Air Fryer Mozzarella Bites: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryer mozzarella bites are the perfect snack, appetiser, or game-day treat. They are crispy on the outside, and gooey on the inside, and can be made in less than 20 minutes. But how long do you need to air fry them for?

The cooking time will depend on the type and brand of air fryer you have, and the size of the cooking area. However, on average, air fryer mozzarella bites will take around 8 minutes to cook at 350°F. If you are using frozen mozzarella bites, the cooking time will be slightly shorter, around 4-6 minutes at 360°F.

It is important to note that you should not crowd the air fryer basket when cooking mozzarella bites. Cook them in a single layer, and in batches if necessary, to ensure even cooking.

How to prepare mozzarella bites for the air fryer

Ingredients

To make mozzarella bites in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:

• Mozzarella cheese sticks
• Breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
• Dough (pizza, crescent, or biscuit)
• Butter (optional)
• Cornstarch (optional)
• Parmesan (optional)
• Egg (optional)
• Flour (optional)
• Salt (optional)
• Seasonings (optional)

Method

• Cut the mozzarella cheese sticks into smaller pieces or cubes.
• If using dough, separate it into sheets. Wrap each piece of cheese with the dough, ensuring the edges are well sealed.
• (Optional) If using cornstarch, toss the cheese pieces in cornstarch before freezing. This helps absorb moisture and prevents cheese leakage.
• (Optional) Dip the cheese packages in melted butter, then into the breadcrumb mixture.
• Place the coated cheese pieces on a baking sheet or tray and freeze for at least 30 minutes to an hour.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350-425°F.
• Place the frozen mozzarella bites into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not crowded or touching.
• Air fry for 5-10 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
• Serve immediately with your favourite dipping sauce, such as marinara sauce, salsa, or ranch dressing.

Tips

• Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper, foil, or aluminium foil to prevent sticking.
• Flip the mozzarella bites halfway through the cooking process for even cooking.
• Double-coat the mozzarella bites by dipping them in an egg mixture and then breadcrumbs, freezing, and repeating the process for a crunchier texture.
• Freeze any leftovers, and reheat in the air fryer at 275-350°F for 5-6 minutes.

How to cook mozzarella bites in the air fryer

Ingredients

• Mozzarella cheese sticks
• Breadcrumbs (preferably Japanese panko)
• Flour
• Eggs
• Milk (optional)
• Cornstarch (optional)
• Black pepper (optional)
• Parsley flakes (optional)
• Salt

Optional dips and sauces

• Marinara sauce
• Ranch dressing
• Honey mustard sauce
• BBQ sauce
• French onion dip
• And many more!

Method

• Cut your mozzarella cheese sticks into thirds.
• Mix your dry ingredients (flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and parsley flakes) in one bowl, and whisk your eggs and milk in another.
• Dip each piece of cheese first into the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, and then the breadcrumbs.
• Repeat the dipping process, ensuring each piece of cheese is double-coated.
• Place the coated cheese pieces on a baking sheet or tray and freeze for at least half an hour, and up to one hour.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350-390°F.
• Place the frozen cheese pieces into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching.
• Spray the cheese pieces liberally with cooking spray.
• Air fry for around 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the exterior is golden and crispy.
• Allow to cool for a minute or two, and serve immediately with your chosen dip.

Tips

• To prevent your mozzarella bites from exploding in the air fryer, ensure they are thoroughly coated and double-coated.
• Freeze the cheese pieces while the air fryer preheats.
• Place the bites in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they are not touching.
• Spray thoroughly with cooking spray before cooking.
• Shake the basket halfway through cooking.
• If cooking from frozen, increase the cooking time to 8-10 minutes.
• If reheating, preheat your air fryer to 350°F and air fry for 2-3 minutes.

How to serve mozzarella bites

Mozzarella bites are a delicious snack, perfect for game days, parties, or a quick appetizer. They are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, making them a tasty treat for any occasion. Here are some tips on how to serve them:

Choose the Right Cheese:

Regular, full-fat mozzarella sticks are recommended for the best texture and taste. Low-fat sticks can be used, but they may result in a slightly rubbery texture. Freezing the cheese sticks before air frying is crucial to ensure they cook evenly and the coating doesn't slide off.

