Air Frying Bosco Sticks: Is It Possible?

Bosco Sticks are breadsticks stuffed with cheese. They can be cooked in an air fryer, but the method is different from that used for mozzarella sticks, which are battered or breaded. To cook Bosco Sticks in an air fryer, you should follow the package instructions. However, if the Bosco Sticks are frozen, you can cook them straight from the freezer without defrosting them first.

How long to cook Bosco Sticks in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook Bosco Sticks in an air fryer. Bosco Sticks are breadsticks stuffed with cheese.

To cook Bosco Sticks in an air fryer, you should follow similar instructions to cooking other frozen breadsticks or mozzarella sticks in an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (or 360°F, depending on your air fryer model). Place the Bosco Sticks in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with some space between them. Air fry for 5-6 minutes, or until golden brown. You may need to cook the Bosco Sticks for another minute or two if you prefer them to be a darker shade of golden brown.

Bosco Sticks should be cooked straight from the freezer and do not need to be thawed beforehand. The cooking time will vary depending on the brand of air fryer you are using, so keep an eye on your Bosco Sticks as they cook to ensure they are cooked to your liking.

If you are cooking other types of mozzarella sticks, such as battered or breaded mozzarella sticks, it is recommended to cook them at 360°F for 4 minutes, then flip them over and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Cooking from frozen

Yes, you can cook Bosco Sticks in an air fryer, but it's important to note that they are breadsticks and not mozzarella sticks. For the best results, follow the cooking instructions on the packaging.

Preheat Your Air Fryer

Preheating your air fryer will help to evaporate the water in your frozen food, preventing it from becoming mushy as it thaws. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat setting, you can estimate its temperature by popping the basket open or using an oven-safe thermometer.

Adjust Temperature and Cook Time

As an air fryer is a type of convection oven, the recommended cook time on the package will be too long. Reduce the heat by 10 to 25 degrees and halve the cooking time. This way, you can check on your food and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Avoid Overcrowding Your Basket

Avoid the temptation to overstuff your air fryer's basket, as this can result in uneven cooking. For breaded or wrapped foods, fill your basket about halfway and shake it halfway through cooking. For open-faced or uncoated foods, place them in a single layer in the basket.

Use Grease Lightly

Just as you would lightly coat a sheet pan or skillet with oil or fat, it can be helpful to do the same in an air fryer. However, only a light coat is necessary, and if your food already has some fat, you might not need any additional grease. Use a brush to coat both the basket and the food with your chosen oil or fat. Avoid using a spray, as these often contain propellants or additives that can erode the non-stick coating of your air fryer over time.

How to get a crispy crust

To get a crispy crust when cooking Bosco Sticks in an air fryer, follow these steps:

Preheat your air fryer to 350ºF. Place the wrapped Bosco Stick on a baking sheet inside the air fryer. For a crispier crust, open one end of the wrapper before cooking. Set the air fryer timer for 9-10 minutes for a thawed Bosco Stick, or 16-17 minutes if frozen.

If you want an even crispier crust, air fry for an extra minute or two. However, be careful not to burn the breadstick. You can also brush some extra melted butter on top of the Bosco Stick after air frying for enhanced flavour.

For best results, cook the Bosco Sticks straight from the freezer without thawing them first. Additionally, make sure to cook the Bosco Sticks in a single layer, with some space between each one, so that they cook evenly. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the Bosco Sticks in multiple batches.

If you are cooking Bosco Sticks with cheese on top, air fry with the cheese side facing up. Do not flip these breadsticks during cooking, as the cheese will stick to the air fryer basket or rack. For breadsticks without cheese on top, flip them halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking on both sides.

Dipping sauces for Bosco Sticks

Bosco Sticks are a delicious treat, made with mozzarella cheese sticks wrapped in pizza dough and topped with Parmesan cheese butter. They are a fun snack, perfect for parties or a special occasion.

There are many dipping sauces that can be paired with Bosco Sticks, depending on your preference for sweet, spicy, tangy, or creamy flavours. Here are some ideas for dipping sauces to elevate your Bosco Stick experience:

Marinara Sauce

A classic choice for a reason, the rich tomato base of marinara sauce, enhanced with garlic, herbs, and a touch of sweetness, complements the cheesy goodness of Bosco Sticks perfectly.

Barbecue Sauce

For a tangy twist, try barbecue sauce. Its smoky flavour and slight sweetness provide a delightful contrast to the creamy cheese filling of the Bosco Sticks.

