Mozzarella Sticks: Air Fryer Cooking Time Perfection

Mozzarella sticks are a beloved snack, but how long should you cook them in an air fryer? The answer depends on the temperature you're cooking at and whether you're cooking from frozen or not. If you're cooking from fresh, set your air fryer to 390°F and cook for 6-8 minutes. If you're cooking from frozen, reduce the temperature to 360°F and cook for 8-10 minutes. If you're reheating, 3-4 minutes at 360°F should do the trick.

How long should mozzarella sticks cook in an air fryer?

Cooking from frozen

Cooking mozzarella sticks from frozen is a quick and easy process. It is recommended to preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit, although some sources suggest 390 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are using an instant pot, you can set the temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Once your air fryer is preheated, place the frozen mozzarella sticks in the basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with enough space around each stick for the air to circulate. This will ensure they cook evenly. You can also spray the basket with a non-stick cooking spray or use parchment paper or foil to prevent sticking.

Cooking time for frozen mozzarella sticks varies from 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the source and the air fryer used. Most sources recommend cooking for 6 to 8 minutes, but it is important to keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking. At the halfway mark, open the air fryer and shake the basket to turn the sticks, or use tongs to flip them.

When the sticks are done, carefully remove them from the basket and let them cool for a couple of minutes before serving. They can be served with various dipping sauces, such as marinara, ranch dressing, or BBQ sauce.

If you have any leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To reheat, set your air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, turning them halfway through.

Reheating

The beauty of cooking frozen mozzarella sticks in an air fryer is that you can cook them straight from the freezer without needing to thaw them first. This convenience, however, demands careful monitoring, as the cook time may vary slightly depending on the brand of your air fryer. For instance, an Instant Pot (5.7Q) air fryer typically requires 6 to 8 minutes to achieve the desired result.

If you are cooking freshly prepared mozzarella sticks, a preheat temperature of 390 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended. Spray the air fryer basket and the mozzarella sticks with a nonstick cooking spray. Air fry the sticks in batches, if necessary, for 6 to 8 minutes, until the exterior is golden and crispy.

When cooking mozzarella sticks, it is crucial to handle them with care to prevent the cheese from oozing out. One effective method to prevent splitting and cheese leakage is to cook the sticks at a lower temperature, such as 360 degrees Fahrenheit, for a slightly longer duration.

Additionally, it is worth noting that the breading of the mozzarella sticks plays a role in achieving the desired outcome. A thicker crust can help contain the cheese and provide a more satisfying texture. However, regardless of the breading thickness, it is advisable to microwave the sticks for a short time before placing them in the air fryer to ensure even cooking and prevent cheese seepage.

Temperature and timing

The temperature and timing for cooking mozzarella sticks in an air fryer depend on whether they are frozen or not, and whether you are reheating or cooking from scratch.

Cooking Frozen Mozzarella Sticks

To cook frozen mozzarella sticks in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to between 360°F and 390°F. The higher the temperature, the shorter the cooking time. At 360°F, cook for 8-10 minutes. At 390°F, cook for 6-8 minutes. Check the mozzarella sticks after 6 minutes, and carefully flip them so that they fry evenly. Then, allow them to cook for the remaining 2 minutes. Depending on how crispy you like your mozzarella sticks, they may need an additional 1-2 minutes of cooking time.

Reheating Mozzarella Sticks

To reheat mozzarella sticks in an air fryer, set your air fryer to 360°F and cook for 3-4 minutes, turning them halfway through. Keep a close eye on them as they reheat, as they may split open if you heat them for too long.

Cooking from Scratch

If you are cooking mozzarella sticks from scratch, without freezing them first, set your air fryer to 390°F and cook for 6-8 minutes.

It is worth noting that some sources suggest cooking mozzarella sticks at 380°F for 8 minutes, but this has resulted in the cheese exploding out of the breadcrumb shell. Therefore, it is recommended to cook at a lower temperature for a slightly longer time.

Additionally, if you are using a conventional oven as well as an air fryer, you can reduce the temperature and time by 25% and 10% respectively. For example, if the oven instructions say to bake for 10 minutes at 350°F, you would air fry for 9 minutes at 325°F.

Avoiding cheese explosions

Mozzarella sticks are a great snack to cook in an air fryer, but they can be tricky to get right. The cooking time depends on whether the mozzarella sticks are frozen or not. If you're cooking from frozen, it's recommended to cook the sticks for 6-8 minutes at 360°F (183°C). If you're cooking them straight after coating, cook them for 6 to 8 minutes at 390°F.

Unfortunately, mozzarella sticks are prone to exploding in the air fryer, resulting in a hot mess. This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as the temperature being too high, the sticks being overcooked, or the coating not being properly adhered to the cheese. To avoid this, try the following:

• Reduce the temperature: Cooking mozzarella sticks at a lower temperature, such as 360°F, can help prevent the cheese from oozing out and exploding.
• Check halfway through: Since air fryers cook quickly, it's important to check on your mozzarella sticks halfway through the cooking process. This will allow you to catch any signs of cheese seepage and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Double-layer the coating: Mozzarella sticks have a tendency to violently divest themselves of their coating. A double layer of the egg and panko mixture can provide extra insurance against this, making sure that all parts of the stick are properly coated.
• Choose the right cheese sticks: Not all cheese sticks are created equal. Opt for regular, full-fat mozzarella sticks as low-fat sticks tend to have a rubbery texture.
• Microwave first: To avoid explosions, some people suggest microwaving the mozzarella sticks first to warm up the insides, and then using the air fryer on high heat for a short time to crisp up the exterior.
• Use a rack or mesh tray: If you're cooking something with shredded cheese or a slice of cheese on top, try using a rack or mesh tray to weigh down the cheese and redirect the airflow, preventing it from flying around or exploding.
• Let the cheese melt first: When adding cheese to a burger, let the cheese melt a bit on the hot patty before closing the air fryer. This will help prevent the cheese from \"jumping\" off the burger due to the force of the hot air.
• Use parchment paper: While lining the air fryer basket with foil can help contain the mess, it will also prevent even cooking as air doesn't circulate through aluminum foil. Instead, use parchment paper, which is safe for air fryers and allows for better air circulation.

Dipping sauces

Mozzarella sticks are a versatile snack that can be paired with a variety of dipping sauces. Here are some options to consider:

Classic Tomato-based Marinara Sauce

A warm tomato basil marinara sauce is a perfect pairing for mozzarella sticks, adding a touch of flavour and a smooth, inviting consistency. You can also garnish with a drizzle of marinara sauce for an extra touch of flavour.

Spicy Sriracha Mayo

For those who like it hot, combine sriracha sauce with mayonnaise to create a spicy and flavourful dip.

Honey Mustard

A sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce is another delightful option. You can adjust the taste by adding an extra pinch of sugar, or more BBQ sauce or mustard to your liking.

Ranch Dressing

A creamy ranch dressing is always a great choice for a dipping sauce, offering a cool contrast to the crispy, fried mozzarella.

Chick-Fil-A Sauce

For something a little different, try a homemade Chick-Fil-A Sauce. Mix together mayo, yellow mustard, BBQ sauce, honey, lemon juice, and a pinch of sugar. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes before serving.

Remember, when serving your mozzarella sticks, it's best to ensure they are still warm to the touch, as this will enhance the overall experience. You can also garnish with a sprinkle of parsley for an extra touch of flavour.

Frequently asked questions