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

Making mozzarella sticks in an air fryer is a simple process that yields a delicious, crispy, and gooey snack. The key to success is in the preparation: freezing the cheese sticks before cooking ensures the crumbs crisp up without the cheese melting. Freezing the sticks for at least 30 minutes to an hour is recommended, and they can be stored in the freezer for up to six months. When it comes to cooking, a high heat of around 390°F is best, and the sticks should be cooked for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.

Choosing the right cheese

Go for Full-Fat Mozzarella:

Opt for regular, full-fat mozzarella sticks to achieve the ideal texture and taste. While low-fat mozzarella sticks can be used, they may result in a slightly rubbery texture. Full-fat mozzarella melts beautifully and provides that signature stretchy, gooey consistency we all love in mozzarella sticks.

Mozzarella String Cheese:

Mozzarella string cheese is an excellent choice for mozzarella sticks due to its convenient size and melting properties. It's easy to coat and fry, and it ensures each stick is evenly portioned. Additionally, string cheese minimizes the chances of cheese oozing out during the cooking process.

Size and Portioning:

When cutting your own mozzarella sticks from a block of cheese, aim for a size that is easy to handle and dip. Longer sticks can be cut in half to create more manageable portions. This also increases the number of sticks you'll have, which is perfect for serving a crowd or enjoying as a snack over several days.

Freezing the Cheese:

Freezing the cheese sticks before coating and frying is essential. This step helps the coating adhere better and prevents the cheese from melting too quickly during frying, reducing the likelihood of a messy cheese explosion in your air fryer. Aim for at least 30 minutes to an hour of freezing time, or even overnight if you're preparing them ahead of time.

Type of Mozzarella:

While fresh mozzarella is delicious, it's best to avoid it for mozzarella sticks as its high moisture content can make it too soft and wet for this particular application. Instead, opt for a firmer variety of mozzarella, which will hold its shape better during the coating and frying process.

In summary, choosing the right cheese for your air fryer mozzarella sticks involves selecting full-fat or low-fat mozzarella in the form of convenient string cheese or portioned sticks cut from a block of firmer mozzarella. Don't forget to freeze your cheese sticks before coating and frying them, and you'll be well on your way to creating delicious, crispy, and gooey mozzarella sticks!

Freezing the mozzarella sticks

Preparing the Mozzarella Sticks for Freezing:

Before freezing, the mozzarella sticks need to be coated. Start by dipping each mozzarella stick into a beaten egg, ensuring it is completely coated. Then, dip the stick into a bowl of breadcrumbs, coating it entirely. Transfer the coated sticks to a baking sheet lined with wax or parchment paper, ensuring they do not touch each other. This preparation process should be repeated for a double coating, as a single coating may cause the breading to slide off during frying.

Freezing Time:

Once the mozzarella sticks have been coated, they need to be frozen for a sufficient amount of time. The recommended freezing time varies across sources, with some suggesting a minimum of 30 minutes to an hour, while others recommend at least two hours or until the sticks are completely frozen and dry. It is important to ensure the sticks are frozen solid before proceeding to the next step.

Storing in the Freezer:

After the initial freezing period, the mozzarella sticks can be stored in the freezer for future use. It is recommended to transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag or an airtight container and store them for up to two to six months. This allows for a quick and convenient snack or appetizer whenever desired.

Reheating Frozen Mozzarella Sticks:

When ready to enjoy the frozen mozzarella sticks, there is no need to thaw them. Simply preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, and cook the frozen sticks directly from the freezer. The cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the air fryer model and the desired level of crispness. It is generally recommended to cook the sticks at around 360°F to 390°F for 5 to 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. It is important to keep an eye on them during cooking, as the cheese may start to melt and ooze out if cooked for too long.

Coating the sticks

Coating the mozzarella sticks is a crucial step in achieving that desirable crunchy exterior. It's important to note that the sticks should be completely frozen before coating, as this ensures the coating adheres properly and prevents the cheese from melting out during cooking. Here's a detailed guide on how to coat your mozzarella sticks:

Firstly, set up your dredging station. You'll need three separate shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place some all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, beat a couple of large eggs. You can add a tablespoon of water to the eggs if desired. The third bowl should contain your breadcrumbs. For maximum crunch, opt for panko breadcrumbs. You can also use Italian breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs. Season your breadcrumbs generously with salt and pepper, and feel free to add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or any other spices you like. Combining different types of breadcrumbs with your favourite seasonings will create a unique and tasty crust.

Now it's time to start the coating process. Take a mozzarella stick and dip it into the flour, making sure it's completely coated. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip back into the bowl. Next, roll the stick in the breadcrumbs until it's evenly coated. Repeat this process, dipping the stick back into the egg mixture and then into the breadcrumbs for a second time. This double-coating technique is essential to ensure a thick, crunchy crust that won't easily slide off during cooking.

Place the coated mozzarella stick on a baking sheet lined with wax paper or parchment paper. Repeat the coating process for the remaining sticks, ensuring they don't touch each other on the baking sheet. Freeze the coated sticks for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 6 months.

Once the sticks have been frozen for the first time, it's now time for the second coating. Take them out of the freezer and repeat the coating process, dipping them into the egg mixture and then the breadcrumbs once more. This extra layer ensures an even crunchier exterior and helps prevent the cheese from leaking out during cooking.

After the second coating, place the sticks back in the freezer for another 30 minutes to an hour. They are now ready to be cooked in your air fryer!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for making mozzarella sticks in an air fryer vary depending on the recipe and the number of mozzarella sticks being cooked. However, the general cooking time and temperature guidelines are as follows:

Preheat your air fryer to 360-400°F. The higher temperature will help the coating crisp up nicely. It is recommended to preheat for about 5 minutes.

Once the air fryer is preheated, spray the fry basket with cooking spray or oil. You can use olive oil or an oil spray. Place 4-6 mozzarella sticks in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't touch. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.

Cook the mozzarella sticks for 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Some recipes suggest cooking for up to 10 minutes, but be cautious as cooking for too long may cause the cheese to ooze out. Flip the sticks halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and to gauge their doneness. If they are starting to split open or leak cheese, they are likely done.

Once cooked, remove the mozzarella sticks from the air fryer and serve immediately. They are best enjoyed hot and crispy. You can serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or BBQ sauce.

Dipping sauces

There are many different sauces that you can use to dip your homemade mozzarella sticks in. Here are some ideas:

Marinara Sauce

A classic choice, marinara sauce is made with tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. It has a smooth texture and bold, but not overpowering, flavours. You can make your own using a recipe like this one from Culinary Hill, or buy a jar from the store.

Pesto

Pesto is a basil-based sauce that can be made with pine nuts or walnuts, and spinach. You can make your own or buy it from the store. It's a good choice if you're looking for something other than a tomato-based sauce.

Honey Mustard

A tangy, sweet, and savoury option, honey mustard is a popular choice for dipping sauces. You can make your own by mixing honey and mustard to taste, or buy a pre-made version from the store.

Ranch

A creamy, savoury dressing, ranch is a popular choice for dipping sauces in the US and UK. You can make your own or buy it pre-made.

Salsa

Salsa is a tomato-based sauce with onions, chillies, and other spices. It's a good choice if you're looking for something with a bit of heat. You can make your own or buy it from the store.

Other Ideas

• BBQ sauce
• Cocktail sauce
• Buffalo sauce
• Garlic aioli
• Sweet chilli sauce
• Donair sauce
• Raspberry or blackberry sauce
• Roasted red pepper sauce
• Blue cheese dressing

Frequently asked questions