Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks: Can You Cook Them?

Mozzarella sticks are a popular snack, but can you cook them in an air fryer? The answer is yes, and it's a quick and easy process. You can cook frozen mozzarella sticks straight from the freezer, or make your own from scratch. It's important to note that you should not use foil or cooking spray with frozen mozzarella sticks, but you can use them when making the snack from scratch.

How to make mozzarella sticks in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Mozzarella cheese sticks (8)
• Flour (1 cup)
• Eggs (3 large)
• Panko breadcrumbs (2 cups)
• Olive oil (3 tablespoons)
• Garlic powder (1 teaspoon)
• Salt (1 teaspoon)
• Grated parmesan cheese (1/3 cup)
• Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon)
• Non-stick cooking spray
• Marinara sauce (optional)

Method:

• In a shallow dish, beat the eggs with a fork or whisk and set aside.
• Add the flour to a large freezer bag or bowl and set aside.
• Pour the breadcrumbs into another shallow dish and drizzle with olive oil. Toss until the crumbs are coated.
• Add the garlic powder, salt, and parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture and whisk until well combined.
• Unwrap the mozzarella cheese sticks.
• Toss the cheese sticks in the flour and shake until completely coated.
• Working with 2-3 sticks at a time, shake off any excess flour and add the sticks to the egg mixture, rolling until coated.
• Transfer the sticks to the breadcrumb mixture and roll and press until evenly coated.
• Add the breaded cheese sticks back to the egg mixture, rolling to coat all sides.
• Roll the sticks again in the breadcrumbs, ensuring no cheese is visible.
• Place the breaded cheese sticks in a single layer on a sheet pan or baking dish sprayed with cooking spray.
• Repeat the above process until all the sticks are completely double-breaded.
• Freeze the sticks for at least an hour until the breading is firm.
• Preheat your air fryer to between 360-390°F.
• Spray the fry basket with cooking spray.
• Quickly add 4-6 sticks in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch. You may need to work in batches.
• Cook the mozzarella sticks for 5-8 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
• Serve with your favourite marinara sauce or dipping sauce.

Tips:

• For extra flavour, add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the breadcrumbs.
• To ensure the breading sticks to the cheese, use a mix of flour and water as a binding agent.
• If you are using frozen mozzarella sticks, there is no need to thaw them first.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this will prevent the cheese from cooking evenly.
• Flipping the cheese sticks halfway through cooking will help you gauge their doneness.

How to store and reheat mozzarella sticks

Storing Mozzarella Sticks

To store mozzarella sticks, place them in an airtight container with a lid and store them in the fridge. They will last for up to two days, although one source suggests they can last up to three days.

Reheating Mozzarella Sticks

To reheat mozzarella sticks, place them in the air fryer at 350-360°F for 3-4 minutes, turning them halfway through. Keep a close eye on them as they may split open if you heat them for too long.

Tips

• It is best to cook mozzarella sticks right before serving, as they are best when fresh out of the air fryer.
• If you are reheating frozen mozzarella sticks, do not thaw them before placing them in the air fryer.
• If you are cooking frozen mozzarella sticks, you may need to adjust the cooking time depending on your air fryer.

What to serve with mozzarella sticks

Mozzarella sticks are a versatile snack that can be served with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas for what to serve with your air-fried mozzarella sticks:

Salads

A fresh salad can be a great way to balance out the richness of the mozzarella sticks. You can make a simple garden salad or get creative with your favourite vegetables and greens. A classic Caesar salad is also a good option, as the crispiness of the mozzarella sticks will add a nice texture contrast to the salad.

Dipping Sauces

Mozzarella sticks are often served with a dipping sauce. While marinara sauce is a classic choice, you can also get creative with other options such as BBQ sauce, ranch, buffalo sauce, or even a Greek yogurt ranch dressing.

Appetizers and Snacks

Mozzarella sticks can be a great addition to a party spread or appetizer platter. Serve them alongside other snacks like pigs in a blanket, jalapeno poppers, or spinach balls.

Soups

A warm and comforting soup can be a great pairing with mozzarella sticks. Tomato soup is a classic choice, but you could also try a creamy mushroom soup or a carrot ginger soup.

