Air Fryer Pesto Mozzarella Rice Paper Sticks (Gluten-Free Snack)

Air Fryer Pesto Mozzarella Rice Paper Sticks: Cheesy, Golden Bites with a Twist

If you’re looking for a quick, satisfying snack that feels a little different but uses simple ingredients, these Air Fryer Pesto Mozzarella Rice Paper Sticks are exactly that. They take humble rice paper and turn it into something surprisingly indulgent, wrapping melty mozzarella and fragrant pesto into neat, golden sticks that are ready in minutes. The double wrap gives them structure, while the air fryer does all the work, creating a lightly golden exterior and a soft, cheesy centre. They’re naturally gluten-free, require no dough, and are perfect for everything from casual snacking to party platters. If you enjoyed my rice paper creations like the Air Fryer Pesto Parmesan Rice Paper Rings or the Crispy Air Fryer Rice Paper Cheese Balls, this one is another must-try.

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Simple Ingredients, Big Flavours

What makes this recipe so appealing is how a few everyday ingredients come together to create something full of flavour and texture. Each element has a purpose:

Rice paper sheets – The base of the recipe, creating a light wrap that softens beautifully and holds everything together. You can find rice paper in Asian grocery stores or in the Asian section of most major supermarkets. If you’ve tried my Rice Paper Chicken Nori Rolls or Crispy Rice Paper Mozzarella Chips, you already know how versatile they are.
Eggs and milk – This mixture softens the rice paper and helps it bind, giving the sticks more structure once cooked.
Basil pesto – Brings a bold, herby flavour that pairs perfectly with the cheese.
Mozzarella – Melts into a soft, stretchy centre that makes every bite satisfying.
Sesame seeds – Add a light crunch and a subtle nutty finish.
Yogurt dipping sauce – A quick mix of yogurt, ketchup, and mustard that balances the richness with a creamy, tangy contrast.

How to Make Air Fryer Pesto Mozzarella Rice Paper Sticks

Preparing the Egg Mixture and Rice Paper

Start by whisking together the eggs and milk in a shallow plate that’s slightly larger than your rice paper sheets. This step is key for softening the rice paper just enough without making it too fragile. Working one piece at a time, briefly dip a rice paper sheet into the mixture. Do not let it fully soften at this stage, as it will continue to soften while you assemble.

Rice paper sheet briefly dipped into egg and milk mixture before rolling — A quick dip in the egg mixture softens the rice paper for easy rolling

Place it on a clean surface, spread a thin layer of pesto over it, and add grated mozzarella in a log shape along the edge closest to you.

Rice paper sheet topped with pesto and grated mozzarella before rolling — A layer of pesto and mozzarella is added before rolling

Rolling and Double Wrapping

Roll the rice paper tightly, folding in the sides as you go to fully enclose the filling.

Rolling rice paper around pesto and mozzarella filling into a tight stick — Roll tightly, folding the sides in to seal the filling

Then comes the important step: the second wrap. Dip another rice paper sheet into the egg mixture and place it on your surface. Position the first roll along the edge and wrap it again, folding in the sides to seal it completely. This double layer is what keeps the cheese from leaking and gives the sticks a more satisfying bite. Repeat with the remaining ingredients, working steadily so the rice paper doesn’t over-soften.

Wrapping a second layer of rice paper around the mozzarella stick — A second wrap seals everything in and prevents leaking

Air Frying to Golden Perfection

Lightly spray your air fryer basket with olive oil and arrange the sticks in a single layer, leaving space between each one. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and give them a light spray of oil on top. Air fry at 200°C/400°F for 10–12 minutes until they turn lightly golden. For an even finish, flip them over during the final 2 minutes so the bottom can colour as well.

Rice paper sticks in air fryer basket sprinkled with sesame seeds before cooking — Adding sesame seeds over the rolls just before air frying

While they cook, mix together the yogurt, ketchup, and mustard for a quick dipping sauce.

Hands holding a warm air-fried rice paper mozzarella stick — Freshly air-fried stick, ready to enjoy

Why We Love These Rice Paper Sticks

There’s something very satisfying about turning such simple ingredients into something that feels this indulgent. These sticks are quick to prepare, require no dough, and rely on pantry staples you likely already have. The combination of pesto and mozzarella is always a winner, and the rice paper adds a unique texture that makes them stand out from traditional cheese snacks. They’re also incredibly versatile. You can switch up the filling depending on what you have, whether that’s sun-dried tomato spread, different cheeses, or even adding a bit of cooked chicken. If you’ve enjoyed experimenting with my rice paper recipes like the Crispy Chicken Rice Paper Rolls (Air Fryer, High Protein) or Feta and Spinach Rice Paper Rolls (Air Fryer, Gluten-Free), this is another great way to get creative in the kitchen. Best of all, they’re naturally gluten-free, making them a great option for sharing

Perfect for Any Occasion

These Air Fryer Pesto Mozzarella Rice Paper Sticks fit into almost any moment. They’re quick enough for a casual snack, but also work beautifully as a party appetiser or part of a sharing platter. Serve them fresh from the air fryer for the best texture, paired with the simple yogurt dipping sauce or any dip you love. They’re also great for entertaining because they can be prepared ahead of time and cooked just before serving. If you’re putting together a snack spread, they pair well with other small bites like my Rice Paper Chicken Sausage Rolls or Crispy Salmon Squares, creating a mix of textures and flavours that everyone will enjoy. Leftovers can be reheated, though they’re definitely at their best when freshly made.

