Air fryers are a great way to make mozzarella sticks without the guilt of grease and calories. The crunchy, gooey, and melty cheese snack is a crowd favourite and can be made in just 10 minutes. The key to getting the perfect mozzarella sticks is to freeze the cheese before breading and to cook it in batches to prevent a soggy texture.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Prep Time | 2 minutes |
Cook Time | 6-8 minutes |
Total Time | 9 minutes |
Mozzarella Sticks | 8-12 |
Air Fryer Temperature | 360-400°F |
Breadcrumbs | Panko |
Egg | Large |
Flour | All-purpose |
Breading | Double-coat |
Freezing Time | 30 minutes-2 hours |
What You'll Learn
How to freeze mozzarella sticks
Mozzarella sticks are a great snack to have on hand, and freezing them is a perfect way to ensure you always have some ready to cook. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to freeze mozzarella sticks:
Step 1: Prepare the Mozzarella Sticks
Start by preparing the mozzarella cheese. Cut a block of mozzarella cheese into sticks or strips, roughly 1/2-inch thick and a few inches tall. You can also use string cheese and cut each piece in half to make smaller portions. Regular, full-fat mozzarella works best, as low-fat options may result in a rubbery texture.
Step 2: Create the Breading Station
Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes. In the first dish, whisk an egg with a touch of water and a pinch of salt. You can also add some garlic powder to the egg mixture for extra flavour. The second dish should contain plain flour, and the third, Italian-style breadcrumbs. You can use pre-seasoned breadcrumbs or add your own spices like garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, or dried herbs like oregano and thyme.
Step 3: Bread the Mozzarella Sticks
Now it's time to coat the cheese sticks. Dip each cheese stick into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off, and then coat it with flour. Repeat this process, dipping the stick back into the egg mixture and then the flour. This double coating ensures the cheese is well protected and reduces the risk of leakage during frying.
Next, move on to the breadcrumbs. Coat the cheese stick with the breadcrumbs, ensuring it's completely covered. Shake off any excess, and place the stick on a tray. Repeat this entire process for a second coating, or even a third if you want an extra-robust shell.
Step 4: Freeze the Breaded Sticks
Arrange the breaded mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet or tray in a single layer, making sure they don't touch. Place the tray in the freezer for at least two hours or until the sticks are completely frozen. This step is crucial, as it ensures the cheese is cold enough that it won't melt too quickly during frying, resulting in an even cook.
Step 5: Store in an Airtight Container
Once the mozzarella sticks are frozen solid, transfer them to an airtight container or a zip-top freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible from the bag before sealing. You can store the frozen mozzarella sticks for up to two to three months.
Tips for Frying Frozen Mozzarella Sticks:
When you're ready to enjoy your frozen mozzarella sticks, here are some tips for frying them:
- No need to thaw: You can fry the mozzarella sticks straight from the freezer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, adding a couple of minutes to ensure they cook through.
- Use a thermometer: Maintain the oil temperature between 350°F and 375°F for the best results.
- Fry in batches: Don't overcrowd your fryer or pan. Fry the sticks in small batches to ensure even cooking and to prevent the oil temperature from dropping too much.
- Sauce it up: Serve your crispy, gooey mozzarella sticks with your favourite dipping sauces like marinara, pizza sauce, Alfredo sauce, ranch dressing, or even salsa.
Enjoy your delicious, crispy, and gooey homemade mozzarella sticks!
Frying Frozen Shrimp Tempura: Air Fryer Tips and Tricks
You may want to see also
How to cook frozen mozzarella sticks
Ingredients
- Mozzarella Sticks
- All-Purpose Flour
- Egg
- Panko Breadcrumbs
- Salt and Pepper
- Olive Oil or Cooking Spray
- Dipping Sauce (optional)
Utensils
- Air Fryer
- Shallow Bowls
- Baking Sheet
- Fork and Spoon
Method
- Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (or 183°C).
- Prepare your dredging station by placing flour in a shallow bowl, beating the egg in another shallow bowl, and combining the breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a third shallow bowl.
- Dip each mozzarella stick in the flour, ensuring it is fully coated, then dip it into the beaten egg, and finally into the breadcrumb mixture.
- Repeat the dredging process, coating the mozzarella stick in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs for a second time.
- Place the dredged mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes to an hour.
- Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Place the frozen mozzarella sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Spray the sticks with a bit of cooking spray or olive oil.
- Air fry the mozzarella sticks for 6-8 minutes, or until the exterior is golden and crispy.
- Carefully remove the sticks from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favourite dipping sauce, such as marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or BBQ sauce.
Tips:
- It is important to freeze the mozzarella sticks before air-frying to prevent the cheese from melting too early and spilling out.
- Make sure to flip the sticks halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.
- Depending on your air fryer brand, you may need to adjust the cooking time.
Enjoy your crispy and gooey homemade mozzarella sticks!
Air Fryer Pizza Rolls: How Long to Fry?
