Making Mozzarella Sticks In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Yes, you can make mozzarella sticks in an air fryer! They are a tasty, crispy snack that can be prepared and stored in the freezer. When you want a snack, just pop a few into the air fryer.

Mozzarella sticks are easy to make with string cheese and a handful of pantry ingredients. They can be made with regular, low-fat, or nonfat mozzarella sticks, depending on your preference. The process is simple: coat the mozzarella sticks with a layer of egg and breadcrumbs, freeze them, and then repeat the process for a second coating. Then, place them in the air fryer and cook until golden brown and crispy.

Some tips for making mozzarella sticks in an air fryer include using nonstick spray to prevent sticking and working in batches to ensure even cooking. It is also important to freeze the mozzarella sticks before air-frying to allow the crumbs to crisp up without the cheese melting. Additionally, double-coating the sticks will result in extra crunch and help ensure that all parts of the stick are coated evenly.

How to make mozzarella sticks in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Mozzarella cheese sticks
• Breadcrumbs (Panko and/or seasoned)
• Eggs
• Flour
• Olive oil or vegetable oil
• Spices and seasonings (e.g. garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, etc.)
• Cooking spray

Optional Ingredients:

• Parmesan cheese
• Cornstarch
• Cornmeal
• Onion powder
• Oregano
• Basil

Utensils:

• Air fryer
• Shallow bowls or dishes
• Rimmed baking sheet or tray
• Wax paper
• Freezer-safe bag
• Tongs

Method:

• Prepare your breading station. Place flour in a large freezer bag or bowl. Beat eggs in a shallow bowl. Combine breadcrumbs, oil, and spices in another shallow bowl.
• Toss the mozzarella sticks in the flour and shake until completely coated. Working with a few sticks at a time, shake off any excess flour and transfer them to the egg mixture, coating them completely. Then, move the sticks to the breadcrumb mixture and coat them evenly.
• Freeze the breaded mozzarella sticks for at least 30 minutes to an hour.
• Remove the sticks from the freezer and repeat the breading process: dip them into the egg mixture and then coat them with the breadcrumb mixture again.
• Place the double-breaded sticks back in the freezer for another 30 minutes to an hour.
• Preheat your air fryer to 390-400°F.
• Spray the air fryer basket and the mozzarella sticks with cooking spray or oil.
• Place 4-6 sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the basket.
• Air fry the mozzarella sticks for 5-7 minutes, or until the exterior is golden and crispy. Some cheese may start to bubble out.
• Remove the sticks from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara or ranch.

Tips:

• For extra crunch and to ensure even coating, double-coat your mozzarella sticks by repeating the breading process a second time after the initial freeze.
• Freeze the mozzarella sticks completely before air frying to prevent the coating from sliding off and to ensure even cooking.
• Use nonstick spray or oil to prevent the sticks from sticking to the air fryer basket and to help them brown.
• Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
• You can freeze any uncooked, breaded mozzarella sticks for up to 2-6 months and cook them straight from frozen.

The best type of cheese to use

Mozzarella sticks are a popular snack, and for good reason—they're oozy, gooey, and irresistible. But when it comes to making them in an air fryer, what type of cheese should you use? Here's everything you need to know to ensure you get that perfect, cheesy pull.

The Classic Choice: Mozzarella

The star of the show in mozzarella sticks is, of course, the mozzarella cheese. When selecting your cheese, opt for full-fat mozzarella sticks or string cheese, as these will give you the best melt and stretch. While low-fat options are available, they may result in a slightly rubbery texture.

The Creative Twist: Mix It Up

If you're feeling adventurous, you can experiment with different types of string cheese. Try swapping out the mozzarella for flavours like cheddar or even vegan mozzarella. Just keep in mind that different cheeses have varying melting points and textures, so your cooking time and temperature may need adjustments to achieve the perfect result.

The Double-Coating Secret: Freezing

The key to success with air fryer mozzarella sticks is freezing. After coating your cheese, be sure to freeze it for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight. This step is crucial to ensuring the cheese is nice and frozen when it hits the hot air fryer. It gives the coating a chance to crisp up and turn golden brown before the cheese starts to melt and ooze out.

The Crunch Factor: Breadcrumbs

To get that satisfying crunch, a combination of seasoned breadcrumbs and Panko breadcrumbs works best. The seasoned breadcrumbs add flavour, while the Panko provides an extra crispy texture. Don't forget to double-coat your cheese sticks for an extra crunchy bite!

The Binding Agent: Eggs

Eggs are the unsung heroes of mozzarella sticks. They act as the glue that holds the coating to the cheese. When preparing your cheese sticks, be sure to dip them in egg not once, but twice, for that extra insurance against coating slide-off.

In conclusion, when making mozzarella sticks in an air fryer, opt for full-fat mozzarella string cheese, freeze your coated cheese, and don't skimp on the eggs and breadcrumbs. With these tips, you'll be on your way to creating the perfect, crispy, and gooey mozzarella sticks at home.

