Introduction

These Gluten-Free Baked Mozzarella Sticks are a delicious and crispy snack that’s easy to make at home. Whether you bake them in the oven or air fry them, they deliver gooey cheese wrapped in a flavorful, crunchy coating. Perfect for a quick appetizer or a cozy snack!

A pile of golden brown, crispy mozzarella sticks coated with a crunchy breadcrumb layer scattered with small green herb bits, arranged around a small white ramekin filled with thick, bright red marinara sauce topped with chopped parsley on a white plate. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, and the mozzarella sticks have some melted cheese spots peeking through the coating. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 mozzarella cheese sticks, cut in half widthwise (use Daiya dairy-free cheese sticks if preferred)
¼ cup gluten-free flour (rice flour or tapioca starch recommended)
2 eggs
1 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons avocado oil or cooking spray (enough to drizzle on the mozzarella sticks)
1 cup marinara sauce
Parsley to garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare three bowls for breading: one with gluten-free flour, one with whisked eggs, and one with gluten-free breadcrumbs mixed with salt, basil, oregano, garlic powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Step 2: Coat each mozzarella stick lightly in flour, then dip in egg, then breadcrumbs, then dip again in egg and breadcrumbs for double breading. Use the “wet hand, dry hand” technique to avoid sticky breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Place breaded sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze for at least 2 hours until completely solid to prevent cheese from oozing during cooking.
Step 4: For oven baking, preheat to 400ºF. Arrange frozen sticks on a wire rack over a baking sheet, drizzle with avocado oil or spray with cooking spray, and bake for 10-12 minutes until crisp and golden.
Step 5: For air frying, preheat air fryer to 375ºF. Spray basket with oil, arrange sticks with 1-2cm space between, spray tops with oil, and cook for 5-6 minutes until crispy.
Step 6: Remove hot mozzarella sticks to a platter, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately with marinara sauce.

Tips & Variations

Try Daiya dairy-free cheese sticks for a dairy-free version, though the stretchiness may vary.
Any gluten-free flour works well, such as all-purpose gluten-free flour, rice flour, or tapioca starch.
Freeze coated sticks for up to 3 months; bake or air fry directly from frozen for convenience.
The double breading helps keep the cheese inside and results in a crunchier coating.

Storage

Store cooked mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the freezer. Reheat in the air fryer at 375ºF or in the oven at 400ºF for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Serve with fresh marinara sauce for best flavor.

How to Serve

A white plate holds many golden breadcrumb-coated mozzarella sticks arranged in a loose pile. One mozzarella stick is lifted slightly, showing melted, stretchy cheese inside with a smooth, glossy texture. Next to the sticks on the plate is a small white bowl filled with bright red marinara sauce, topped with small green herb pieces. The plate is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! After breading, freeze the sticks on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to an airtight container. They can be stored frozen for up to 3 months and cooked directly from frozen.

What if the breading falls off during cooking?

Make sure the mozzarella sticks are completely frozen before baking or air frying. Also, double breading and using the “wet hand, dry hand” technique helps the coating stick better.