Air Fryer Wonton Mozzarella Sticks are a fun and crispy twist on classic mozzarella sticks. They’re wrapped in thin wonton wrappers that get perfectly golden and crunchy in the air fryer, with gooey melted cheese inside. These bites are light, crispy on the outside, and so cheesy on the inside—an easy snack that feels a little fancy but is super quick to make.
I love making these when I want something cheesy but don’t want to deal with the mess of deep-frying. The air fryer makes it so simple, and the wonton wrappers create an extra-crispy shell that keeps the cheese from oozing out too fast. Plus, you can toss them in your favorite seasoning or dip them in marinara sauce, ranch, or even something spicy, depending on your mood!
Whenever I make these, they’re gone before I can sit down. They’re perfect for movie nights, casual get-togethers, or whenever I’m craving a snack that hits all the right spots—crispy, cheesy, and satisfying. If you’ve never tried wonton wrappers for something like this, you’re in for a treat that’s as fun to eat as it is to make.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Wonton Wrappers: These thin wrappers give a super crispy shell that cooks quickly in the air fryer. If you don’t have wonton wrappers, spring roll wrappers or even phyllo dough could work but watch the cooking time closely as they can crisp faster.
Mozzarella String Cheese: String cheese is easy to portion and melts perfectly inside. You can use fresh mozzarella sticks or cut slices of a block of mozzarella. For a different flavor, try a mild provolone or Monterey Jack.
Parmesan & Seasoning: Grated Parmesan adds flavor and helps the wrapper get golden. I love adding garlic powder and Italian seasoning, but you can swap in smoked paprika or chili powder for a bit of a kick.
Egg Wash: The egg wash is key to sealing the wontons so the cheese doesn’t leak out. A milk or water wash won’t stick edges as well, so I recommend sticking with egg.
How Do I Seal Wontons So the Cheese Doesn’t Leak Out?
Sealing the wonton edges tightly is important to keep the cheese inside while cooking. Here’s what I do:
- Brush the edges of the wonton wrapper lightly with the egg wash.
- Fold the wrapper over the cheese, pressing gently but firmly to remove any air pockets.
- Use your fingers or the tines of a fork to press along the edges, creating a tight seal.
- Avoid adding too much filling to prevent overflow and cracking during cooking.
- If you’re worried about them opening while air frying, freeze the wrapped sticks for 10-15 minutes first to help them hold their shape.
Following these steps will help keep the cheese inside and the wrappers crisp on the outside!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – I love it because it cooks the wontons evenly and makes them crispy without oil.
- Small mixing bowls – perfect for whisking the egg wash and mixing the Parmesan seasoning.
- Pastry brush or spoon – helps you evenly brush the egg wash on the edges of the wrappers.
- Plate or tray – for placing the assembled wontons before frying.
- Cooking spray – keeps them extra crispy and golden in the air fryer.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap mozzarella with pepper jack or cheddar for a different cheese flavor and a bit of spice.
- Add chopped herbs like basil or oregano to the Parmesan mixture for extra freshness.
- Try coating the wontons with a sprinkle of Everything Bagel seasoning before air frying for an herby, savory crunch.
- Serve with a side of spicy marinara or ranch dressing for a fun dipping option that complements different flavors.
Air Fryer Wonton Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Wonton Sticks:
- 20 wonton wrappers
- 10 mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut in half
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil spray)
For Serving:
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and assemble the wonton mozzarella sticks. Air frying takes 6-8 minutes per batch. Overall, plan for around 25-30 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and easy snack or appetizer.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Egg Wash and Seasoning:
Whisk the egg and water together in a small bowl to create an egg wash. In another bowl, mix the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt. This seasoning mixture will add great flavor and a crispy coating to your wontons.
2. Assemble the Wonton Mozzarella Sticks:
Lay out the wonton wrappers on a clean surface. Place half a mozzarella string cheese stick in the center of each wrapper. Lightly brush the edges of the wrapper with the egg wash, then fold over the wrapper to form a triangle or rectangle. Press the edges firmly to seal, and if you like, crimp the edges with a fork to make sure they stay closed while cooking.
3. Coat and Prepare for Air Frying:
Lightly brush or spray each wrapped wonton with cooking spray, then sprinkle the Parmesan-seasoning mixture evenly over each. This helps the wrappers turn golden and flavorful.
4. Air Fry the Wontons:
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Arrange the wonton sticks in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure not to cover them up or overcrowd. You may need to cook in batches. Air fry them for 6-8 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese inside has melted.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Carefully remove the wontons from the air fryer and let them cool for about 1-2 minutes as the cheese will be hot. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Can I Use Frozen Mozzarella Sticks?
Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before wrapping in wonton wrappers. This prevents excess moisture and helps the wrappers crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
How Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
You can assemble the wonton mozzarella sticks and freeze them on a baking sheet until firm. Transfer to a freezer bag and cook from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the air frying time.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back the crispiness.
Can I Use Different Cheese in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Try pepper jack for some heat or cheddar for a sharper flavor. Just be sure to cut the cheese into sticks so it fits neatly in the wonton wrapper.