Air Fryer Frozen Mozzarella Sticks: Quick And Easy?

Mozzarella sticks are a popular snack, but can you put frozen ones in an air fryer? The answer is yes! Air fryers are a great way to cook frozen mozzarella sticks, and they come out perfectly crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. The best temperature for cooking frozen mozzarella sticks in an air fryer is around 360-390 degrees Fahrenheit, and the cooking time is usually between 5-8 minutes. It's important to note that you should not thaw the mozzarella sticks before putting them in the air fryer, as this will make them soggy. Instead, place them straight into the air fryer from the freezer, ensuring they are in a single layer so that they cook evenly. You can serve these delicious snacks with a variety of dipping sauces, such as marinara sauce, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or buffalo sauce. So, if you're looking for a quick and easy snack or appetizer, frozen mozzarella sticks in the air fryer are a great option!

How to cook frozen mozzarella sticks in an air fryer

Ingredients

Technically, you only need one ingredient: frozen mozzarella sticks! However, most people like to serve the cheese sticks with a side of tomato or marinara sauce for dipping. You can also garnish with grated Parmesan and/or parsley or Italian seasoning.

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to between 360°F/183°C and 390°F/198°C.
• Place the frozen mozzarella sticks in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with enough space around each stick for the hot air to fully circulate.
• Air fry the cheese sticks for 4-7 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
• Carefully remove the cheese sticks from the air fryer and serve with your chosen dip.

Tips

• You don't need to thaw the mozzarella sticks before placing them in the air fryer.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
• No oil spray is needed.
• All air fryers are different, so you may need to adjust the temperature and timing to suit your air fryer.

The best temperature and time for cooking

The best temperature to cook frozen mozzarella sticks in an air fryer is between 360°F and 390°F. The cooking time will vary depending on the brand of air fryer you are using, but on average, it takes about 5-8 minutes to cook frozen mozzarella sticks.

If you are using a Cosori 5.8qt air fryer, it is recommended to cook the mozzarella sticks at 390°F for 5-7 minutes. However, if you are using a different brand of air fryer, you may need to adjust the cooking time by a minute or two.

It is important to note that you should not overcrowd the air fryer basket and leave enough space between the cheese sticks to allow for proper air circulation. Additionally, it is not necessary to preheat the air fryer before cooking the frozen mozzarella sticks, but if you do, you may need to reduce the cooking time by a minute or two.

When cooking frozen mozzarella sticks in an air fryer, it is best to cook them in a single layer and flip them halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. It is also recommended to cook them straight from frozen as this will result in a crispier outside coating.

What to do if cheese explodes out of the sticks

If your mozzarella sticks are exploding in the air fryer, it's likely due to overcooking. To prevent this from happening, there are several steps you can take:

Firstly, ensure that you are freezing the mozzarella sticks before cooking them. Freezing helps to chill the cheese and prevents it from melting too quickly, reducing the risk of explosion. It's important to note that the sticks should be completely frozen before placing them in the air fryer. If they are even slightly soggy, they may not fry evenly and the coating may fall off. Aim for a dry texture on the surface of the sticks before cooking them.

Secondly, when cooking, start with the lowest cook time and add a minute or two incrementally to avoid overcooking. If you're using an air fryer for the first time, it's a good idea to test with a single mozzarella stick first. This way, if it does explode, you haven't lost your entire batch. Additionally, it's crucial to keep an eye on the sticks while they're cooking. Flipping them halfway through can help you gauge their doneness. If you notice them starting to split open or leak cheese, they might be done or close to it.

Finally, consider double-coating your mozzarella sticks before freezing them. Dip the sticks in a lightly beaten egg, followed by breadcrumbs, and then repeat this process for a second coating. This extra layer provides extra insurance that all parts of the stick are coated, reducing the chances of the cheese melting out and exploding.

By following these steps, you can help ensure that your mozzarella sticks come out crispy and golden, without any messy explosions.

What to serve with mozzarella sticks

Mozzarella sticks are a versatile dish that can be served as a side or main course. They go well with a variety of sauces and dishes, and can be easily incorporated into your weekly menu. Here are some ideas for what to serve with mozzarella sticks:

Sauces

• Marinara sauce: A common sauce option for mozzarella sticks. You can use a prepared jar of sauce or make your own fresh marinara with olive oil, onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, pepper, and basil.
• Charred Blender Salsa: A delicious alternative to marinara sauce, made with charred tomatoes and peppers, garlic, lime juice, and salt.
• Ranch dressing: A creamy and tasty dipping sauce that can be store-bought or made from scratch with mayo, sour cream, chives, dill, parsley, garlic and onion powder, salt, pepper, and buttermilk.
• Toum (Lebanese Garlic Sauce): A bold, garlic-based sauce made with salt, lemon juice, oil, and garlic.
• Pesto: A delicious green sauce made with basil, spinach, garlic, pine nuts, lemon juice, salt, pepper, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese.
• Labneh: A simple yet flavorful Levantine dish made with Greek yogurt and salt.
• Hummus: A versatile dip that pairs well with mozzarella sticks and can be made from scratch with garbanzo beans, garlic, lemon, olive oil, and salt.

Main Course Ideas

• Pizza: A classic combination that your family will love. Make it interactive by letting everyone customize their own pizza with their favourite toppings.
• Spaghetti and Meatballs: A hearty dish that goes well with the cheesiness of mozzarella sticks.
• Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad: A tasty and healthy option to balance out the fried mozzarella sticks.
• Burgers: Juicy burgers with a secret ingredient (crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs) to keep them moist.
• BBQ Ribs: Fall-off-the-bone ribs with a dry rub and your favourite BBQ sauce.
• Chicken Shawarma: Slow-cooked, tender chicken served in a pita or flatbread with garlic or tahini sauce.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: A quick and easy side that goes perfectly with mozzarella sticks, especially when dipped in marinara sauce.
• Caesar Salad: A crispy, cold salad with croutons and Parmesan cheese that pairs well with the warm mozzarella sticks.
• Caramelized Mushrooms: A great vegan option to serve with mozzarella sticks, providing a meaty texture and flavour.
• Veggie Platter or Charcuterie Board: A customizable option with a variety of finger foods and a homemade dill dip.
• Onion Rings: Crispy and moist onion rings with a dipping sauce made from sour cream, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and horseradish.

How to store and reheat mozzarella sticks

Mozzarella sticks are best eaten straight after cooking. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

To reheat, place the mozzarella sticks in the air fryer at 350-375°F for 2-4 minutes, or until the cheese is gooey and the coating is crispy. You can also reheat them in a toaster oven or a convection oven.

When reheating, do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave enough room for the hot air to circulate around the cheese sticks. Keep a close eye on them, as they may split open if you heat them for too long.

If you are reheating frozen mozzarella sticks, do not thaw them before placing them in the air fryer.

Frequently asked questions