Making Mozzarella Sticks: Deep Fryer Alternatives

Mozzarella sticks are a beloved snack, but is it possible to make them without a deep fryer? The answer is yes! While a deep fryer can give you that golden, crispy exterior, there are alternative methods to achieve similar results. Here's what you need to know about making mozzarella sticks without specialized equipment.

Can you bake mozzarella sticks?

Yes, you can bake mozzarella sticks in the oven, but the texture will be different from fried mozzarella sticks. They will not have the same crunch and crispiness as deep-fried sticks. However, baking is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, and you can still achieve a good result.

How to bake mozzarella sticks:

The key to successful baked mozzarella sticks is to ensure the cheese is well-coated and frozen before baking. Here are the steps to follow:

• Cut a block of mozzarella cheese into sticks. You can also use string cheese, but block cheese has a better texture and is easier to coat.
• Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place flour (optional), in the second bowl, beat eggs, and in the third bowl, place breadcrumbs. You can season the breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper.
• Take each mozzarella stick and dip it into the flour (if using), shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten egg, and finally, coat it in the seasoned breadcrumbs. Repeat this process to create a double breading, which helps prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking.
• Place the coated mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet and freeze for at least one hour, or up to two hours. This step is crucial, as it helps the breading adhere and prevents the cheese from melting too quickly in the oven.
• Preheat your oven to 415°F (210°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly spray with cooking spray.
• Arrange the frozen mozzarella sticks on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them at least an inch apart.
• Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the sticks are golden brown. Enjoy them warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara, ranch dressing, or salsa.

Tips for baking mozzarella sticks:

• Use a block of whole milk mozzarella cheese, as it has a better flavor and yields more sticks than string cheese.
• For the breadcrumbs, Panko is recommended for a crispier texture. However, plain or Italian breadcrumbs are also suitable.
• Freeze the coated mozzarella sticks in a single layer on a tray before baking. This helps the breading adhere and prevents the cheese from melting too quickly.
• Do not overcrowd the baking sheet. Leave at least an inch of space between each stick to ensure even cooking.
• Serve the baked mozzarella sticks warm with a dipping sauce. They are best enjoyed fresh, as they lose their "stretchiness" at room temperature.

Comparison to deep-frying:

Deep-fried mozzarella sticks have a crispier texture and a more golden-brown exterior. Frying also allows for a more even cook, as the outside is sealed quickly, preventing the cheese from leaking out.

Baking mozzarella sticks may result in a softer exterior, and there is a higher risk of the cheese melting and leaking out if the sticks are not well-coated and frozen beforehand. However, baking is a healthier alternative, as it uses less oil, and with proper preparation, you can still achieve delicious, crispy baked mozzarella sticks.

Can you air-fry mozzarella sticks?

Yes, you can air-fry mozzarella sticks! Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make them:

Ingredients:

• Mozzarella cheese sticks (preferably whole milk mozzarella)
• Flour (all-purpose)
• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Dried parsley
• Other seasonings of your choice (e.g. Italian seasoning, garlic powder, etc.)
• Cooking spray or oil with a high smoke point (optional)
• Dipping sauce of your choice (e.g. marinara sauce, ranch dressing)

Instructions:

• Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls or dishes.
• In the first bowl, place the flour.
• In the second bowl, beat the eggs to make an egg wash.
• In the third bowl, place the breadcrumbs and season with salt, pepper, dried parsley, and any other seasonings of your choice.
• Take each mozzarella stick and coat it first in the flour, shaking off any excess.
• Then, dip it into the beaten egg, ensuring it's fully coated.
• Finally, roll it in the seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere them to the cheese stick.
• Repeat this process to create a double breading. Do this until all the cheese sticks are coated twice over.
• Optional: Once all the mozzarella sticks are breaded, place them on a baking sheet and freeze for about 30 minutes to an hour. This helps the breading adhere better and prevents the cheese from oozing out during frying.
• Set your air fryer to 360°F to 390°F.
• Spray the air fryer basket and the mozzarella sticks with cooking spray or oil (optional).
• Air fry the mozzarella sticks in batches, if necessary, to avoid overcrowding the basket.
• Fry for 6 to 9 minutes, or until the exterior is golden and crispy.
• Remove from the air fryer, cool slightly, and serve immediately with your choice of dipping sauce.

Tips:

• Choose your cheese sticks wisely: Regular, full-fat mozzarella sticks work best. Low-fat sticks may result in a slightly rubbery texture.
• Freeze the breaded sticks before air-frying: This helps everything stick together and prevents the cheese from melting out during frying.
• Use non-stick spray or oil: This ensures the sticks don't stick to the basket and helps them brown evenly.
• Work in batches: Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the sticks in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket.
• Don't overcrowd the basket: Space out the sticks in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
• Flip the sticks while cooking: Flipping the sticks halfway through ensures even cooking and helps you gauge their doneness.

Troubleshooting:

If your mozzarella sticks exploded in the air fryer, try reducing the temperature or cooking time. Check the sticks frequently during cooking, as they can go from perfectly melted to exploded in just a few seconds.

Enjoy your homemade air-fried mozzarella sticks!

What is the best oil for frying mozzarella sticks?

Mozzarella sticks are a popular snack and appetizer, and for good reason—they're crunchy on the outside and bursting with melty cheese on the inside. While there are several ways to cook mozzarella sticks, frying is a popular choice.

When frying mozzarella sticks, it's important to use an oil with a high smoke point and a neutral flavour. Here are some of the best oils for frying mozzarella sticks:

• Vegetable oil: This is a popular choice for frying mozzarella sticks due to its neutral flavour and high smoke point.
• Canola oil: Another great option with a high smoke point and neutral flavour.
• Peanut oil: Peanut oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavour, making it suitable for frying mozzarella sticks.
• Avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavour and a high smoke point, perfect for achieving crispy results.
• Grapeseed oil: With a high smoke point and neutral flavour, grapeseed oil is another excellent option for frying mozzarella sticks.

When frying mozzarella sticks, it's important to heat the oil to the right temperature—around 350°F (175°C)—to ensure the cheese melts evenly and the coating becomes golden and crispy. It's also crucial to freeze the mozzarella sticks before frying, as this helps the ingredients stick together and prevents the cheese from oozing out.

How do you freeze mozzarella sticks?

Freezing mozzarella sticks is essential to ensure that the cheese doesn't melt too quickly or leak out during the frying process. It is recommended to freeze the sticks for at least one hour, or even up to two hours, before frying. This allows the breading to adhere better and sets the cheese so that it doesn't melt as soon as it hits the hot oil.

To freeze mozzarella sticks, first prepare the sticks by coating them with flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs. You can also double-coat the sticks for a thicker, crispier layer. Then, place the coated sticks on a baking sheet or tray and put them in the freezer for the desired amount of time. After freezing, you can either fry them right away or store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

Some recipes suggest frying the sticks without freezing, but this may result in a messier frying process and a less satisfactory end product. Freezing the sticks helps to prevent the breading from falling off and keeps the cheese from oozing out. Therefore, it is highly recommended to freeze the sticks before frying for the best results.

Can you use mozzarella string cheese sticks?

Yes, you can use mozzarella string cheese sticks to make mozzarella sticks. However, some recipes recommend using a block of mozzarella that you cut into sticks yourself, as the flavour and texture are better, and you get more sticks out of a block than a standard package of string cheese.

If you are using string cheese, you can cut each piece in half to make smaller portions. You can also skip the step of cutting the cheese into sticks, as it is already done for you.

One recipe recommends avoiding individually packaged string cheese sticks, as they are coated in cellulose and are not great for frying.

Frequently asked questions