before, thanks for the directions and idea... My kids will thank you too! ; )
Emily says
Wow this looks like such a yummy but simple recipe! I need to try this out soon.
Michael @ Super Millennial says
Awesome recipe super simple but they look delicious. Can't wait to try for football soon!
ELena says
Every time I cook something new everything goes wrong for me 🙂 but it gets better with the second try. I know the same thing will happen when I try these mozzarella cheese sticks.
Candy Rachelle says
I've been hearing a lot about the air fryer. I'm sure it's much more healthier than traditional frying. Gonna check out the machine the next time I'm in Corky's.
Jess says
Taste was great but cooking time was wayyy too long for me. All the cheese exploded out after the first 8 min. Next time I’ll lower heat to 370 or even 350 then 3 min on each side.
staysnatched says
Hi there. Thanks for trying this recipe! I'm glad you enjoyed the taste. I agree cooking time will vary based on Air Fryer brand. Thanks for your feedback.
Meg says
Do you think wheat flour or some other type of flour would work? Thanks.
staysnatched says
I think wheat flour should work fine. I haven't had success in using coconut or almond flour yet. I am still working to perfect a way to use those.
Meg says
Thank you so much! We look forward to make these!
staysnatched says
I hope you enjoy them!
Nancy L Magatelli says
If you put milk in the eggs it sticks better
Erika says
These were so tasty! I impulsively bought string cheese and figured Brandi would have a recipe for mozzarella sticks. I love how light and crispy the breading came out. I cut the cheese sticks in half for easier handling. I also reduced the cook time and temp to 370° for 5 minutes. Everyone’s air fryer is different so this is just what worked for mine. Thanks Brandi!
staysnatched says
Awesome! I'm glad the recipe worked out for you.