Air Fryer Frozen Cheese Sticks: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a convenient way to make frozen cheese sticks, which are a tasty snack or appetiser. The cooking time varies depending on the air fryer model, but it typically takes around 5-10 minutes to cook frozen cheese sticks. It is important to keep an eye on them while cooking, as they can quickly go from melted to exploded. The cheese sticks should be cooked in a single layer, and flipped halfway through. They can be served with a variety of dipping sauces, such as marinara, BBQ, or ranch.

Preheat the air fryer to 360-390°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. For mozzarella cheese sticks, you should preheat your air fryer to between 360°F and 390°F.

Different recipes suggest different temperatures within this range. Some sources suggest 360°F, while others suggest 390°F. One source recommends reducing the temperature to 360°F and increasing the cooking time to 8-10 minutes if you are cooking frozen cheese sticks.

It is important to note that the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the brand and size of your air fryer. It is recommended to check the cheese sticks halfway through cooking and adjust the timing as needed.

Additionally, when preheating your air fryer, you can prepare the basket with a nonstick cooking spray. This will help to ensure that the cheese sticks do not stick to the basket and will also help to create a crispy texture.

Once your air fryer has reached the desired temperature, you can proceed with placing the frozen cheese sticks in the basket and cooking them according to your desired level of crispiness and browning.

Use non-stick spray

Before you put the cheese sticks in the air fryer, it's important to prepare the air fryer basket with a non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent the cheese sticks from sticking to the basket and will help them to brown. You can also use olive oil spray, but this is optional as you can still get crispy results without it.

Spray the air fryer basket and the mozzarella sticks with a non-stick cooking spray. You can then place the frozen mozzarella sticks in the basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with enough space around them for the hot air to circulate.

If you are cooking a large batch, you may need to work in batches to ensure that the cheese sticks cook evenly and don't stick together.

Once you have sprayed the basket and the cheese sticks, you can then air fry them at the desired temperature and time (see the previous section for details).

Remember to keep an eye on your cheese sticks as they cook, as the cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer brand and the size and style of the air fryer.

Cook for 5-8 minutes

Cooking frozen cheese sticks in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. After preheating your air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit or 198 degrees Celsius, you can prepare the basket with a nonstick cooking spray. You can also use parchment paper or foil, but only after your air fryer has been preheated.

Next, place the frozen cheese sticks in a single layer in the basket, ensuring adequate spacing for even cooking. It is important to note that not all cheese sticks are created equal. Some may be breaded, battered, or plain, so adjust your cooking technique accordingly.

Now, it's time to air fry! Cook the cheese sticks for 5-8 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. The total cooking time may vary depending on the brand and model of your air fryer, so keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking. Overcooked cheese sticks will burst, resulting in a messy cheese explosion!

Once they're cooked to your desired level of crispiness, carefully remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. These cheese sticks pair well with various dipping sauces, such as marinara, BBQ, or ranch. Enjoy your crispy and gooey treat!

Flip halfway through

Flipping your cheese sticks halfway through the cooking process is an important step in ensuring they cook evenly. This is because the air fryer cooks food from the outside in, so flipping the cheese sticks helps to ensure both sides are cooked and browned properly.

When flipping your cheese sticks, it is important to be careful as the air fryer basket will be hot. Use tongs or a similar utensil to turn the cheese sticks over. It is also important to note that not all cheese sticks are created equal. Some are thinner and will cook faster, so keep a close eye on them to avoid overcooking.

The cooking time for frozen cheese sticks in an air fryer varies depending on the air fryer model and the number of cheese sticks being cooked. Most sources recommend cooking frozen cheese sticks for 5-7 minutes at 390°F (198°C), flipping them halfway through. However, it is important to note that the cooking time may need to be adjusted depending on the brand and model of your air fryer. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for the best results.

Additionally, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer before adding the cheese sticks. This will help ensure even cooking and browning. When placing the cheese sticks in the air fryer, arrange them in a single layer, leaving enough space between them to allow hot air to circulate.

Finally, when removing the cheese sticks from the air fryer, use caution as the basket and cheese sticks will be hot. Serve the cheese sticks immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara, BBQ, or ranch.

Serve with marinara sauce

There are a variety of sauces that go well with mozzarella cheese sticks, but a popular choice is marinara sauce. You can either use a store-bought marinara sauce or make your own from scratch.

• Combine 1 cup of store-bought marinara sauce (such as RAO's), 1/4 teaspoon of dried basil, 1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground garlic powder in a medium-sized bowl.
• For a little extra kick, you can also add a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of red wine vinegar.
• Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
• Heat the sauce in the microwave until warm.

You can serve the warm marinara sauce as a dipping sauce for your crispy, gooey, and melty cheese sticks. This combination is perfect for entertaining or as a snack, and it's a hassle-free way to impress your guests or treat yourself.

Frequently asked questions