An easy recipe for gluten-free mozzarella sticks. These crisp and crunchy fried mozzarella cheese sticks are a favorite gluten-free appetizer. These gluten-free mozzarella sticks can be fried, air-fried, or baked. The recipe also includes a how-to video!

Gluten-Free Mozzarella Sticks

Making homemade gluten-free mozzarella sticks is easier than you think! It only takes a few simple ingredients to make this popular appetizer recipe gluten-free.

I have included instructions not only for the traditional frying method, but also how to air-fry or bake the mozzarella sticks. You can see just how easy it is to make these gluten-free mozzarella sticks in the detailed recipe step photos or the recipe video.

Ingredients In Gluten-Free Mozzarella Sticks

Mozzarella String Cheese Sticks: I used mozzarella string cheese sticks. You can also cut your own sticks from a mozzarella cheese block. For the dairy-free option use Miyokos Cashew Milk Mozzarella and slice into small pieces
Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs: The gluten-free bread crumbs are what gives the mozzarella sticks a crispy crust. Gluten-free Panko breadcrumbs has more texture than regular gluten-free breadcrumb, so it is the best choice for getting the crispiest crust. I used 4C gluten-free Panko breadcrumbs.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: This brings extra cheese flavor and crispiness to the mozzarella sticks. For the dairy-free option use Follow Your Heart dairy-free grated Parmesan.
Italian Seasoning and Garlic Powder: These enhance the flavor of the cheese.
Gluten-Free Flour and Corn Starch: They help the eggs cling to the cheese sticks.
Eggs: They help the breading stick to the string cheese sticks.

How To Make Gluten-Free Mozzarella Sticks

To Bread:

Place the gluten-free crumbs in a plastic storage bag. Crush the gluten-free breadcrumbs using a rolling pin until you have fine crumbs. (photo 1)
Add the crushed gluten-free breadcrumbs into a shallow dish. Add the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and grated Parmesan cheese and stir to fully combine the ingredients. (photo 2)
Whisk the eggs together in a shallow dish.
Add the gluten-free all-purpose flour and cornstarch to a shallow bowl and stir to fully combine.
Cut the mozzarella cheese sticks in half.
Dip and roll the mozzarella cheese sticks, one at a time, in the gluten-free flour mixture. Shake off any of the excess gluten-free flour mixture. (photo 3)
Then dip the mozzarella cheese sticks in the whisked egg and let any excess drip off.
Then dip the mozzarella cheese sticks in gluten-free breadcrumb crumb mixture, making sure the entire cheese stick is coated with the breadcrumb mixture.
Repeat the 3 steps (dip in gluten-free flour mixture, whisked egg, and gluten-free breadcrumb mixture) to make a second coating.
Place the breaded mozzarella cheese sticks on a small baking sheet lined with parchment paper and transfer to the freezer to chill for at least one hour. (photo 4)

To Fry

About 5 minutes before the mozzarella cheese sticks are finished chilling, fill a medium-sized saucepan 3-inch deep with vegetable oil, about 3 cups.
Heat the oil over medium heat until you reach a temperature of 350°F.
Fry the breaded mozzarella sticks, 2 at a time, until golden brown (about 1 minute). Place the fried mozzarella sticks on a paper towel-lined plate to cool. (photos 5 & 6)
Enjoy the gluten-free mozzarella while warm dipped in warmed gluten-free marinara sauce.
Store leftovers in an air-tight container and refrigerate.

Can You Air-Fry Or Bake The Mozzarella Sticks?

Yes, the gluten-free mozzarella sticks can be made in the air-fryer or baked in the oven. The instructions of air-frying or baking the mozzarella sticks are in the recipe card notes at the bottom of the page.

Is Mozzarella String Cheese Gluten-Free?

Mozzarella cheese is naturally gluten-free, so Mozzarella string cheese is also gluten-free. I used the Great Value brand string cheese (Walmart’s Brand). Please always check your labels.

Tips For Making The Best Gluten-Free Mozzarella Sticks

Gluten-Free Panko breadcrumbs make the crispiest crust. I buy the 4C gluten-free Panko breadcrumbs at Walmart.
Do not skip the freezer step or your cheese could ooze out during the frying step.
I like peanut oil for frying. Canola or corn oil will work as well.
Use a cooking thermometer to check the temperature of the oil.
I do not recommend skipping doing the second breading step. Coating the cheese stick a second time really makes for the crispiest mozzarella stick.
Make sure to coat the cheese sticks very well. The breading is what keeps the cheese from oozing out during the frying process.

Ingredients Substitutions For Gluten-Free Mozzarella Sticks

I have tested this gluten-free mozzarella recipe with dairy-free ingredient substitutions. For the dairy-free option use Miyokos Cashew Milk Mozzarella and slice into small pieces and used Follow Your Heart dairy-free grated Parmesan for the breading mixture.

Easy Gluten-Free Mozzarella Sticks

If you have been craving mozzarella sticks you are going to love how easy this gluten-free appetizer recipe is to make. You can even make these up a head of time and take out and fry when you are ready to eat them. These gluten-free mozzarella sticks are perfect for your next party or for game day!

Gluten-Free Mozzarella Sticks