Instagram Tutorial & More

Want to see exactly how these come together? Watch our quick video tutorial on Instagram and don’t miss out on our other rice paper and air fryer recipes. If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like:

Scroll down to the printable recipe card for full measurements and step-by-step instructions.

Happy cooking,
Izabella

Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 12 mins

Total Time 27 mins

Cooking Method: Air frying

Cuisine: Fusion, Modern

Courses: Appetizer, Lunch, Snack

Difficulty: Beginner

Servings: 6

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

These Air Fryer Pesto Mozzarella Rice Paper Sticks are a quick and easy gluten-free snack made with simple ingredients. Rice paper is layered with pesto and mozzarella, then wrapped twice to create a secure, no-dough coating. As they cook, the cheese melts into a soft, stretchy centre while the outside turns lightly golden. The double wrap helps prevent any filling from leaking, making them reliable and fuss-free. They come together in minutes and are perfect for snacking, sharing, or serving as an appetiser. Serve warm with a simple yogurt-based dip for extra flavour.

Ingredients

For the sticks

2 eggs
2 tbsp milk
12 rice paper sheets (16 cm in diameter, 6 inches))
1 tbsp basil pesto
110 g mozzarella, grated (1 cup)
Sesame seeds, for garnish

For the sauce

2 tbsp plain yogurt
1 tsp ketchup
1 tsp mustard

Instructions

1
In a shallow plate slightly larger than your rice paper sheets, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth. Working one at a time, briefly dip a rice paper sheet into the mixture, making sure not to let it fully soften as it will continue softening during assembly. Place it on a clean, flat surface, spread about 1/2 tsp of pesto evenly over it, then add a small amount of grated mozzarella in a log shape along the edge closest to you. Roll it up tightly, folding in the sides as you go so the filling is completely enclosed.
2
Quickly dip a second rice paper sheet into the egg mixture and place it on your work surface. Position the wrapped mozzarella roll along the edge closest to you, then roll again, folding in the sides to create a double wrap. This extra layer helps prevent the cheese from leaking during cooking. Set aside and repeat with the remaining rice paper sheets, pesto, and mozzarella until all the rolls are assembled.
3
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil and arrange the rolls in a single layer. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, spray lightly with a bit more oil, and air fry at 200°C/400°F for 10–12 minutes, until golden. For the sauce, simply mix together the yogurt, ketchup, and mustard, and serve alongside the warm rice paper sticks.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6 ServingCalories:157.78kcalTotal Fat:6.46gCholesterol:68.52mgSodium:170.73mgPotassium:40.31mgTotal Carbohydrate:18.35gDietary Fiber: 0.34gSugars: 0.59gProtein:6.19gVitamin A: 58.05IUVitamin C: 0mgCalcium: 110.98mgIron: 0.61mgVitamin D: 0.42IUVitamin E: 0.18IUVitamin K: 0.47mcgVitamin B6: 0.03mgVitamin B12: 0.56mcgPhosphorus: 97.48mgMagnesium: 5.88mgZinc: 0.73mg

Note

Do not oversoak the rice paper. A quick dip is enough, as the sheets will continue to soften during assembly. Oversoaking will make them sticky, fragile, and harder to roll neatly.
Work one piece at a time. Rice paper softens quickly, so it’s best to dip, fill, and roll each sheet individually rather than prepping multiple at once.
Double wrapping is key. The second layer of rice paper creates a stronger seal and helps prevent the mozzarella from leaking during cooking. Do not skip this step.
Keep the rolls tight and sealed. Roll firmly and fold the sides in well so there are no gaps, as any openings can cause the cheese to escape.
Cheese choice matters. Use low-moisture mozzarella for best results. Fresh mozzarella contains more water and may lead to excess moisture or leaking.
Texture note. These are best enjoyed warm. Straight from the air fryer they have a lightly golden exterior, but as they sit, the texture softens while the centre stays melty.
Air fryer tips. Arrange the sticks in a single layer with space between them. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
Extra crispness tip. For a more even golden finish, flip the sticks over during the final 2 minutes of cooking so the bottom can crisp up as well.
No air fryer. You can bake them in a preheated oven at 200°C/400°F (fan) for about 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
Customise the filling. Swap pesto for sun-dried tomato spread, tapenade, or a simple herb and garlic mix. Add-ins like cooked chicken or finely chopped vegetables also work well.
Make ahead option. Assemble the rolls in advance and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours before cooking. Cook just before serving for the best texture.

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