Gluten-Free Baked Mozzarella Sticks (Air Fryer Option) Recipe
These Gluten-Free Baked Mozzarella Sticks are a delicious and healthier twist on the classic appetizer. Coated in a flavorful gluten-free breadcrumb mixture and baked or air-fried to crispy perfection, these mozzarella sticks are perfect for a snack or party appetizer. They can also be made dairy-free using Daiya cheese sticks, making them suitable for various dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 32 minutes
- Yield: 16 mozzarella sticks (8 whole sticks cut in half) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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 for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the breading station: Set up three bowls – one with gluten-free flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with gluten-free breadcrumbs mixed with salt, dried basil, oregano, garlic powder, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir the breadcrumbs and spices together and whisk the eggs until well combined.
- Coat mozzarella sticks: One at a time, lightly coat each mozzarella stick in gluten-free flour, then dip into the egg mixture, followed by the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating again for a double breading which helps prevent cheese from oozing during cooking. Allow excess egg to drip off to avoid sticky breadcrumbs; if needed, add fresh breadcrumbs to maintain a dry coating. Use the ‘wet hand, dry hand’ technique to avoid sticky hands.
- Freeze the coated sticks: Place the breaded mozzarella sticks in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 2 hours until completely solid. This step is crucial to ensure the coating stays intact during cooking. For longer storage, transfer the frozen sticks to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Oven cooking method: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (204ºC). Arrange frozen mozzarella sticks on a wire rack placed on a baking sheet, leaving space between each. Lightly drizzle with avocado oil or cooking spray. Bake for 10-12 minutes until crispy, watching closely to avoid cheese leakage, which indicates they are done.
- Air fryer cooking method: Preheat the air fryer to 375ºF (190ºC). Spray the basket with avocado oil or cooking spray. Place mozzarella sticks in the basket in a single layer with about 1-2 cm spacing to allow airflow; you may need to cook in batches. Spray the tops of the sticks with oil. Air fry for 5-6 minutes until crispy, checking to ensure cheese does not ooze out, signaling they are ready.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked mozzarella sticks to a serving platter immediately. Serve hot with marinara sauce and garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor and presentation. Enjoy!
Notes
- Dairy-Free: Use Daiya dairy-free mozzarella sticks for a dairy-free version, though the texture may differ slightly.
- Flour Choices: Any gluten-free flour such as all-purpose gluten-free flour, rice flour, or tapioca starch works well.
- Make Ahead: Freeze coated mozzarella sticks solid on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen.
- Storage: Cooked mozzarella sticks can be cooled, frozen, and reheated in the air fryer or oven at the same temperatures until hot and crispy.
Keywords: gluten-free mozzarella sticks, baked mozzarella sticks, gluten-free appetizers, dairy-free mozzarella sticks, air fryer mozzarella sticks, healthy mozzarella sticks
