Cheese Sticks: Oil-Less Fryer Magic

Yes, you can make cheese sticks in an oilless fryer, also known as an air fryer. Air fryers are a type of convection oven that sits on your countertop and cooks food by circulating hot air around it. To make cheese sticks in an air fryer, it is recommended that you double-coat the cheese sticks by dipping them in a mixture of beaten egg and breadcrumbs, freezing them, and then repeating the process. This helps to prevent the cheese from leaking out and the breading from disintegrating. The air fryer should be set to 390°F, and the cheese sticks should be cooked for 6 to 9 minutes, or until they are golden and crisp.

How to make cheese sticks in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 1/2 cups Italian seasoned bread crumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• Non-stick cooking spray
• Marinara sauce, for dipping (optional)

Method:

• Prepare three separate shallow dishes. In the first dish, combine flour, salt, and pepper. In the second dish, whisk together the eggs and milk. In the third dish, mix the bread crumbs, garlic salt, and any other desired seasonings.
• Working with one piece of cheese at a time, dredge each piece of string cheese in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
• Dip the cheese stick in the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated.
• Coat the cheese stick in the bread crumb mixture, pressing to ensure it sticks. Repeat this process a second time for each cheese stick.
• Place the coated cheese sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper. Freeze for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 months if preparing ahead of time.
• Set your air fryer to 375°F-390°F. Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray.
• Place the frozen cheese sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each stick.
• Air fry for 5-9 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the cheese sticks are golden and crispy.
• Remove from the air fryer and allow to cool slightly before serving.

Tips:

• For extra crunch and to ensure even coating, double-coat your cheese sticks by repeating the dipping process a second time.
• Freeze the cheese sticks before air frying to prevent the cheese from melting out during cooking.
• Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
• Serve with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.

The best cheeses for cheese sticks

Mozzarella is the most common type of cheese used for fried cheese sticks, but you can also use other soft or semi-soft cheeses that melt well, such as cheddar, Swiss, American, or provolone.

When making cheese sticks, it's important to consider the type of cheese you use. While mozzarella is the most popular choice, you can experiment with different kinds of cheese to find your perfect recipe. For example, you can use a combination of mozzarella and cheddar cheese sticks to add more flavour to your snack.

If you want to get creative, you can try using other types of cheese, such as Swiss, American, or provolone. These cheeses are all popular choices for homemade cheese sticks and can add a unique twist to your dish. Just keep in mind that hard or crumbly cheeses may not be the best option, as they don't melt as smoothly as softer cheeses.

When choosing the cheese for your cheese sticks, it's also important to consider the texture. Soft or semi-soft cheeses that melt well are ideal. Hard cheeses like Parmesan, for example, don't melt as well and may not be the best choice for fried cheese sticks.

Additionally, it's a good idea to freeze your cheese sticks before frying them. This helps to prevent the cheese from leaking out during the cooking process. By following these tips, you can create delicious and crispy cheese sticks with your favourite cheeses!

How to prevent cheese from leaking out

Yes, you can make cheese sticks in an oilless fryer, but there are some important steps to follow to prevent the cheese from leaking out. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure your cheese sticks turn out perfectly:

Choose the Right Cheese:

Start by selecting the right type of cheese. Opt for harder cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella, as they have a lower moisture content and are less likely to melt and leak out.

Prepare the Cheese:

Before coating the cheese, it's crucial to pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step will help reduce the chances of steam buildup, which can cause the cheese to explode in the fryer.

Double-Coat the Cheese Sticks:

The secret to preventing cheese from leaking out is to double-coat your cheese sticks. Here's how:

• Dip the cheese stick in a lightly beaten egg.
• Coat it with breadcrumbs.
• Freeze it for about an hour.
• Repeat the process to add a second coating.
• Freeze again for another hour.

This double-coating technique creates a protective layer that prevents the cheese from leaking out during frying.

Use Nonstick Spray:

Before placing the coated cheese sticks in the air fryer, spray the air fryer basket and the sticks with a nonstick cooking spray. This step ensures that the cheese sticks don't stick to the basket, and it also helps them brown evenly.

Control the Temperature:

Set your air fryer to the recommended temperature, usually around 360-390°F for cheese sticks. Cooking at a lower temperature for a longer period is generally better to ensure even cooking and prevent the cheese from melting too quickly and leaking out.