Prepare the Coatings:

Prepare three separate bowls for coatings: one with flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper; another with beaten eggs and milk; and the third with Panko breadcrumbs and dried parsley flakes or Italian seasoning. You can also add garlic salt to the flour mixture for an extra kick of flavor. Double-coat the cheese sticks by dipping them in the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, and finally the breadcrumbs. Repeat the process for a second coating and freeze again before air frying.

Air Frying Instructions:

Preheat your air fryer to 350-390°F. Place the coated cheese sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't touch each other. Spray the sticks liberally with cooking spray and air fry for about 6-8 minutes, until the exterior is golden and crispy. Remember to shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

Dipping Sauces:

Mozzarella bites go well with a variety of dipping sauces. The classic choice is marinara sauce or tomato sauce, but you can also try ranch, honey mustard, spicy mustard, French onion dip, BBQ sauce, or even make your own dip like Chick-Fil-A Sauce or BBQ Sauce. Get creative and experiment with different sauces to find your favorite combinations.

Serving Suggestions:

Mozzarella bites make a great snack or appetizer, but you can also serve them as part of a larger spread. Pair them with other finger foods like nacho cheese, pizza tarts, or roasted chickpeas for a delicious and impressive platter. They also go well with air fryer hot pockets, making them an excellent game day snack.

Storage and Reheating:

It's best to cook only the amount of mozzarella bites you plan to eat, as they are freshest and tastiest when served immediately. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days. To reheat, preheat your air fryer to 350°F and air fry the bites for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.

How to store leftover mozzarella bites

If you have leftover mozzarella bites, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. To reheat, preheat the oven to 400°F and bake until warm and crisp (about 5 minutes), or crisp them up in an air fryer.

Mozzarella bites are best when eaten fresh, but if you do have leftovers, it's important to store them properly to maintain their taste and texture. Here are some tips for storing leftover mozzarella bites:

• Let the mozzarella bites cool to room temperature before storing them.
• Place the bites in an airtight container or resealable bag.
• If you have a large number of bites, you can also wrap them in foil or cling wrap before placing them in the container to prevent them from drying out.
• Store the container in the refrigerator.
• Try to eat the leftover bites within 2-3 days for the best taste and texture.
• If you want to reheat the bites, preheat your oven to 400°F and bake them for about 5 minutes, or until they are warm and crisp. Alternatively, you can also reheat them in an air fryer.

Air fryer temperature and timing for mozzarella bites

Mozzarella bites are a great snack, appetizer, or side dish. They are super easy to make and even easier to eat! You can make them in an air fryer without having to defrost them first. The air fryer will give you a crispy, crunchy outside and a melty, gooey cheese inside.

Temperature

The best temperature to cook mozzarella bites in an air fryer is between 350°F and 390°F. If you are cooking frozen mozzarella bites, a temperature of 350°F to 360°F is best. For homemade mozzarella bites, a temperature of 390°F works well.

Timing

The cooking time for mozzarella bites in an air fryer will depend on the type and brand of air fryer you have, as well as the size of the cooking area. As a guide, cook your mozzarella bites for around 6 to 8 minutes. If you are cooking frozen mozzarella bites, 5 to 7 minutes should be sufficient.

It is important to note that you should not crowd the air fryer basket/tray. Cook the mozzarella bites in a single layer, and in smaller batches if needed, so that the hot air can circulate between them. This will help ensure even cooking.

You can also double-coat your mozzarella bites for extra crunch and to ensure that all parts of the stick are coated. Simply dip the mozzarella stick in a lightly beaten egg and then in breadcrumbs, freeze for a short period, and then repeat the process for a second coating.

Tips

• Use non-stick spray oil on the air fryer basket and sticks before cooking.
• Work in batches if needed.
• If using a toaster oven/air fryer combo, place an extra rack underneath the fry basket and line it with foil to prevent mozzarella from dripping onto the heating elements.
• If cooking frozen mozzarella bites, do not thaw first. Cooking the cheese sticks straight from the freezer will give them a crispier outside coating.
• Do not stack the cheese sticks in the air fryer basket/tray.
• There is no need to add oil spray to the cheese sticks as there is enough in the crust already.
• Serve with your favorite dip, such as marinara sauce, ranch, BBQ sauce, or honey mustard.
• To reheat, preheat your air fryer to 350°F and air fry the mozzarella bites for 2 to 3 minutes until warmed.

Frequently asked questions