Mozzarella Sticks: Air Fryer Cooking Time From Frozen

Frozen mozzarella sticks are a great snack option for any occasion, whether it's game day, a party, or an afternoon bite. They can be cooked in an air fryer in a matter of minutes, resulting in a crispy exterior and a gooey, melted cheese interior. But how long do they need to be in the air fryer?

How long frozen mozzarella sticks in air fryer?

How to cook frozen mozzarella sticks in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Frozen mozzarella sticks
• Olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil spray (optional)
• Dipping sauce of your choice (optional)

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit. Some recipes suggest a higher temperature of 390 degrees Fahrenheit, but be aware that cooking at a higher temperature may cause the mozzarella sticks to split open and the cheese to ooze out.
• Place the frozen mozzarella sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching. This allows for even cooking and circulation of air.
• Air fry for approximately 4-6 minutes, or until the mozzarella sticks are crispy and golden brown. You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on your air fryer and the number of sticks you are cooking. Flip the sticks halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.
• Remove the mozzarella sticks from the air fryer and let them cool for 1-2 minutes before serving.

Tips:

• There is no need to thaw the mozzarella sticks before cooking; they can go straight from the freezer into the air fryer.
• Preheating your air fryer will ensure the mozzarella sticks cook evenly, resulting in a crispy outside and gooey inside.
• Keep an eye on the mozzarella sticks during cooking, especially at the 5-minute mark, to ensure the cheese does not overcook or ooze out.
• You can spray the mozzarella sticks with oil before cooking to achieve extra crispiness, but this is not necessary.
• Serve with your favourite dipping sauce, such as marinara, ranch, or BBQ sauce.

Reheating:

• To reheat leftover mozzarella sticks, place them back in the air fryer at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the breading is crispy.
• Keep a close eye on the mozzarella sticks while reheating, as they can quickly overcook and split open.

How to store and reheat leftovers

Mozzarella sticks can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days or in the freezer for up to six months. To store mozzarella sticks in the freezer, first, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for about four hours or until solid. Then, transfer the sticks to an airtight container or freezer bag, ensuring you remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

When it comes to reheating, the oven, air fryer, or skillet are your best options. Here are the steps for each method:

Oven:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) for refrigerated mozzarella sticks or 425°F (220°C) for frozen ones.
• Lightly coat the mozzarella sticks with oil (optional).
• Place the sticks on a wire rack or preheated oven tray, turning them halfway through if using a tray.
• Reheat for 5-10 minutes or 10-20 minutes if frozen.

Air Fryer:

• Preheat the air fryer to 350°F-375°F (180°C-190°C).
• Place the mozzarella sticks in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
• Reheat refrigerated sticks for 2-3 minutes or frozen sticks for 8-10 minutes.

Skillet:

• Set the stovetop to medium-high heat and add oil to cover the bottom of the skillet.
• Wait until the oil is hot before adding the mozzarella sticks.
• Fry the sticks for 4-5 minutes, turning frequently.
• Rest the sticks on a paper towel to absorb excess oil before serving.

How to prevent mozzarella sticks from exploding in the air fryer

Mozzarella sticks are a great snack, especially when they are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. However, they can be tricky to cook in an air fryer, as they can easily explode, creating a mess and leaving you with empty breadcrumb shells. Here are some tips to help prevent your mozzarella sticks from exploding:

Temperature and Timing:

• Avoid high temperatures: Cooking mozzarella sticks at a very high temperature, such as 380°F, can cause the cheese to explode out of the breading. Lower temperatures, such as 360°F to 370°F, are recommended.
• Start with shorter cook times: Begin with a lower cook time, such as 4 to 6 minutes, and add a minute or two at a time. This will help prevent overcooking, which is the main cause of cheese stick explosions.
• Check frequently: Mozzarella sticks go from perfect to exploded in just a few seconds, so keep a close eye on them. Check every 30 seconds to one minute after the four-minute mark.
• Test with a single stick: If you're unsure about the timing, test with a single mozzarella stick first. This way, if it does explode, you haven't lost the entire batch.

