Wonton mozzarella sticks in the air fryer are a quick and simple appetizer for game day or as an after-school snack. Plus, I think it’s the easiest way to make homemade mozzarella sticks.
They are simply made using cheese sticks and wontons or rice wrappers. They are air fried until golden brown and melted inside – then dip them in your favorite sauce. Simply perfection!
One of the best things about the air fryer is how simple it is to make yummy appetizers and snacks without heating up the whole house with the oven. Some of our favorites are: Classic Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks, Air Fryer Pizza, and Homemade Pizza Rolls in the Air Fryer.
Grab some pizza sauce and you’ve got a tray of appetizers and a bowl of dip that will work for almost any occasion.
What are Wonton Mozzarella Sticks?
While most mozzarella sticks are made using an egg wash and bread crumb coating, Wonton Mozzarella Sticks use wonton wrappers (or rice wrappers for a gluten-free option) as the envelope that holds gooey, melted mozzarella cheese. These finger foods are perfect for serving as an afternoon snack or appetizer for a get-together. They’re filling and delicious!
Wonton Mozzarella Sticks vs. Traditional Mozzarella Sticks
I am a fan of traditional mozzarella sticks; the kind you get at a restaurant that has a crumbly breadcrumb coating and gooey cheese inside. There are admittedly a bit different. If you’re looking for that kind, you can find the link here.
This kind, however, made with a wonton or egg roll wrapper, is a great option. They aren’t messy to make, you don’t need any oil, and you can add other things to your wrapper if you’d like (something you can’t do with traditional mozzarella sticks).
How can I doctor up my Mozzarella Sticks?
This recipe calls for adding sliced sundried tomatoes to your cheese, but you can add all kinds of things – or nothing at all – to your mozzarella sticks! Here are some ideas if you want to jazz up the flavor:
- Crumbled bacon bits
- Seasonings like Italian seasoning, rosemary, or garlic powder
- A bit of pizza sauce
- Salsa and green onions
- Sauteed onions
- Bruschetta mix
- Fresh basil leaves
- Shredded chicken or pork
What can I dip my Mozzarella Sticks in?
We love all kinds of sauces and melted mozzarella cheese is one of the best vehicles for sauce that I can think of! This post includes a recipe for traditional marinara sauce, a perfect sauce for mozzarella sticks. But in case you need more ideas, here are some options for dipping your mozzarella sticks:
- Pizza sauce
- Marinara sauce
- Ranch dressing
- Blue cheese dressing
- BBQ sauce
- Salsa
- Sour cream
- Taco sauce
- Sriracha
- Spicy mayo
- Chipotle mayo
- Garlic aioli
- Yum yum sauce
Ingredients for Wonton Mozzarella Sticks
You’ll Need:
For the Mozzarella Sticks:
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks
- 12 wonton wrappers or rice wrappers for gluten-free
- 1/4 cup julienne sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Homemade Marinara Sauce:
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon basil
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
How to Make Wonton Mozzarella Sticks in the Air Fryer
STEP ONE: Prep the mozzarella sticks. Lay the wonton or rice wrappers on a clean surface. Spray with nonstick cooking spray.
STEP TWO: Assemble the mozzarella sticks. Place a mozzarella stick onto each wrapper. Add 1-2 teaspoons of chopped sun-dried tomatoes and sprinkle with garlic salt and Italian seasoning. Fold the edges in and roll up. Place the mozzarella sticks onto the air fryer tray. Spray the outside with nonstick cooking spray and sprinkle with additional Italian seasoning.
STEP THREE: Air Fry. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Bake for 10- 12 minutes or until golden brown.
How to Make Homemade Marinara Sauce
STEP ONE: Make the marinara. In a large stockpot, add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, garlic salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, brown sugar, onion powder, and minced garlic. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Simmer for at least 30 minutes.
STEP TWO: Serve. Serve the mozzarella sticks hot, dipped in marinara sauce.
Helpful Notes and Tips
- I recommend making your marinara before you make your mozzarella sticks and keeping it warm until it’s time to serve them.
