Step 1

Preheat the oven or an air fryer to 400°F.

Step 2

Place the ground beef in a large bowl and season with the salt. Use your hands to combine well. Divide the beef into 8 equal portions and form each portion into a ¼-inch-thick rectangle, about 3½ inches by 2 inches.

Step 3

Place one string cheese in the center of a patty. Use your fingers to seal the patty around the cheese; be sure to seal the edges well or the cheese will melt out. Repeat with the remaining patties and cheese. Wrap a slice of bacon around the entire patty, then secure the ends of the bacon with toothpicks. Repeat with the remaining patties and pieces of bacon.

Step 4

Place the wrapped patties on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper if using the oven or in the air fryer basket in a single layer if using an air fryer and bake or cook for about 8 minutes, flipping after 4 minutes, until the bacon is cooked to your liking.

Step 5

Remove the mozzarella sticks from the oven or air fryer and let cool for a few minutes before consuming or the melted cheese will burn your mouth.

Step 6

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in a preheated 400°F oven or air fryer for about 3 minutes, or until heated through.