Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks: Can You Use Batter?

Mozzarella sticks are a beloved snack, but frying them can be a messy and greasy affair. Fortunately, air fryers offer a convenient, healthier alternative to deep-frying, and they can be used to cook mozzarella sticks to crispy perfection. With an air fryer, you can achieve that coveted golden, crispy exterior and gooey, stretchy interior without the extra calories and mess of traditional frying. This article will explore the process of cooking battered mozzarella sticks in an air fryer, including preparation, cooking time, and serving suggestions.

Freezing mozzarella sticks before cooking

Mozzarella sticks can be frozen before cooking in an air fryer. Freezing the sticks before cooking helps to prevent the coating from sliding off the cheese stick. It also gives the sticks an extra crunch.

To freeze the mozzarella sticks, first, dip them in a lightly beaten egg, then in breadcrumbs. Freeze the sticks for a short period, and then repeat the process to add a second coating. Once the second coating is added, freeze the sticks on a tray until they are completely solid. After they are frozen solid, transfer the sticks to a zip-top freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to three months.

When you are ready to cook the frozen mozzarella sticks, preheat the air fryer to 360°F. Place the frozen sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown. It is important to note that the cook time may vary depending on the brand of air fryer being used, so it is recommended to keep a close eye on the sticks while they are cooking.

The best temperature to cook at

Mozzarella sticks are a great snack, and you can cook them in an air fryer to make them crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. The best temperature to cook battered mozzarella sticks in an air fryer is between 360°F and 400°F.

Some sources suggest cooking battered mozzarella sticks at 360°F, especially when reheating or cooking frozen sticks, as this will ensure the cheese is cooked all the way through without burning the exterior. At this temperature, you should cook the sticks for 8-10 minutes.

However, other sources recommend cooking at a higher temperature of 390°F-400°F for 5-6 minutes, or until the exterior is golden and crispy. This higher temperature will create a crispier exterior, but you must be careful to remove the sticks from the air fryer quickly if the cheese starts to leak out.

It's important to note that every air fryer cooks at a different pace, so it's crucial to keep a close eye on the mozzarella sticks while they're cooking and adjust the temperature and timing accordingly.

Additionally, when cooking frozen mozzarella sticks, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly to ensure the cheese is fully melted.

How long to cook for

The cooking time for battered mozzarella sticks in an air fryer varies depending on the temperature and whether the sticks are frozen or not.

If you are cooking frozen mozzarella sticks, preheat your air fryer to 360°F (183°C). Place the frozen sticks in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with space between each stick. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes. If you are cooking fresh, non-frozen mozzarella sticks, the cooking time will be shorter. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F and place the sticks in the basket, again ensuring they are in a single layer with space between each stick. Spray the sticks with cooking spray or brush them with olive oil. Air fry for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the exterior is golden and crispy.

It is important to keep a close eye on the mozzarella sticks while they are cooking, as the cheese may start to leak out. If this happens, remove the sticks from the air fryer immediately. For best results, serve the mozzarella sticks promptly with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as marinara sauce or ranch.

If you are reheating leftover mozzarella sticks, preheat your air fryer to 390°F and cook for about 5 minutes, or until they are heated through.

How to prevent cheese from leaking

Yes, you can cook battered mozzarella sticks in an air fryer. However, you need to be careful to prevent the cheese from leaking. Here are some tips to prevent cheese leakage:

Freeze the mozzarella sticks before cooking: Freezing the cheese solid helps to reduce the chances of the cheese melting too quickly and leaking out. You can coat the mozzarella sticks with a batter or breadcrumb mixture, freeze them on a tray, and then transfer them to a zip-top bag for storage. When you're ready to cook, place the frozen sticks directly into the air fryer.

Use the right temperature and cook time: Set your air fryer to the correct temperature, which is typically between 360°F and 400°F. The cook time can range from 4 to 10 minutes, depending on the size of the mozzarella sticks and the power of your air fryer. Keep a close eye on them, as they can quickly go from golden brown to leaking cheese.

Double-coat the mozzarella sticks: Before freezing, dip the mozzarella sticks in a lightly beaten egg, then coat them with breadcrumbs. Repeat this process for a second coating. This double layering helps to ensure that the cheese is completely sealed within the breading, reducing the chances of leakage during cooking.

Use a toothpick for grilled cheese: If you're making grilled cheese sandwiches in the air fryer, use a toothpick or two to hold the sandwich together. This prevents the top slice of bread from being blown off by the circulating warm air. Remember to remove the toothpicks before flipping the sandwich.

Line the air fryer basket: To make cleanup easier and catch any leaking cheese, line the air fryer basket with parchment paper. Make sure the parchment paper can withstand the cooking temperature. Alternatively, you can use a mesh tray to redirect airflow and prevent cheese from flying off, but this may not be suitable for all recipes.

Dipping sauces

Mozzarella sticks cooked in an air fryer can be served with a variety of sauces. The most popular choice is a classic tomato-based marinara sauce, but other options include a creamy ranch dressing, Greek yogurt ranch dressing, or even a spicy sriracha mayo. For those who like it sweet and tangy, honey mustard is a great option.

If you want to get creative, you can make your own sauce. One recipe suggests mixing mayo, yellow mustard, BBQ sauce, honey, lemon juice, and a pinch of sugar to taste. You can also experiment with different spices and herbs to create unique flavors.

When serving, it is recommended to warm the sauce slightly to create a smooth and inviting consistency. It is also a good idea to offer a variety of sauces to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences.

Mozzarella sticks are best served warm and gooey, so it is important to let them cool slightly before serving to avoid burning your tongue. They can be garnished with a sprinkle of parsley for an extra touch of flavor.

Frequently asked questions