- Serve hot for best results! As these cool, the mozzarella inside will harden and they won’t be as ooey gooey.
- You can flip your mozzarella sticks halfway through cooking if it seems as though they aren’t cooking evenly.
- You can place parchment in your basket to catch any crumbs or cheese that might fall. This makes clean-up a breeze!
- Spraying with cooking spray before your roll your wrappers will help them to roll up a lot easier.
- Instead of using store-bought cooking spray, I recommend fresh olive or sunflower oil for use in your air fryer. This helps the basket to age much slower. Just put a bit of oil in a mister bottle or spray bottle and spray.
- If you cook these too long, they could burst open and cheese will drip down into the air fryer, so don’t overbake!
Variations and Substitutions
Cheese – Mozzarella is a clear favorite, but you can use other varieties of cheese strings or sticks. I also prefer the full-fat version because it’s creamier, but a low-fat cheese stick will also work.
Make Pizza Cheese Sticks – Add pepperoni and a bit of pizza sauce to the inside of your wrapper.
Storage and Reheating
You can keep your mozzarella sticks in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
You can absolutely freeze your mozzarella sticks, too! In fact, this is a great way to make a big batch all at once for a party or to just pull out a few every now and then. They’ll last well in the freezer for 2-3 months.
How to Reheat Mozzarella Sticks
You can reheat your mozzarella sticks in the air fryer or the oven. Simply preheat to 350 and place the mozzarella sticks in the heat for 7-8 minutes. This should help them stay crispy and re-melt the cheese.
I don’t recommend using the microwave for reheating. The mozzarella sticks will be mushy instead of crispy on the outside.
FAQs
Your cheese came out for one of three reasons. You didn’t wrap your wrapper firmly around your cheese, you over-stuffed your wonton wrapper, or you cooked them too long. Any of these things will lead to a cheese explosion!
If your wrappers aren’t big enough to hold your mozzarella sticks, you can easily cut them in half. Either use half in one wrapper, or lay the halves beside one another for a more square shape.
You can use a light spray of oil on the wrappers, or you can lightly wet your fingertips. If you wrappers seem like they are cracking, allow them to come to room temperature before using them. Always roll slowly and carefully.
Wonton Mozzarella Sticks Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks
- 12 wonton wrappers rice wrappers for gluten-free
- 1/4 cup julienne sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Homemade Marinara Sauce
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon basil
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Prep the mozzarella sticks. Lay the wonton or rice wrappers on a clean surface. Spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- Assemble the mozzarella sticks. Place a mozzarella stick onto each wrapper. Add 1-2 teaspoons of chopped sun-dried tomatoes and sprinkle with garlic salt and Italian seasoning. Fold the edges in and roll up. Place the mozzarella sticks onto the air fryer tray. Spray the outside with nonstick cooking spray and sprinkle with additional Italian seasoning.
- Air Fry. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Bake for 10- 12 minutes or until golden browned.
Homemade Marinara Sauce
- Make the marinara. In a large stockpot, add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, garlic salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, brown sugar, onion powder, and minced garlic. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Simmer for at least 30 minutes.
- Serve. Serve the mozzarella sticks hot dipped in marinara sauce.
Notes
- I recommend making your marinara before you make your mozzarella sticks and keeping it warm until it’s time to serve them.
- Serve hot for best results! As these cool, the mozzarella inside will harden and they won’t be as ooey gooey.
- You can flip your mozzarella sticks halfway through cooking if it seems as though they aren’t cooking evenly.
- You can place parchment in your basket to catch any crumbs or cheese that might fall. This makes clean-up a breeze!
- Spraying with cooking spray before your roll your wrappers will help them to roll up a lot easier.
- Instead of using store-bought cooking spray, I recommend fresh olive or sunflower oil for use in your air fryer. This helps the basket to age much slower. Just put a bit of oil in a mister bottle or spray bottle and spray.
- If you cook these too long, they could burst open and cheese will drip down into the air fryer, so don’t overbake!
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