Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Mozzarella sticks are a beloved snack, but they're not always the healthiest option due to the extra calories and unhealthy fats from deep frying. However, you can now make them at home in an air fryer, which is a healthier alternative to deep frying. Air fryers use hot air circulation to crisp up your food, giving you that wonderful crunchy outside while eliminating the grease. With an air fryer, you can make mozzarella sticks in less than 20 minutes, and they will be just as tasty as the deep-fried version, if not better!

How to avoid a mess

To avoid a mess when cooking mozzarella sticks in an air fryer, there are several steps you can take. Firstly, it is important to note that the air fryer works from the outside in, so if your prep work is not thorough enough, the cheese sticks may explode and stick to the inside of the air fryer. Therefore, make sure to double-coat your mozzarella sticks by dipping them in beaten egg, then breadcrumbs, and repeating this process to add a second coating before freezing and air frying. This will ensure that the coating does not slide off the cheese stick during cooking.

Another tip to avoid a mess is to avoid lining the air fryer basket with aluminium foil, as this will prevent proper air circulation and result in uneven cooking. Instead, grease the air fryer basket with a light coating of non-stick spray or brush the basket and mozzarella sticks with olive oil before cooking. Additionally, be sure to place the mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching each other, as this will help them cook evenly and prevent sticking.

It is also important to keep a close eye on the mozzarella sticks while they are cooking, as the cheese may start to leak out if they are left in the air fryer for too long. If you see any signs of the cheese oozing out, remove the sticks from the air fryer immediately. Finally, to avoid a mess, it is recommended to serve the cooked mozzarella sticks on a plate with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or BBQ sauce.

Freezing and storing instructions

To freeze your homemade mozzarella sticks, first dredge the mozzarella sticks in flour, then dunk them in beaten eggs, and finally, roll them in a breadcrumb mixture. Place the coated mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper, ensuring there is space between each stick. Place the baking sheet on a level surface in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. Once frozen, transfer the mozzarella sticks to a heavy-duty freezer bag or a zip-top freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you're ready to cook, preheat your air fryer to 390°F. While the air fryer is warming, brush the frozen mozzarella sticks with olive oil or spray them with cooking spray. Place the sticks in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with space between them. Cook for 5-8 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them, and if the cheese starts to leak out, remove them from the air fryer immediately.

Leftover mozzarella sticks can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 360°F for 2-5 minutes, or until warmed through.

Reheating tips

Mozzarella cheese sticks can be reheated in an air fryer, but it is important to note that they should not be reheated for too long, as this can cause the cheese to bubble and ooze out of the breading. Here are some tips for reheating your leftover mozzarella sticks:

• Store leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 2 to 3 days.
• When you are ready to reheat them, preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees F or 390 degrees F.
• Place the desired number of mozzarella sticks in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them.
• Reheat for about 3 to 5 minutes, keeping a close eye on them. They are ready when they are warm and crispy, and the cheese is melted.
• Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

It is important to note that you should not reheat frozen mozzarella sticks in the air fryer. They should be thawed first and then reheated according to the instructions above.

Dipping sauces

Mozzarella sticks are a great snack, but they become even better when you have a tasty dipping sauce to go with them. Here are some ideas for sauces to serve with your air-fried mozzarella sticks:

Marinara Sauce

This is the most popular option for a dipping sauce to serve with mozzarella sticks. You can buy it pre-made or make your own with basil and tomato.

Ranch Dressing

Ranch dressing is another classic choice for a dipping sauce. You can make your own Greek yogurt ranch dressing or buy it pre-made.

BBQ Sauce

A zesty BBQ sauce will add a tangy twist to your mozzarella sticks. You can even make your own by mixing mayo, yellow mustard, BBQ sauce, honey, lemon juice, and a pinch of sugar.

Pesto Sauce

For something a little different, try dipping your mozzarella sticks in pesto sauce.

Chick-Fil-A Sauce

For a sweet and tangy sauce, try making your own Chick-Fil-A Sauce at home by mixing mayo, yellow mustard, BBQ sauce, honey, lemon juice, and a pinch of sugar.

So, there you have it! Five delicious dipping sauces to serve with your air-fried mozzarella sticks. Whether you like your sauces tangy, zesty, sweet, or classic, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Ingredients and preparation

Preparing mozzarella cheese sticks in an air fryer is a quick and easy process that can be done in less than 20 minutes. It is a healthier alternative to deep-fried cheese sticks, as it eliminates the greasiness and extra calories while still achieving the desired crunchy texture and flavour.

Ingredients:

• Mozzarella string cheese
• All-purpose flour
• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs (preferably Panko for extra crispiness)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Parmesan cheese
• Various seasonings (Italian seasoning, onion powder, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, etc.)
• Dipping sauces (marinara, ranch, BBQ sauce, pesto, etc.)

Preparation:

• Beat the eggs in a shallow dish and set aside.
• Prepare three separate bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and the last one with breadcrumbs mixed with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and parmesan cheese.
• Unwrap the mozzarella sticks and cut them in half.
• Coat the cheese sticks: first, dredge them in the flour, then dunk them in the beaten eggs, and finally, roll them in the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
• For extra crunch and to ensure the coating doesn't slide off, double-coat the cheese sticks. Repeat the process of dipping in egg and rolling in breadcrumbs.
• Place the coated cheese sticks on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, leaving space between them.
• Freeze the cheese sticks for at least 15 minutes or up to overnight. This step is crucial to prevent the cheese from melting and oozing out during cooking.
• Preheat the air fryer to 360-400°F.
• Grease the air fryer basket with a light coating of non-stick spray or brush the frozen cheese sticks with olive oil.
• Place the cheese sticks in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not touching each other.
• Cook for 4-8 minutes, depending on the desired level of crispiness. Keep a close eye on them, as the cheese may start to leak out.
• Flip the cheese sticks halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.
• Remove the cheese sticks from the air fryer when they are golden brown and crispy.
• Serve immediately with your choice of dipping sauce, such as marinara, ranch, or BBQ sauce.

Tips:

• You can make the mozzarella sticks ahead of time and freeze them for later. After freezing, transfer them to a freezer-safe container and store them for up to 2-4 months.
• When reheating leftover cheese sticks, set the air fryer to 360-390°F and cook for 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as they may split open if heated for too long.
• Do not line the air fryer basket with aluminium foil, as it will prevent proper air circulation and affect the crispiness of the cheese sticks.

Frequently asked questions