Air-Fryer Mozzarella Sticks: Quick, Easy, And Crispy!

Mozzarella sticks are a beloved snack, but making them at home can be a messy and challenging endeavour. Using an air fryer can help you achieve that wonderful crunchy outside that we all love but can usually only be gained through deep frying. Air-fried mozzarella sticks are a brilliant way to get all of that crunchy, cheesy goodness without deep frying! This guide will teach you how to make mozzarella sticks in an air fryer, including preparation, cooking, and serving tips, for a delicious snack that your family and friends will love.

How to cook mozzarella sticks in an air fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 360-390°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the mozzarella stick-making process. It ensures your cheese sticks cook evenly and efficiently. Different recipes suggest preheating your air fryer to anywhere between 360°F and 390°F. The higher temperature of 390°F is recommended for cooking fresh mozzarella sticks. This temperature is also recommended for reheating cooked mozzarella sticks.

If you are cooking frozen mozzarella sticks, preheating your air fryer to 360°F is a better option. This lower temperature ensures the cheese inside the sticks melts evenly and doesn't explode out of the breading. It is also a good temperature for reheating frozen, pre-cooked mozzarella sticks.

The time it takes to preheat your air fryer will depend on the model you have. Some recipes suggest preheating for 5 minutes, while others suggest a longer period. It's important to refer to your air fryer's instructions to determine the optimal preheating time and temperature for cooking mozzarella sticks.

Once preheated, you can proceed with cooking your mozzarella sticks. It is recommended to spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with olive oil before placing the sticks inside. This prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.

Double-coat the mozzarella sticks

Double-coating your mozzarella sticks is crucial to achieving the perfect cheese stick. Without it, the coating will slide off the cheese stick once you put it in the fryer, resulting in a messy exoskeleton of cheese and coating. To avoid this, start by dipping the mozzarella stick in a lightly beaten egg. Then, roll the stick in breadcrumbs. It is important to use one hand to do this, as it helps the panko stick better. Make sure the cheese is completely coated.

Freeze the coated mozzarella stick for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This is a required step, and you can even freeze it longer or overnight if you are preparing the sticks ahead of time. Once the first coating is frozen, repeat the process to add a second coating. Make sure no cheese is visible. This double layering provides extra crunch and ensures that all parts of the stick are coated with the egg and panko mixture.

If you want to freeze the double-coated mozzarella sticks for later, let them freeze solid on a tray after the second coating. Then, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag and freeze for up to two to three months. When you are ready to cook, reduce the temperature of your air fryer to 360°F and increase the cooking time to 8-10 minutes. This will ensure that the cheese sticks are cooked all the way through and become gooey.

Cook for 4-10 minutes

The cooking time for your mozzarella sticks will vary depending on whether you are cooking them from frozen, the size of your air fryer, and the temperature at which you are cooking.

If you are cooking your mozzarella sticks from frozen, you will need to cook them for longer than if they are fresh. Frozen mozzarella sticks will need to be cooked for between 6 and 10 minutes. If you are cooking them from fresh, they will need between 4 and 8 minutes.

It is important to keep a close eye on your mozzarella sticks while they are cooking, as the cheese can start to leak out if they are cooked for too long. If you are cooking your sticks in batches, the second batch may cook faster than the first, so be sure to check on them regularly.

If you are cooking your mozzarella sticks at 390°F, they will need to be cooked for around 5 minutes. If your air fryer is smaller, you may need to cook your mozzarella sticks in batches. If you are cooking at a lower temperature of 360°F, you will need to increase the cooking time to 8-10 minutes.

If you are reheating your mozzarella sticks, you will only need to cook them for 3-4 minutes, turning them halfway through.

Serve with a dipping sauce

When it comes to serving your freshly cooked mozzarella sticks, a range of dipping sauces can elevate this snack. From your favourite marinara sauce to zesty BBQ sauce, ranch, Greek yoghurt ranch dressing, comeback sauce, or boom boom sauce, there are plenty of options to choose from.

If you're looking for a classic pairing, warm marinara sauce is a popular choice. Its tangy and slightly sweet flavour complements the creamy mozzarella perfectly. For a more indulgent option, try dipping your sticks into a warm tomato basil marinara sauce.

If you're feeling adventurous, experiment with different sauces like ranch dressing, which offers a cool and creamy contrast to the crispy, cheesy sticks. For a spicy kick, BBQ sauce is a great option, or you could try the tangy and refreshing Greek yoghurt ranch dressing. Comeback sauce and boom boom sauce are also mentioned as condiments to consider.

You can also try making your own sauce. For instance, a simple mixture of basil and tomato can be a delicious, fresh-tasting dip.

Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different sauces to find your favourite combinations. Remember, the key to a great dipping sauce is finding the right balance of flavours and textures to enhance your crispy, golden mozzarella sticks.

Reheat at 360°F for 3-5 minutes

To reheat mozzarella sticks in an air fryer, the temperature should be set to 360°F. It is important to note that the cooking time may differ depending on the brand of your air fryer. For example, the Instant Pot brand, which is a large air fryer, recommends reheating for 6-8 minutes. However, the general cooking time is 3-5 minutes.

When reheating, keep a close eye on the mozzarella sticks as they may split open if heated for too long. You should also turn them halfway through to ensure even heating.

If you are cooking frozen mozzarella sticks, there is no need to thaw them first. Simply preheat the air fryer, place the frozen sticks in a single layer in the basket, and cook according to the recommended time and temperature.

Additionally, if you are cooking freshly made mozzarella sticks, it is recommended to brush or spray them with olive oil or cooking spray before placing them in the air fryer. This will help to ensure a crispy texture.

Frequently asked questions