Mozzarella Sticks: Air Fryer Cooking Time Perfection

Mozzarella sticks are a beloved snack, but how long do you need to leave them in the air fryer? The answer depends on the brand of your air fryer, the temperature you set, and whether you are cooking them from frozen. Most recipes recommend cooking mozzarella sticks from frozen, and suggest a temperature of between 360°F and 400°F. At these temperatures, the cooking time is usually around 6 minutes, but this can vary depending on your air fryer, so it's important to keep an eye on your sticks to make sure they don't burn or melt. Some recipes also recommend flipping the sticks halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

How to prepare mozzarella sticks for the air fryer

Ingredients

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

• Mozzarella cheese sticks (full-fat or low-fat)
• Breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
• Eggs
• Flour
• Oil (vegetable, olive, or cooking spray)
• Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, oregano)

Preparation

Once you have gathered your ingredients, follow these steps:

• Cut the mozzarella cheese sticks in half.
• Prepare three separate bowls: one with beaten eggs, one with flour, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with seasonings.
• Dip each mozzarella stick first in the egg mixture, then in the flour, then back in the egg, and finally in the breadcrumb mixture.
• Place the coated mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes to an hour.
• Preheat your air fryer to 360-400°F.
• Spray the air fryer basket and the frozen mozzarella sticks with oil or cooking spray.
• Place the mozzarella sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't touch each other.
• Air fry for 5-8 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
• Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately.

Tips

• For extra crunch and to ensure even coating, double-coat the mozzarella sticks by repeating the dipping process a second time and freezing again before air frying.
• Choose the right type of cheese – low-moisture mozzarella cheese or string cheese works best as it can withstand the heat of the air fryer.
• If you want to freeze the mozzarella sticks for later, coat them according to the recipe, then freeze for about 3 hours before transferring to a freezer-safe container. They will keep for up to 4 months.
• When ready to eat, preheat the air fryer to 400°F, cook for 6-8 minutes, and don't forget to flip them halfway through.

The best temperature and time to cook mozzarella sticks in an air fryer

Mozzarella sticks are a great snack for any occasion, and cooking them in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get that crispy exterior and gooey interior.

Temperature

The best temperature to cook mozzarella sticks in an air fryer is between 360°F and 400°F. A higher temperature will help to crisp up the coating, but be careful not to go too high, or the cheese may start to ooze out.

Timing

The cooking time will depend on the temperature you choose, but generally, you should air fry your mozzarella sticks for around 5-7 minutes at 360°F or 6 minutes at 400°F. If you are cooking at a lower temperature, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly, and vice versa.

It is important to keep an eye on your mozzarella sticks while they are cooking, as the timing can vary depending on your air fryer and the size of the sticks. Check on them regularly to ensure they don't overcook, and remember to flip them halfway through for even cooking.

Tips for Success

• Freeze your mozzarella sticks before cooking. This helps the coating stick and ensures the cheese doesn't melt out during cooking.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary, so that the hot air can circulate properly.
• No oil spray is needed. There is already enough oil in the coating, and adding more may cause the cheese to leak out.
• Serve with your favorite dip! Marinara sauce, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, and spicy mayo are all popular choices.

How to store and reheat mozzarella sticks

Mozzarella sticks are a tasty snack that can be prepared and stored in the freezer. You can make a large batch and store them for later, or even store-bought frozen mozzarella sticks can be reheated.

Storing Mozzarella Sticks

Mozzarella sticks can be stored in the freezer for up to six months. It is important to freeze them first before cooking so that the crumbs crisp up without the cheese melting out. To store them, first, freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag and store them in the freezer.

Reheating Mozzarella Sticks

To reheat refrigerated mozzarella sticks, place them in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 5 minutes, or until heated through. For frozen cheese sticks, place them in an oven preheated to 450°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

You can also reheat mozzarella sticks in an air fryer. Set the air fryer to 360°F and cook for 8-10 minutes for refrigerated sticks, and 390°F for 5-7 minutes for frozen sticks.

For best results, always ensure that the mozzarella sticks are frozen before cooking, and do not thaw them before reheating.

