Make the best crispy gluten-free mozzarella sticks with this easy recipe. Includes baked, air fryer, and deep fryer options for perfectly gooey cheese and a crunchy gluten-free coating every time.
These Crispy Gluten-Free Mozzarella Sticks are everything you love about the classic appetizer with a delicious gluten-free twist. Each mozzarella stick is coated in a perfectly seasoned crispy gluten-free panko crust and baked until golden brown with a warm, gooey center. They are ideal for game day, family movie nights, holiday gatherings, or whenever you are craving a comforting snack. Best of all, this easy recipe requires only a handful of ingredients and can be prepared ahead of time by freezing before baking.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Freeze Time
2 hours
Bake Time
10 minutes
Total Time
2 hours 25 minutes
Servings
8 servings
8 mozzarella sticks
⅓ cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
⅔ cup gluten-free panko breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 large eggs, whisked
Nonstick cooking spray or parchment paper
Optional for Serving
Marinara sauce
Ranch dressing
Fresh chopped parsley
Grated Parmesan cheese
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese
Cut each mozzarella stick in half to create 16 smaller pieces. Line a baking sheet or plate with parchment paper.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
Place the whisked eggs in one shallow bowl. Add the gluten-free flour to a second bowl. In a third bowl, combine the gluten-free panko breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until evenly mixed.
Step 3: Coat the Mozzarella
Dip each mozzarella piece into the egg, then coat it in the gluten-free flour. Dip it back into the egg, then thoroughly coat it with the seasoned gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs gently onto the cheese to help them adhere. For an even thicker, crunchier coating, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps one additional time.
Step 4: Freeze
Arrange the breaded mozzarella sticks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Freeze for at least 2 hours, or until completely firm. Freezing is essential to keep the cheese from melting too quickly during baking.
Step 5: Bake Until Crispy
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly spray the frozen mozzarella sticks with nonstick cooking spray to encourage even browning. Bake for 5 minutes, carefully turn each stick over, and continue baking for another 5 minutes, or until the coating is golden brown and crispy while the cheese is just beginning to melt.
Step 6: Serve
Allow the mozzarella sticks to cool for 1 to 2 minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Oven Air Fryer Option
Preheat the air fryer to 390°F. Arrange the frozen mozzarella sticks in a single layer, leaving space between each piece. Air fry for 6 to 8 minutes, turning halfway through cooking, until the coating is crisp and golden and the cheese is just beginning to ooze.
Deep Fryer Option
Heat vegetable, canola, or avocado oil to 350°F. Fry the frozen mozzarella sticks in small batches for 1½ to 2 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate before serving.
Freezing the breaded mozzarella sticks before baking or frying is the key to preventing the cheese from leaking.
For extra crunch, double coat each mozzarella stick with an additional layer of egg and gluten-free panko.
Store leftover frozen, uncooked mozzarella sticks in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen without thawing.
Serve with marinara, spicy marinara, garlic aioli, ranch dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce.