Work in Batches:

Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the cheese sticks in batches. This ensures that the cheese sticks have enough space to cook evenly and reduces the chances of them sticking together.

Allow for Freeze Time:

Make sure the cheese sticks are completely frozen before air frying. If they are even slightly soggy, the coating may fall off, and the cheese may leak out. Aim for a freeze time of at least 2 hours or until the sticks feel dry to the touch.

Use Parchment Paper or Aluminum Foil:

Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or aluminum foil to catch any potential leaks and make cleanup easier. However, if using aluminum foil, be aware that it may affect airflow and cook the cheese sticks unevenly.

Don't Overcrowd the Air Fryer:

Always leave enough space between the cheese sticks in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and steam buildup, increasing the chances of cheese leaking out.

By following these detailed instructions, you can enjoy delicious, crispy cheese sticks from your oilless fryer without worrying about cheese leaks.

How to store cheese sticks

Cheese sticks are a delicious snack, but they need to be stored correctly to avoid spoilage. Here is a detailed guide on how to store cheese sticks:

Storing Unopened Cheese Sticks:

If you have unopened cheese sticks, it is best to store them in the refrigerator. They can be kept safely in the fridge until their expiry date. The temperature in the refrigerator should be maintained at 70 °F or lower. This will ensure the cheese sticks remain fresh and safe to consume.

Storing Opened Cheese Sticks:

Once the cheese stick package has been opened, it is recommended to refrigerate the remaining sticks and consume them within a week. Place the cheese sticks in a plastic storage bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. You can also use an airtight container to store them. It is important to note that opened cheese sticks should not be left unrefrigerated for more than 2-3 hours, as bacteria can start to grow and cause spoilage or food poisoning.

Storing Cheese Sticks for Longer Periods:

If you wish to store cheese sticks for longer, freezing is an option. Freeze the cheese sticks in an airtight container or a freezer-safe zip-lock bag. Frozen cheese sticks can last for up to eight months if stored properly. Before freezing, ensure the cheese sticks are wrapped individually in aluminium foil or plastic wrap to protect them from moisture. Then, place the wrapped sticks in the airtight container or bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing and freezing.

Storing Fried Cheese Sticks:

Fried cheese sticks also need to be refrigerated. They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is best to consume fried cheese sticks within a few days to ensure optimal freshness and quality.

Remember, cheese is delicate and can spoil quickly if not stored properly. By following these storage guidelines, you can keep your cheese sticks fresh, safe, and tasty!

How to reheat cheese sticks

There are several ways to reheat cheese sticks, with the best method depending on the equipment you have available. Here are some of the most common approaches:

Using an Air Fryer

The air fryer is the best option for reheating cheese sticks, resulting in crunchy outsides and gooey insides. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray each cheese stick with oil (optional). Place the cheese sticks in the basket, leaving a small space between each one. Heat refrigerated cheese sticks for 3-5 minutes or frozen ones for 8-10 minutes. Adjust the cooking time as needed depending on the size of the cheese sticks and the portion size.

Using an Oven

The oven is another good option for reheating cheese sticks. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) for refrigerated cheese sticks or 425°F (220°C) for frozen ones. Lightly coat the cheese sticks with oil (optional) and place them on a wire rack or preheated oven tray. If using a tray, turn the cheese sticks halfway through heating. Reheat refrigerated cheese sticks for 5-10 minutes or frozen ones for 10-20 minutes.

Using a Toaster Oven

A toaster oven is a convenient option for reheating cheese sticks. Preheat the toaster oven to 450°F and bake the cheese sticks for 8-9 minutes. Check if they are done by pulling them out and observing the cheese, as it may be very hot.

Using a Skillet

For this method, set your stovetop to medium-high heat and add enough oil to a skillet to cover the entire bottom. Wait until the oil starts to shimmer, indicating it is hot enough, before adding the cheese sticks. Fry the cheese sticks for 4-5 minutes, turning frequently to ensure even cooking. Rest the cheese sticks on a paper towel for 30 seconds to remove excess oil before serving.

Using a Microwave

Place the cheese sticks on a microwave-safe plate in a single layer. Heat in 15-second intervals, increasing the time for larger quantities. When the cheese is warm and melted, the cheese sticks are ready. Allow the cheese sticks to rest for 30 seconds before serving, being careful not to burn yourself as the cheese can get extremely hot.

Frequently asked questions