Dips and sauces to serve with mozzarella sticks

Mozzarella sticks are a versatile snack, and there are plenty of dips and sauces that can be served with them. Here are some ideas to elevate your mozzarella stick experience:

Classic Marinara Sauce

The rich tomato base of marinara sauce, enhanced with garlic, herbs, and a touch of sweetness, is a timeless choice that complements the cheesy goodness of mozzarella sticks perfectly. Rao's Homemade Marinara, in particular, has been praised as "basically homemade marinara in a jar."

Creamy Garlic Sauce

Indulge in the decadence of a creamy garlic sauce. This velvety delight, made with butter, garlic, and cream, provides a rich and savory experience that pairs flawlessly with the mozzarella sticks.

Barbecue Sauce

Add a twist to your mozzarella sticks with tangy barbecue sauce. Its smoky flavour and slight sweetness will provide a delightful contrast to the creamy cheese, resulting in a lip-smacking combination.

Ranch Dressing

The cool and creamy goodness of ranch dressing, with its blend of herbs and buttermilk, adds a refreshing element to the indulgent snack. Marie's Creamy Ranch Dressing and Dip is a popular choice, known for its thick and creamy texture without any chemical aftertaste.

Pesto Sauce

Bring a taste of Italy to your mozzarella sticks with zesty pesto sauce. Made with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, this vibrant sauce infuses your cheesy delights with a burst of aromatic flavours. For a less oily option, try Pesto Bitchin' Sauce, a creamy, nut-based dip with a basil flavour.

Honey Mustard Sauce

Strike a perfect balance between sweet and tangy by dipping your mozzarella sticks into a honey mustard sauce. The combination of smooth honey and zesty mustard creates a harmonious flavour that will leave you craving more.

Buffalo Sauce

Fans of buffalo wings will love this tangy and spicy option. Buffalo sauce, made with hot sauce, melted butter, and a touch of vinegar, gives your mozzarella sticks a fiery kick that's hard to resist.

Blue Cheese

Pair the creaminess of blue cheese with the cheesy goodness of mozzarella sticks. The distinct flavour of blue cheese provides a unique and indulgent dipping experience that will leave you wanting more.

Diavolo Sauce

Diavolo, meaning "devil" in Italian, is a spicy tomato-based sauce that adds a fiery kick to your snack. It creates a bold and intense flavour profile that pairs exceptionally well with the mild and creamy mozzarella sticks.

Balsamic Glaze

For a more unique flavour, try a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze as a dipping sauce. It adds a touch of sweetness and acidity to your mozzarella sticks.

Other Ideas

Other sauces that can elevate your mozzarella sticks include chipotle sauce, red wine sauce, cocktail sauce, salsa, honey infused with chilli pepper flakes, and even sweet options like raspberry sauce or blackberry sauce.

The history of mozzarella sticks

Mozzarella sticks are a beloved snack worldwide, but their origins are somewhat surprising. While many assume this dish to be of Italian origin, mozzarella sticks are, in fact, an American creation. The first documented practice of frying breaded cheese appears in a Medieval French cookbook, "Le Ménagier de Paris", which dates back to 1393. However, food historians believe that these early fried cheese dishes bore little resemblance to the modern mozzarella stick.

The true origins of mozzarella sticks can be traced back to the United States in the 1970s, through a combination of two key factors. Firstly, the increasing availability of mass-produced mozzarella cheese, which was experiencing a surge in popularity and becoming a staple in restaurants and grocery stores. Secondly, the development of new and efficient frying technologies, which made it possible to quickly fry cheese sticks to golden perfection.

The man behind the stringy mozzarella stick was Frank Baker, a Wisconsin cheesemaker. Baker combined the standard Wisconsin love for snacking on cheese with a bit of business acumen. In the 1960s and 1970s, mozzarella cheese was on the rise, and Baker Cheese began selling strings of mozzarella, which quickly gained popularity.

Mozzarella sticks are prepared by coating cheese strings in breadcrumbs or batter and then baking or frying them in oil. They are typically served with a variety of dipping sauces, including tomato or marinara sauce, plum sauce, jalapeno jelly, barbecue sauce, honey mustard sauce, and ranch dressing. While not traditionally Italian, mozzarella sticks have found their place on the menus of countless pizza joints and Italian restaurants, often served with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

Today, mozzarella sticks are a crowd-favourite appetizer, perfect for parties, special occasions, or a tasty snack. They can be easily prepared at home using an air fryer, oven, or by deep-frying, resulting in a crispy exterior and a gooey, melted interior.

Frequently asked questions