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

Air fryer mozzarella sticks are a quick and easy snack that can be made in under 10 minutes. The cooking time varies depending on the air fryer model and the number of mozzarella sticks being cooked, but on average, they take between 4 and 10 minutes to cook at temperatures between 360 and 390 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to note that the sticks should be frozen before air frying to prevent the cheese from leaking out and to ensure a crispy exterior and gooey interior.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the mozzarella stick-making process. It ensures that your frozen mozzarella cheese sticks cook from the inside out, resulting in a crispy outside and a gooey inside.

To preheat your air fryer, start by setting the temperature to 360 degrees Fahrenheit, or 183 degrees Celsius. This is the ideal temperature for cooking frozen mozzarella sticks, as a higher temperature may cause the sticks to split open. If you are making homemade mozzarella sticks, a temperature of 390 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended.

Once you've set the temperature, give your air fryer some time to heat up. Most air fryers have a preheat setting that you can use. If yours doesn't, simply set a timer for around 5 minutes to allow the air fryer to reach the desired temperature.

It's important to note that different air fryer brands may vary slightly in temperature, just like a conventional oven. So, it's always a good idea to keep an eye on your mozzarella sticks during the cooking process, especially if you're using an air fryer for the first time.

Additionally, the size of your air fryer basket may determine how many mozzarella sticks you can cook at once. For an even cook, arrange the sticks in a single layer, ensuring they have enough space. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the sticks in batches.

By preheating your air fryer to the right temperature and arranging the mozzarella sticks properly, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious, crispy, and gooey treats!

Place the mozzarella sticks in the air fryer

When you're ready to cook your mozzarella sticks, the first step is to preheat your air fryer. Set it to 360°F (183°C) for frozen mozzarella sticks or 390°F (200°C) for homemade ones.

Now you're ready to place the mozzarella sticks in the air fryer. Arrange them in a single layer in the basket, making sure they don't overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the mozzarella sticks in batches. For example, if you have a smaller air fryer, you might only fit about four to five sticks at a time.

Once you've arranged the sticks in the basket, it's time to air fry them. The cooking time will depend on whether your mozzarella sticks are frozen or homemade. For frozen sticks, air fry for four to six minutes. If your sticks are homemade, air fry for six to eight minutes.

During the cooking process, you may need to flip the mozzarella sticks to ensure even cooking. If your sticks are frozen, flip them over after four minutes and continue cooking for another one to two minutes. For homemade sticks, check on them after four minutes to gauge their doneness. Remove them from the air fryer when the exterior is golden and crispy.

Air fry the sticks

Now that you've prepared your mozzarella sticks, it's time to cook them in the air fryer. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Preheat Your Air Fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer. Set the temperature to 360°F (183°C) for frozen mozzarella sticks or 390°F (200°C) for homemade sticks. Preheat for about 5 minutes, or use the preheat setting if your air fryer has one.
• Place the Sticks in the Air Fryer Basket: Arrange the frozen or homemade mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they don't overlap to ensure even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
• Air Fry: Now, it's time to air fry your mozzarella sticks. For frozen sticks, cook for 4-6 minutes. For homemade sticks, cook for 6-8 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as they can go from perfect to exploded in a matter of seconds!
• Flip and Cook Again: After the initial cooking time, carefully flip the mozzarella sticks. For frozen sticks, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or until golden brown. For homemade sticks, cook for an extra 2-3 minutes for a super gooey centre.
• Remove and Serve: Take the mozzarella sticks out of the air fryer and let them cool for a minute or two. Serve them immediately while they're still hot and crispy.

Tips for Perfect Mozzarella Sticks:

• Don't Overcrowd the Basket: It's important to leave space between the sticks to allow for even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
• Double-Coat Homemade Sticks: If you're making your own mozzarella sticks, be sure to double-coat them with egg and breadcrumbs. This will prevent the coating from sliding off and ensure a crunchy texture.
• Freeze Before Frying: For homemade sticks, freezing them before air frying is crucial. It helps the coating stick and ensures even cooking.
• Use Non-Stick Spray: To prevent sticking and promote browning, use a non-stick spray on the air fryer basket and the sticks themselves.
• Serve with Dipping Sauces: Mozzarella sticks are perfect for dunking! Serve them with your favourite sauces, such as marinara, ranch, BBQ sauce, or honey mustard.

Remove and serve

Once your mozzarella sticks are ready, it's time to remove them from the air fryer and serve them. But how do you know when they're ready? Well, the cheese sticks are done when they can be pinched inward, showing that the cheese is melted. You can also carefully pinch them (remember, they're hot!) to check if the cheese inside is soft and there is a bit of give to the mozzarella stick.

When removing the mozzarella sticks from the air fryer, remember that the basket and its contents will be hot. Use oven mitts or tongs to take them out carefully and avoid burning yourself. Place the cooked mozzarella sticks on a serving plate or tray.

Mozzarella sticks are best served hot and fresh out of the air fryer. They are delicious on their own, but if you want to take them to the next level, serve them with a dipping sauce on the side. There are several sauces that pair well with mozzarella sticks, including:

• Marinara sauce or tomato sauce
• Ranch dressing
• BBQ sauce
• Honey mustard
• French onion dip
• Spicy mayo
• Blue cheese dressing
• Honey Sriracha sauce

If you're feeling creative, you can even make your own dip, like a basil and tomato sauce or a Greek yogurt ranch dressing.

Now that you've removed your mozzarella sticks from the air fryer and plated them, it's time to enjoy your delicious creation! Serve them as a snack, appetiser, or party food, and don't forget to dip them in your favourite sauce for extra flavour.

Dip in your favourite sauce

Mozzarella sticks are a tasty treat, but they're even better when you dip them in your favourite sauce. The most popular sauce to pair with mozzarella sticks is marinara sauce, but there are plenty of other options to choose from. Here are some ideas for sauces to dip your mozzarella sticks in:

• Marinara sauce is a classic choice for mozzarella sticks. It's a smooth, bold, and flavourful tomato-based sauce that pairs perfectly with the cheesy, crispy sticks. You can make your own or buy a store-bought version.
• Pesto is another tasty option, especially if you're looking for something a little different. You can find pesto at most grocery stores, or make your own by blending basil, spinach, olive oil, and nuts.
• Honey mustard is a popular choice for those who like a sweet and tangy dip. It pairs well with the savoury flavours of the mozzarella sticks.
• Ranch dressing is a creamy and tangy option that adds a nice contrast to the crispy cheese sticks.
• BBQ sauce is a great choice if you want something smoky and sweet. It's a perfect match for the gooey cheese.
• Salsa is an unexpected but delicious pairing for mozzarella sticks. The tartness of the salsa complements the richness of the cheese.
• Garlic aioli is a garlicky, creamy sauce that takes your mozzarella sticks to the next level. You can make your own by mixing mayo, olive oil, herbs, lemon, and garlic.
• Tzatziki is a herby, fresh, and slightly acidic yoghurt dip that provides a cool contrast to the warm, crispy cheese sticks.
• Blue cheese dressing offers a strong, tangy flavour that stands up to the richness of the mozzarella.
• Honey sriracha sauce combines sweet and spicy flavours that will kick your mozzarella sticks up a notch.

So, whether you're looking for something classic like marinara sauce, or something more unique like honey sriracha, there's a sauce out there that's perfect for dipping your mozzarella sticks. Get creative, and enjoy!

Frequently asked questions