Air Fryer Frozen Mozzarella Sticks: Quick, Crispy, Cheesy!

Mozzarella sticks are a beloved snack, but can you make frozen ones in an air fryer? The answer is yes! It's a quick and easy way to make this popular appetiser with a crispy outside and a gooey, cheesy inside.

How to get the perfect level of crispiness

Mozzarella sticks are a crowd-pleasing appetizer, perfect for parties, special occasions, or a fun afternoon snack. The air fryer is a great way to cook frozen mozzarella sticks, giving them a crispy exterior and a gooey, melted cheese interior. Here are some tips to ensure you get the perfect level of crispiness:

Preheat the Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer. Most recipes recommend a temperature between 360-390 degrees Fahrenheit (183-198 degrees Celsius).

Prepare the Basket

Use a non-stick cooking spray to prepare the air fryer basket. You can also use parchment paper or foil, but only after the air fryer has been preheated.

Arrange the Mozzarella Sticks

Place the frozen mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the basket, ensuring there is enough space around each stick for the hot air to circulate. Do not stack or overcrowd the air fryer, as this will lead to uneven cooking.

Air Fry

Cook the mozzarella sticks for 4-7 minutes at the chosen temperature, flipping them halfway through. Keep a close eye on them, as they can go from perfectly melted to exploded in a matter of seconds!

Serve

Carefully remove the sticks from the air fryer and serve immediately. They are best enjoyed straight out of the fryer, but if you have any leftovers, you can reheat them for 2-4 minutes at 350-360 degrees Fahrenheit.

Dipping Sauces

Mozzarella sticks are often served with a dipping sauce. Marinara sauce is a classic choice, but you can also use ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, blue cheese dip, or any other sauce you prefer.

Tips for the Perfect Crisp

• Do not thaw the mozzarella sticks before cooking. Cooking them straight from frozen will give a crispier exterior.
• If you are making a large batch, cook in smaller batches to ensure even cooking.
• There is no need to use oil spray, as there is already enough oil in the crust of the sticks.
• Double-coating your mozzarella sticks before freezing can help achieve a crispier texture. Dip the sticks in a beaten egg, then breadcrumbs, and repeat for an extra-crunchy coating.

Do you need to defrost mozzarella sticks before putting them in the air fryer?

No, you don't need to defrost mozzarella sticks before putting them in the air fryer. In fact, cooking them straight from frozen is recommended, as it helps to achieve a crispy exterior.

However, if you are making your mozzarella sticks from scratch, it is important to freeze them before air-frying. If they are even slightly soggy, they won't fry evenly and the coating may fall off.

Once you are ready to cook your frozen mozzarella sticks, simply preheat your air fryer to between 360°F and 390°F. Place the sticks in a single layer in the fryer basket, leaving enough space between them to allow the hot air to circulate. No oil spray is needed.

Air fry for 4-7 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. The exact cooking time will depend on your air fryer, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Serve immediately with your favourite dipping sauce. Choices include marinara sauce, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, blue cheese dip, or ranch dressing.

What temperature and how long should you cook mozzarella sticks in an air fryer?

Cooking Frozen Mozzarella Sticks in an Air Fryer

Temperature

The best temperature for cooking frozen mozzarella sticks in an air fryer is 360 degrees Fahrenheit (183 degrees Celsius). A hotter temperature may cause the cheese to ooze out of the sticks.

Cooking Time

Air fry the frozen mozzarella sticks for 4 minutes, then flip them over and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. The total cooking time should be around 6-8 minutes.

Tips

• You can use any brand of frozen mozzarella sticks, and no thawing is required.
• Flipping the sticks halfway through cooking helps to ensure even cooking and allows you to gauge their doneness.
• It is not necessary to spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray, as the cheese is unlikely to stick.
• Cook the mozzarella sticks right before serving, as they are best when piping hot.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Arrange the sticks in a single layer with enough space between them for the hot air to circulate.

Reheating

To reheat, set the air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 3-4 minutes, turning the sticks halfway through. Keep a close eye on them, as they may split open if heated for too long.

What are some good dipping sauces for mozzarella sticks?

There are many sauces that can be used for dipping mozzarella sticks. Here are some options:

• Marinara sauce is a classic choice, with its rich tomato base, garlic, herbs, and a touch of sweetness.
• Ranch dressing, with its cool and creamy goodness, is a refreshing complement to the warm and cheesy sticks.
• Barbecue sauce, with its tangy and smoky flavour, will provide a delightful contrast to the creamy cheese.
• Honey mustard sauce, which strikes a perfect balance between sweet and tangy.
• Pesto sauce, made with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, adds a burst of aromatic flavours.
• Blue cheese dip, for a unique and indulgent experience that pairs well with the mozzarella.
• Buffalo sauce, for a tangy and spicy kick.
• Creamy garlic sauce, a rich and savory delight made with butter, garlic, and cream.
• Diavolo sauce, a spicy Italian "devil" sauce with a bold and intense flavour profile.
• Balsamic glaze, for a sweet and tangy twist.

What are some good brands of frozen mozzarella sticks?

There are several brands of frozen mozzarella sticks that can be cooked in an air fryer. Here are some of the best options:

Farm Rich Breaded Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

Farm Rich is a widely available brand that offers mozzarella sticks with a crispy golden breading and gooey, stringy cheese. The breading is slightly salty, which balances out the richness of the cheese. These sticks deliver on their promise of snack-sized bites of crispy and gooey cheese.

Trader Joe's Mozzarella Sticks

Trader Joe's mozzarella sticks are another popular option. They are known for their delicious flavour and come out great in an air fryer. In addition to their mozzarella sticks, Trader Joe's also offers other frozen options like chicken nuggets and samosas that can be cooked in an air fryer.

Market Pantry (Target's brand)

Target's store brand, Market Pantry, offers mozzarella sticks with a good, crunchy breading and a salty flavour. While the cheese may not be as high-quality as some other brands, these sticks are still a compelling option, especially for those who enjoy the processed vibe.

Member's Mark (Sam's Club's brand)

Member's Mark mozzarella sticks offer excellent value for money. One box contains 72 mozzarella sticks for a reasonable price. These sticks have extra crispy and fried breading, and the cheese is tangy and flavorful. They are a great option for parties or for satisfying your mozzarella stick cravings anytime.

Feel Good Foods Gluten-Free Mozzarella Sticks

For those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease, Feel Good Foods offers delicious gluten-free mozzarella sticks. While the breading may not be as crispy as other brands, the cheesy interior is juicy and bursting with flavour. These sticks also have an impressive cheese pull, making them a top choice for gluten-free options.

Budweiser Beer Battered Cheese Sticks

If you're looking for something unique, Budweiser Beer Battered Cheese Sticks are a bold option. They have the delightful pungency of beer-battered bar food, with a bold and slightly bitter taste. These sticks contain both mozzarella and white cheddar cheese, giving them an extra cheesy kick.

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