Mains

If you're serving mozzarella sticks as part of a larger meal, they can go well with a variety of main dishes. Here are some ideas:

• Chicken: Grilled chicken breasts are a versatile option that pairs well with mozzarella sticks.
• Fish: Baked or grilled fish, such as salmon, can be a delicious and light main dish to serve with mozzarella sticks.
• Pasta: A pesto pasta dish or a sheet pan pizza can be a hearty and satisfying pairing with mozzarella sticks.
• Meatballs: Meatballs in marinara sauce can be a tasty and fun option, as the sauce is perfect for dipping.
• Ribs: Sticky and fall-off-the-bone ribs can be a delicious and indulgent pairing with mozzarella sticks. Don't forget to make extra barbecue sauce for dipping!

Sides

Some other side dishes that can complement mozzarella sticks include:

• Garlic bread: Freshly baked garlic bread can be a delicious and fragrant pairing with mozzarella sticks.
• Crispy vegetables: Breaded and fried or baked vegetables, such as green beans, cauliflower, or broccoli, can add a nice crunch and a healthier option to your meal.
• Pickles: Pickled cucumbers or peppers can be a refreshing and acidic contrast to the richness of the mozzarella sticks.
• Totchos: A fun twist on traditional nachos, totchos use tater tots instead of tortilla chips and can be topped with classic toppings or something more creative like pulled pork and peach salsa.

So, whether you're serving mozzarella sticks as a snack, appetizer, or part of a larger meal, there are plenty of delicious options to choose from!

The best type of cheese for mozzarella sticks

Mozzarella sticks are a popular snack, but what type of cheese is best for this delicious treat? Here are some tips and suggestions for choosing the perfect cheese for your mozzarella sticks.

Firstly, it is important to choose a good-quality mozzarella. As the name suggests, mozzarella is the key ingredient in mozzarella sticks. Look for a low-moisture variety, as this will help prevent explosions in your fryer. Fresh mozzarella or cheese that has been sitting in water has a higher moisture content and is more likely to cause issues when frying. A Wisconsin mozzarella is a great option, but you can also find good-quality mozzarella from brands like Polly-O, Trader Joe's, and Whole Foods' 365 Everyday Value.

When it comes to the shape of the cheese, you can use either string cheese or a block of mozzarella that you cut into sticks. String cheese is convenient and easy to work with, but a block of whole milk mozzarella will give you a better flavour and yield more sticks. If you are using a block of mozzarella, cut the cheese into sticks that are approximately 3 inches long and 3/4 inch thick.

Another important factor to consider is the temperature of the cheese. Colder cheese is easier to work with, so it is best to use cheese that is fresh from the fridge. If you need to cut the cheese, try to do so before it comes to room temperature, as it may start to break apart and become fragile.

Finally, when preparing your mozzarella sticks, it is essential to freeze them before frying. This helps the coating solidify and ensures that the cheese can withstand the heat of the fryer. Freeze the prepared mozzarella sticks for at least one hour, or until the breading is firm.

By following these tips and choosing a good-quality, low-moisture mozzarella, you can ensure that your mozzarella sticks turn out perfectly crispy and delicious!

How to make homemade mozzarella sticks

Ingredients:

• Mozzarella cheese (block or string)
• Breadcrumbs (Panko is recommended)
• Flour (all-purpose)
• Eggs
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Salt
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Method:

• Prepare three bowls for coating the mozzarella sticks: one with flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder; one with beaten eggs; and one with breadcrumbs and Italian seasoning. If using, add olive oil and parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs and mix until well combined.
• Take a piece of mozzarella and dip it into each bowl in the following order: first the egg, then the flour, then the egg again, and lastly the breadcrumbs. This double-coating process is crucial to ensuring the cheese doesn't escape during frying.
• Place the coated mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet lined with wax paper or parchment paper. Make sure they are not touching. Freeze for at least 30 minutes to an hour.
• Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
• Spray the air fryer basket and the mozzarella sticks with cooking spray or olive 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 5-8 minutes, or until the exterior is golden and crispy. Some cheese might start to bubble out.
• Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favourite dipping sauce, such as marinara or ranch dressing.

Tips:

• If you want to freeze the mozzarella sticks for later, coat them as per the recipe and freeze them solid after the second coating. Then, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag and freeze for up to three months.
• When ready to cook, reduce the air fryer temperature to 360°F and increase the cook time to 8-10 minutes for frozen cheese sticks.
• Choose full-fat mozzarella sticks for the best texture. Low-fat sticks may result in a rubbery texture.
• Make sure the mozzarella sticks are completely frozen before air frying to ensure even cooking.

Frequently asked questions