Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks: Perfect Timing For Melty Cheese

Mozzarella sticks are a popular snack and appetizer, and an air fryer is a great way to cook them. They can be made from scratch or store-bought, and the cooking time varies depending on whether they are fresh or frozen. When cooking fresh mozzarella sticks in an air fryer, it is important to freeze them for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours before cooking to ensure the crumbs crisp up without the cheese melting. The cooking time for fresh mozzarella sticks is typically between 5 and 10 minutes at a temperature of around 390°F. Frozen mozzarella sticks can be cooked straight from the freezer and typically take between 5 and 8 minutes at a temperature of around 360°F to 380°F.

How to make mozzarella sticks from scratch

Ingredients:

• Low-moisture mozzarella cheese or string cheese
• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs (Italian, plain, or panko)
• Flour (optional)
• Cornstarch (optional)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, olive, or tallow)
• Dipping sauces of your choice (e.g. marinara, ranch, BBQ sauce)

Utensils:

• Three bowls
• Baking sheet or tray
• Freezer
• Air fryer or heavy saucepan
• Paper towels
• Airtight container
• Oven (optional)

Method:

• Cut the mozzarella cheese into sticks, approximately 1/2 inch thick and a few inches tall.
• Grab three bowls and line them up. Fill one bowl with flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add eggs and a bit of water to the second bowl and whisk until smooth. In the third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning.
• Take a cheese stick and dip it into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off. Then coat it in the flour/breadcrumb mixture, shaking off any excess, and place it on a tray. Repeat this process for a second coating, at a minimum. For an even crispier shell, you can do a third coating.
• Freeze the mozzarella sticks on the tray for at least 45 minutes to 2 hours. This step is crucial to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly and leaking out during frying.
• Heat your oil of choice to 350-365°F in an air fryer or heavy saucepan.
• Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches for about 2 minutes, or until golden brown. Do not overcrowd the pot, as this can cause the sticks to stick together.
• Let the cheese sticks drain briefly on paper towels, then serve immediately with your chosen dipping sauce.

Storage and Reheating:

• Store leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• To reheat, place them in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until hot and crisp.

How to reheat mozzarella sticks

Mozzarella sticks are a great snack, appetizer, or party food. They can be made from scratch or bought frozen, and can be cooked in an oven or air fryer.

Reheating in an Air Fryer

If you're reheating frozen mozzarella sticks, you can pop them straight into the air fryer from the freezer. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, with a bit of space between each stick to allow the hot air to circulate. There's no need to add any oil. Reheat for 3-4 minutes at 360°F, turning them halfway through. Keep a close eye on them, as they may split open if you heat them for too long.

If you're reheating homemade mozzarella sticks, preheat your air fryer to 350°F and air fry for about 3 minutes to re-crisp them.

Reheating in an Oven

If you're reheating homemade mozzarella sticks in an oven, preheat your oven to 400°F and line a small baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the frozen mozzarella sticks on the baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, keeping an eye on them to make sure the cheese doesn't ooze out.

How to store mozzarella sticks

Whether you're making mozzarella sticks from scratch or using store-bought frozen ones, there are a few things to keep in mind when storing them.

Firstly, it's important to let the mozzarella sticks cool completely before storing them. This helps prevent the sticks from becoming soggy. Once they're cooled, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to five days.

If you want to store them for longer, you can freeze them. Spread out the mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet in a single layer and place them in the freezer. Once they're frozen solid, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

When you're ready to enjoy your frozen mozzarella sticks, there's no need to thaw them. Simply pop them into your air fryer and cook according to your recipe instructions.

Some tips to keep in mind when storing mozzarella sticks:

• Line the container with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
• Freeze the sticks in a single layer to prevent them from sticking together.
• Label the freezer bag with the date so you know how long they've been stored.
• To reheat, place the refrigerated sticks in an oven preheated to 350 degrees F for about 5 minutes, or frozen sticks in an oven preheated to 450 degrees F for 10-15 minutes.

How to serve mozzarella sticks

Mozzarella sticks are a great snack, appetizer, or party food. They can be served as a quick snack for kids, or as a more elegant appetiser at a party. Here are some tips on how to serve them.

Cooking

When cooking mozzarella sticks, it's important to follow the instructions carefully to avoid a mess. Make sure to use an air fryer that has been preheated to the correct temperature, and to cook the sticks in batches if necessary, so they cook evenly. You can also cook them from frozen, but be aware that they may cook more quickly.

Presentation

Mozzarella sticks can be served on a plate or platter, with some paper towels to absorb any excess oil. If you want to get fancy, you can add some fresh herbs or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.

Dips

A variety of dips can be served with mozzarella sticks. The classic choice is marinara sauce, but other options include ranch, BBQ sauce, salsa, hot sauce, pesto, ketchup, mustard sauce, or even tzatziki. You could also serve a few different dips and let your guests choose their favourite.

Sides

Mozzarella sticks can be served as part of a larger spread, including other snacks such as vegetables, dips, cheese, and charcuterie. They also go well with a variety of sides, such as fries, spinach dip, or a salad.

Drinks

When it comes to drinks, mozzarella sticks are quite versatile. They can be served with a cold beer or a glass of wine, or even a fun cocktail. For a non-alcoholic option, offer a refreshing lemonade or iced tea.

Reheating

If you have any leftover mozzarella sticks, they can be reheated in the air fryer. Set the air fryer to 360°F and cook the sticks for 3-4 minutes, turning them halfway through. Keep an eye on them, as they may overcook and split open.

How to prevent cheese from oozing out

Mozzarella sticks are a great snack, but no one wants to clean up oozed-out cheese from their air fryer. Here are some tips to prevent cheese from oozing out:

Double-coat the mozzarella sticks

This is a crucial step to ensure the cheese doesn't explode in the air fryer. Dip the mozzarella stick in a lightly beaten egg, then coat it with breadcrumbs. Freeze it for an hour, then repeat the process to add a second coating before air-frying.

Freeze the mozzarella sticks before air-frying

Freezing the sticks before air-frying helps them cook evenly and prevents the coating from sliding off. Make sure they are frozen solid and dry to the touch before placing them in the air fryer.

Cook at a lower temperature

Cooking the mozzarella sticks at a lower temperature, such as 360°F, can help prevent them from splitting open and oozing cheese. Keep a close eye on them, and flip them halfway through cooking to gauge their doneness.

Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket

When arranging the mozzarella sticks in the basket, make sure they are in a single layer and not touching each other. This ensures even cooking and prevents sogginess. Cook in batches if necessary.

Use a non-stick spray

Spraying the air fryer basket and the mozzarella sticks with a non-stick cooking spray can help prevent the cheese from sticking to the basket and promote even browning.

Choose the right cheese sticks

Not all cheese sticks are created equal. For the best results, use regular, full-fat mozzarella sticks. Low-fat sticks may have a rubbery texture, and non-fat sticks may not hold up in the air fryer.

By following these tips, you can enjoy delicious, crispy mozzarella sticks without the mess of oozing cheese. Happy cooking!

Frequently asked questions