Ranch Dressing

The cool and creamy goodness of ranch dressing is a refreshing complement to the warm and cheesy Bosco Sticks. The blend of herbs and buttermilk adds a nice touch to the indulgent snack.

Pesto Sauce

Bring a taste of Italy to your Bosco Sticks with zesty pesto sauce. The fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil in pesto infuse your Bosco Sticks with aromatic flavours.

Honey Mustard Sauce

For a sweet and tangy experience, honey mustard sauce is a great option. The smooth honey and zesty mustard create a harmonious combination that will leave you wanting more.

Buffalo Sauce

Fans of spicy Buffalo wings will enjoy this tangy and spicy sauce. Made with hot sauce, melted butter, and vinegar, Buffalo sauce gives your Bosco Sticks a fiery kick.

Blue Cheese Dip

For a unique and indulgent experience, pair the creaminess of blue cheese dip with the cheesy goodness of Bosco Sticks. The distinct flavour of blue cheese will leave you craving more.

Diavolo Sauce

For those who like it hot, Diavolo sauce is a spicy, tomato-based sauce that adds a fiery kick to your Bosco Sticks. The combination of crushed tomatoes, garlic, red pepper flakes, and herbs creates a bold and intense flavour profile.

Alfredo Sauce

A creamy, cheesy sauce like Alfredo is a perfect match for Bosco Sticks if you want to amplify the cheesiness of your snack.

Nacho Cheese Sauce

For an extra cheesy experience, dip your Bosco Sticks into some nacho cheese sauce. The warm and gooey cheese will melt in your mouth with every bite.

Garlic Butter Sauce

A simple yet delicious option, garlic butter sauce adds a savoury and fragrant touch to your Bosco Sticks. The butter will also help enhance the flaky, golden-brown crust of the breadsticks.

Experiment with different sauces and enjoy the endless flavour combinations that can be created with Bosco Sticks!

Other air fryer recipes

While Bosco Sticks are not mozzarella sticks, they can be cooked in an air fryer. However, it is important to note that they are breadsticks and not battered or breaded mozzarella sticks. Therefore, it is recommended to follow the package instructions for cooking rather than air fryer instructions intended for mozzarella sticks.

Now, if you're looking for other air fryer recipes to try, here are some ideas for delicious dishes you can make using your trusty air fryer:

Appetizers and Snacks

• Mozzarella sticks—a classic, crispy and gooey snack that is perfect for any occasion.
• Chicken wings—crispy, juicy, and perfect for game day.
• Onion rings—a fun and impressive snack that will be a crowd favourite.
• Tater tots—air fry them to golden perfection, just like your favourite burger joint.
• Jalapeño poppers—a spicy and irresistible treat for game day.
• French fries—crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, without the need for deep-frying.
• Sweet potato chips—a healthier option that requires less oil and tastes amazing.
• Zucchini fries—bite-sized zucchini sticks coated in crunchy panko and Parmesan, air-fried to golden perfection.

Main Dishes

• Chicken tenders—crispy and juicy, perfect for dipping in your favourite sauce.
• Chicken Parmesan—juicy, breaded chicken breasts smothered in mozzarella and marinara sauce.
• Salmon—try the Blackened Air Fryer Salmon Bites or the Miso-Ginger Salmon for a tasty weeknight dinner.
• Hamburgers—juicy and hassle-free, skip the grill and make them in your air fryer.
• Chicken sandwich—tender and spicy, dredged in a seasoned coating and paired with Sriracha Mayo.
• Tofu nuggets—a great option for meatless Monday, serve with ketchup for the kids and sweet chilli sauce for adults.

Sides

• Roasted potatoes—impossibly crispy and easy to make, a perfect side dish.
• Green beans—blistered and crisp-tender, you can cook them from fresh or frozen.
• Sweet potato fries—irresistibly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, ready in just 15 minutes.
• Brussels sprouts—sweeter and crunchier than roasted, with super-hot circulating air giving them a crispy texture.
• Butternut squash—crispy and tender, cooked in a fraction of the time.
• Asparagus—tender and crisp, ready in under 10 minutes.

Desserts

• Chocolate chip cookies—crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, thanks to the high fan speed and concentrated heat.
• Cinnamon rolls—ready in a fraction of the time, these rolls are a perfect treat.
• Donuts—an easy dessert option, slice canned biscuit dough and top with cinnamon-sugar or icing.
• Apple cider donuts—a delicious treat to enjoy any time of the year, especially during autumn.

Frequently asked questions