Preparation:

• Freeze before cooking: Freezing the mozzarella sticks before cooking helps prevent the cheese from melting too quickly and exploding. Aim for at least one hour of freezing time, or even overnight.
• Double-coat: Dip the mozzarella sticks in the egg and breadcrumb mixture twice before freezing. This creates a stronger barrier that can contain the melting cheese and prevent it from bursting through.
• Use non-stick spray: Spraying the air fryer basket and the mozzarella sticks with a non-stick cooking spray can help prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
• Single layer: Arrange the mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't touch each other. This ensures even cooking and prevents sogginess.
• Don't overcrowd: Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the mozzarella sticks in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket.
• Choose the right cheese: Opt for regular, full-fat mozzarella sticks. Low-fat sticks can have a rubbery texture, and non-fat sticks may not hold up well during cooking.

What temperature and how long to cook frozen mozzarella sticks in an air fryer

Cooking Frozen Mozzarella Sticks in an Air Fryer

Mozzarella sticks are a great snack or appetizer, and cooking them in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get that perfect combination of crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. Here's a step-by-step guide on the temperature and cooking time for frozen mozzarella sticks in an air fryer.

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

It is recommended to preheat your air fryer to ensure consistent cooking. The ideal temperature for preheating is 360 degrees Fahrenheit (some sources suggest 360 degrees Celsius as well). Preheat for about 3 minutes or until the desired temperature is reached.

Step 2: Prepare the Mozzarella Sticks

Place the frozen mozzarella sticks in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with enough space for air to circulate. Do not overcrowd the basket. You can spray the sticks with a light coating of olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil for extra crispness, but it is not necessary.

Step 3: Air Fry the Mozzarella Sticks

Close the air fryer and set the temperature to 360 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook the mozzarella sticks for 5 to 8 minutes. At the halfway mark, open the air fryer and shake the basket or use tongs to turn the sticks. This helps ensure even cooking and prevents them from sticking to the basket.

Step 4: Check for Doneness and Serve

Keep a close eye on the mozzarella sticks, especially after the 5-minute mark, as they can quickly go from perfectly melted to exploded. The sticks are done when the outside is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Remove them from the air fryer, let them cool for a minute or two, and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips:

• Every air fryer is different, so it's important to monitor the mozzarella sticks during cooking. Check on them a couple of minutes before the suggested cooking time to ensure they don't overcook or burn.
• To prevent the mozzarella sticks from splitting open and the cheese from oozing out, cook at a lower temperature (360 degrees F) and keep an eye on them.
• If you're cooking a large batch, you may need to cook the sticks in smaller batches to ensure even cooking.
• For an extra crispy coating, spray the mozzarella sticks with oil before air frying.
• If you're reheating leftover mozzarella sticks, preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees F and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.

What to serve with mozzarella sticks

Frozen mozzarella sticks are a quick and easy snack to make in an air fryer. They are done in under 10 minutes, and you can serve them with a variety of dips and side dishes. Here are some ideas for what to serve with your air-fried mozzarella sticks:

Sauces and Dips

Mozzarella sticks are often served with a marinara or tomato sauce for dipping. You could also try something with a little spice, like a honey sriracha sauce, or a cooling dip like blue cheese dressing.

Sides

Mozzarella sticks are a versatile snack and can be served with a wide range of side dishes. Here are some ideas:

• Pigs in a blanket
• Tomato soup
• Meatballs in marinara sauce
• Chicken wings
• Spinach balls
• Ribs
• Pesto pasta
• Sheet pan pizza
• Tater tot nachos (totchos)
• Chicken tenders
• Grilled chicken
• Hamburgers
• French fries
• Sweet potato fries

Other Snacks

If you are serving mozzarella sticks as part of a snack platter or for game day, you could pair them with other snacks like:

• Chicken wings
• Italian sub sliders
• Jalapeno poppers
• Crispy polenta fries
• Mini bell peppers
• Garlic parmesan knots
• Crispy vegetable spring rolls
• Chicken nuggets
• Pizza rolls
• Mac and cheese bites
• Crab rangoon

Frequently asked questions