You may want to see also
How to serve mozzarella sticks
Mozzarella sticks are a delicious snack, perfect for parties, special occasions, or even just a fun afternoon treat. They are also a great appetizer and can be served in a number of ways.
Dipping Sauces
The most common way to serve mozzarella sticks is with a dipping sauce. You can use a variety of sauces, depending on your preference. Some popular options include:
- Marinara sauce
- BBQ sauce
- Ranch dressing
- Spicy tomato ketchup
- Greek Yogurt Ranch Dressing
As a Side
Mozzarella sticks can also be served as a side dish to a larger meal. They pair well with a variety of main courses, such as burgers, sandwiches, or a charcuterie board.
Reheating
If you have any leftover mozzarella sticks, you can easily reheat them in the air fryer. Set your air fryer to 360°F and cook the sticks for 3-4 minutes, turning them halfway through. Keep a close eye on them, as they may split open if heated for too long.
Presentation
When serving mozzarella sticks, it's important to consider the presentation. Arrange them neatly on a plate or platter, ensuring they are in a single layer so they stay crispy. You can also garnish the plate with fresh herbs or other edible decorations to add a pop of color.
Quantity
Depending on the occasion, you may want to adjust the quantity of mozzarella sticks you serve. For a party or large gathering, it's a good idea to make a bigger batch so that everyone can enjoy them. For a smaller group or as a side dish, you may want to make a smaller batch.
Toasting Bread in an Air Fryer: How Long Does It Take?
You may want to see also
How to store leftovers
Mozzarella sticks are best enjoyed fresh and don't hold well for long. If you're looking to store leftovers, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure they stay as tasty as possible.
Firstly, it's important to note that mozzarella sticks are best enjoyed piping hot and crispy, so storing them for a picnic, as some have suggested, is not ideal. They will likely become soggy, gross, and chewy.
However, if you do end up with leftovers, it's best to store them in an airtight container with a lid in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to two days.
When you're ready to reheat them, preheat your air fryer to 360°F and cook the mozzarella sticks for 3-4 minutes, turning them halfway through. Keep a close eye on them, as the cheese can melt and cause them to split open if you heat them for too long.
Alternatively, you can reheat them in an oven or toaster oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake the mozzarella sticks on a cookie sheet for 5 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. If they are frozen solid, increase the temperature to 450°F and bake for 8 to 15 minutes.
For a quicker option, you can use a microwave. Arrange the mozzarella sticks in a circular pattern, like the spokes on a wheel, and heat them for 25 to 45 seconds. Then, flip them over and microwave for another 25 to 45 seconds. If they're still cold in the middle, heat them for an additional 15 seconds.
Keep in mind that the microwave can leave them soggy, so you might want to finish them off in the oven broiler for a couple of minutes to add some crispiness.
While reheated mozzarella sticks might not taste exactly like they did when fresh, following these steps will help you enjoy them again without them being too disappointing.
Frying Frozen Fries: How Long Should You Fry Them?
You may want to see also
How to freeze cooked mozzarella sticks
Mozzarella sticks are a great snack, and freezing cooked ones is a convenient way to ensure you always have some on hand. Here is a detailed guide on how to freeze cooked mozzarella sticks, so you can enjoy them whenever you want.
Freezing Cooked Mozzarella Sticks:
Firstly, it is important to let the cooked mozzarella sticks cool down to room temperature. This will help prevent condensation and ensure the sticks stay dry during freezing.
Next, you will need to place the cooked mozzarella sticks on a baking tray or plate. Ensure they are in a single layer and not touching each other. This step is crucial to prevent the sticks from freezing together and becoming difficult to separate later. Place the tray in the freezer and leave until the sticks are completely frozen solid. The time this takes will depend on the size of the mozzarella sticks, but it usually takes around 2-4 hours.
Once the mozzarella sticks are frozen solid, you can transfer them to a freezer-safe storage container or bag. If using a bag, try to remove as much air as possible before sealing. Label the container or bag with the date, and return it to the freezer. Frozen cooked mozzarella sticks should last for up to 2 months.
Reheating Frozen Cooked Mozzarella Sticks:
When you are ready to enjoy your frozen cooked mozzarella sticks, simply preheat your oven to 350°F. There is no need to thaw the sticks before reheating. Place the desired number of sticks on a baking tray, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Reheat for around 10 minutes, or until hot and crispy. Keep a close eye on them to ensure they do not overcook or burn.
And that's it! Now you can enjoy delicious, crispy mozzarella sticks whenever the craving strikes.
Air Fryer Chicken Wings: Cooking Time Perfection
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Frozen mozzarella sticks should be cooked for 6-8 minutes in an air fryer.
Homemade mozzarella sticks should be cooked for 6-8 minutes in an air fryer.
The ideal temperature for cooking mozzarella sticks in an air fryer is 360°F-390°F.
It is recommended that you freeze your mozzarella sticks for at least 30 minutes before cooking them in an air fryer.