If you love mozzarella sticks but need them to be gluten free, you are going to really enjoy this recipe. These gluten free fried mozzarella sticks are crispy on the outside, perfectly melty on the inside, and honestly just as good as the regular version.

They are surprisingly easy to make at home. You just need some string cheese, gluten free flour, gluten free breadcrumbs, eggs, and a few simple seasonings.

The trick to getting that perfect crunch without gluten is using a good gluten free breadcrumb coating with Italian seasoning and garlic powder mixed in. It makes all the difference.

Whether you are making these as a snack, an appetizer for game day, or just because you are craving something cheesy, they always hit the spot.

Let me walk you through exactly how I make them so they come out perfect every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Easy to Make – This gluten free fried mozzarella sticks recipe is as simple as dip, coat, and fry. Even if you have never deep fried anything before, you can totally pull these off on your first try.

That Cheese Pull Is Unreal – Using string cheese gives you that amazing gooey cheese stretch when you bite into them. It is honestly so satisfying and makes these mozzarella sticks feel like a real treat.

They Taste Just Like the Restaurant Version – These mozzarella sticks come out golden, crunchy, and perfectly melty on the inside. Nobody will ever guess they are gluten free because they taste exactly like the ones you get at your favorite restaurant.

Perfect Party Snack – Mozzarella sticks are one of those appetizers that literally everyone loves. Bring these to a game day party or a get-together and watch them disappear in minutes.

Ingredients

12 Mozzarella String Cheese Sticks
1/2 cup Gluten Free All-Purpose Flour
2 large Eggs
1 1/2 cups Gluten Free Breadcrumbs
1 tbsp Italian Seasoning
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
2 cups Vegetable Oil

How to Make

Step 1

Unwrap the mozzarella string cheese sticks and place them in the freezer for 1 hour until completely solid. This prevents them from melting too quickly when fried.

Step 2

Set up a breading station with three bowls: put the gluten free all-purpose flour in the first, beat the eggs in the second, and mix the gluten free breadcrumbs, italian seasoning, and garlic powder in the third.

Step 3

Roll each frozen cheese stick in the flour, dip completely in the egg, coat thoroughly in the breadcrumbs, then dip in the egg again and do a second layer of breadcrumbs. Return to the freezer for 30 minutes.

Step 4

Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan to 350 degrees fahrenheit.

Step 5

Carefully fry the breaded cheese sticks in batches for 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Step 6

Remove quickly and drain on paper towels. Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Helpful Tips

Freeze the Cheese Sticks Twice

The recipe calls for freezing the cheese sticks before breading and then again after breading, and both times matter a lot. If the cheese isn’t frozen solid when it hits the hot oil, it will melt right through the coating and you’ll end up with an empty shell and a pan full of melted cheese.

The first freeze gets the cheese hard enough to handle during breading without it getting soft and sticky. The second freeze after breading locks that double coating in place so it stays sealed tight during frying.

Don’t rush either freeze. One hour for the first and a full 30 minutes for the second is what you want.

Keep One Hand Dry and One Hand Wet

When you’re going through the breading station, use one hand for the dry stuff (flour and breadcrumbs) and your other hand for the egg. This keeps the breading from clumping up all over your fingers and making a big mess.

If you use the same hand for everything, the egg and flour will build up on your fingers and you’ll end up breading yourself more than the cheese sticks. It sounds like a small thing but it makes the whole process way smoother.

Don’t Skip the Double Coating

Dipping in egg and breadcrumbs twice is not optional with this recipe. A single layer of breading is too thin and will crack open in the oil, which means the cheese leaks out and you lose the whole stick.

The double coat creates a thick, sturdy shell that holds up in the hot oil long enough for the outside to get golden and crispy while the cheese inside just barely starts to melt. Make sure the first layer of breadcrumbs is fully covering the stick before you go back into the egg for the second round.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I air fry these gluten free mozzarella sticks instead of deep frying?

Absolutely. Preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit and spray the basket with a little cooking spray. Place the frozen mozzarella sticks in a single layer so they’re not touching and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Give them a light spray of oil on top before cooking so the breading crisps up nicely. They won’t be quite as indulgent as the deep-fried version, but they still come out really good and are a lighter option.