The importance of freezing the mozzarella sticks

Freezing mozzarella sticks is an important step in the air-frying process and can make or break the final result. Here are some reasons why freezing the mozzarella sticks is crucial:

Prevent Cheese from Melting Out

Freezing the sticks before air-frying helps the breading crisp up without the cheese melting out. This ensures that the cheese stays inside the sticks and prevents it from oozing out or leaking during cooking. It is important to note that the breading should be thoroughly coated and that the sticks are completely frozen before placing them in the air fryer.

Achieve a Crispy Texture

Freezing the mozzarella sticks contributes to the desired crispy texture on the outside. When frozen, the breading becomes firmer and develops a crunchy texture once cooked in the air fryer. This contrast between the crispy exterior and gooey, melted cheese on the inside makes for a delightful snack or appetizer.

Convenience and Storage

Freezing mozzarella sticks allows for convenient storage and the ability to prepare them ahead of time. You can make a large batch and freeze them for later consumption. Frozen mozzarella sticks can be stored in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to three months. This way, you can enjoy freshly cooked mozzarella sticks whenever the craving strikes without having to go through the entire preparation process each time.

Prevent Sticking to the Air Fryer Basket

Freezing the mozzarella sticks also helps prevent them from sticking to the air fryer basket. When frozen, the cheese is less likely to melt and adhere to the basket. This ensures that the sticks release easily and makes for easier cleanup after cooking.

Consistency and Even Cooking

Freezing the mozzarella sticks helps ensure even cooking and consistent results. When frozen, the sticks can be cooked directly from the freezer, eliminating the need for thawing. This not only saves time but also helps maintain the shape and texture of the sticks during cooking. Freezing prevents the sticks from becoming soggy, which could lead to uneven cooking and a less desirable final product.

How long to cook the mozzarella sticks for

The cooking time for your mozzarella sticks will vary depending on the air fryer you are using and the number of sticks being cooked. As a general rule, the sticks should be cooked for 5-7 minutes at 390°F (198.3°C). However, it is important to keep an eye on them as they cook, as the cheese can start to melt and ooze out of the breading.

To ensure even cooking, it is recommended to cook the sticks in batches, arranging them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your fryer's basket, you can cook between 4-6 sticks at a time.

When cooking, you should look for the cheese to start bubbling out and the exterior to turn golden brown. This will usually happen within 5-7 minutes, but it is important to keep an eye on them as they can be ready in as little as 4 minutes.

If you are cooking frozen mozzarella sticks, the cooking time may be slightly longer, around 6-8 minutes. It is also recommended to cook them at a lower temperature, such as 360°F (183°C), to prevent them from splitting open and oozing cheese.

For best results, it is important to preheat your air fryer before adding the mozzarella sticks. This will help ensure that the breading has time to crisp up and turn golden brown before the cheese starts to melt.

Once they are ready, remove the mozzarella sticks from the air fryer and let them cool down slightly before serving. Enjoy!

What to serve with mozzarella sticks

Mozzarella sticks are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of foods. Here are some ideas on what to serve with them:

Sauces

Mozzarella sticks are commonly served with a sauce for dipping. While marinara sauce is a popular choice, there are many other options to explore. You can try making your own marinara sauce with olive oil, onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, pepper, and basil as a garnish. Alternatively, you can make a charred blender salsa with tomatoes, Serrano peppers or jalapenos, salt, garlic, and lime juice. For a healthier option, you can make a Lebanese garlic sauce called toum, which is a bold, garlic-based sauce made with salt, lemon juice, oil, and garlic. You can also try serving the mozzarella sticks with pesto sauce, labneh (a Levantine dish made with Greek yogurt and salt), hummus, or ranch dressing.

Main Dishes

Mozzarella sticks can be served as a side dish alongside various main courses. Here are some ideas:

• Pizza: Make your own pizza or order one and serve it with mozzarella sticks. You can even make it an interactive meal by letting everyone customize their pizza with their preferred toppings.
• Spaghetti and meatballs: This classic dish pairs well with the cheesiness of mozzarella sticks.
• Grilled chicken Caesar salad: The crunch of the mozzarella sticks complements the grilled elements of this salad.
• Burgers: Juicy burgers with a secret ingredient (crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs) will be a hit alongside mozzarella sticks.
• BBQ ribs: These fall-off-the-bone ribs are a perfect match for the cheesiness of mozzarella sticks.
• Chicken shawarma: This Lebanese street food can be served inside a pita or flatbread with garlic or tahini sauce, creating a flavourful combination with mozzarella sticks.

Side Dishes

If you're making mozzarella sticks the main attraction, here are some side dish ideas to complete the meal:

• Garlic bread: Easy to make and perfect for dipping into any leftover marinara sauce.
• Caesar salad: The cold, crispy lettuce and Parmesan cheese pair well with warm mozzarella sticks. You can also add grilled chicken to the salad for an extra boost of protein.
• Caramelized mushrooms: This vegan option provides a great flavour combination when served with mozzarella sticks.
• Veggie platter or charcuterie board: Customize it with your favourite finger foods and serve with a dip.
• Onion rings: Make your own or try a restaurant-style recipe, and don't forget the dipping sauce!

Frequently asked questions