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

Mozzarella sticks are a tasty snack that can be prepared in an air fryer. The air fryer is a countertop convection oven that cooks food faster than a traditional oven. To make mozzarella sticks in an air fryer, you must first freeze the sticks and then double-coat them in egg and breadcrumbs. The sticks are then placed in the air fryer for 5-10 minutes, depending on the air fryer temperature, until the exterior is golden and crispy.

Freezing mozzarella sticks

To freeze mozzarella sticks, first coat the sticks in your chosen breading. Then, place them on a tray or baking sheet lined with wax paper and freeze for at least 30 minutes to an hour. You can also do this process twice, adding a second layer of breading, and freezing for another 30 minutes to an hour. This double-coating method helps to ensure the cheese doesn't leak out during frying.

Once frozen, you can store the mozzarella sticks in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the freezer for up to two to six months. When you're ready to cook them, there's no need to thaw them first. Simply place them straight into the air fryer and cook according to your recipe instructions.

Air fryer temperature

The air fryer is a countertop convection oven that cooks food faster than a conventional oven. It works from the outside in, so it's important to prepare your mozzarella sticks correctly to avoid a mess.

When cooking mozzarella sticks in an air fryer, the temperature you set depends on the type of mozzarella sticks you are using and whether they are frozen or not.

For frozen, store-bought mozzarella sticks, a temperature of 360°F (183°C) is recommended. At this temperature, the sticks will take around 4 minutes to cook, then you should flip them and cook for another 1-2 minutes. This will give you crispy, golden brown sticks with melted cheese inside.

If you are making your own mozzarella sticks from scratch, a higher temperature of 390°F (200°C) is recommended. At this temperature, the sticks will take 5-7 minutes to cook.

If you are cooking homemade mozzarella sticks that have been frozen, reduce the temperature to 360°F and increase the cooking time to 8-10 minutes.

It's important to note that air fryers can vary, so you may need to adjust the temperature and timing to suit your particular model. Always keep a close eye on your mozzarella sticks while they are cooking, as they can go from perfectly cooked to exploded in just a few seconds!

Some people also recommend preheating your air fryer before adding the mozzarella sticks, while others say this is not necessary.

Finally, remember to double-coat your mozzarella sticks before cooking for extra crunch and to ensure even cooking.

Dipping sauces

While marinara sauce is a classic dip for mozzarella sticks, there are many other sauces you can try. Here are some ideas for dipping sauces to accompany your air-fried mozzarella sticks:

Marinara Sauce

This sauce is a classic for a reason! It pairs perfectly with the cheesy, crispy sticks. You can make your own with garlic, basil, oregano, and tomato sauce, or buy a jar of marinara sauce.

Pesto

Pesto is a great option if you're looking for something other than marinara. You can find it at most grocery stores, or make your own with basil, spinach, and pine nuts or walnuts.

Honey Mustard

A tangy and sweet option that is loved by many. You can find honey mustard at most grocery stores, or make your own by mixing honey and mustard to your desired taste.

Ranch Dressing

A creamy and tangy option that is a popular choice for many fried foods. You can find ranch dressing at most grocery stores, or make your own with buttermilk, mayonnaise, and herbs.

Salsa

A fresh and tangy option that can add a nice kick to your mozzarella sticks. You can find salsa at most grocery stores, or make your own with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice.

Other Ideas

• BBQ sauce
• Cocktail sauce
• Garlic aioli
• Sweet chili sauce
• Raspberry sauce
• Hot sauce
• Blue cheese dressing
• Yogurt garlic sauce
• Donair sauce

Coating methods

Mozzarella sticks are a fun and tasty snack, but they can be a little messy to make. The key to getting that perfect, crispy, golden exterior is all in the coating method. Here are some detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to coat your mozzarella sticks like a pro:

Step 1: Prepare Your Workstation

Before you start dipping and coating, it's important to have all your ingredients and tools ready. You'll need three shallow bowls for the coating process. In the first bowl, you'll mix flour with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. The second bowl is for beaten eggs, and you can add a little water to thin it out. The third bowl is for the breadcrumbs. You can use plain breadcrumbs, Italian-style breadcrumbs, or panko breadcrumbs, depending on your preference. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even add some extra seasonings to your breadcrumbs, like Italian seasoning, parsley, garlic powder, black pepper, or salt.

Step 2: Cut the Cheese

If you're using a block of mozzarella, cut it into sticks. You can make them as thick or thin as you like, but keep in mind that they will expand a bit during cooking. If you're using string cheese, you can skip this step.

Step 3: Dredge the Cheese Sticks

Now it's time to start coating! Take a cheese stick and dip it first into the flour mixture, making sure to coat it evenly. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off. Finally, coat it with the breadcrumbs, making sure to press the breadcrumbs onto the cheese stick gently so they stick. Place the coated cheese stick on a wire rack or baking sheet while you coat the rest.

Step 4: Double Dip

For an extra crispy coating and to prevent the cheese from leaking out during frying, it's essential to double-coat your mozzarella sticks. Yes, this step is a bit messy, but it's worth it! Simply repeat the coating process by dipping the cheese stick back into the egg mixture and then into the breadcrumbs again. Make sure all your cheese sticks have at least two layers of coating.

Step 5: Freeze

This step is crucial! Do not skip freezing your mozzarella sticks. Place the coated cheese sticks in the freezer for at least 30 minutes to an hour. Freezing helps the coating solidify and ensures that the cheese doesn't melt too quickly during frying, resulting in a crispy exterior and gooey interior.

Step 6: Fry or Air Fry

Finally, it's time to cook your mozzarella sticks! If you're deep-frying, heat your oil to around 350-365°F and fry the cheese sticks in batches for about 2 minutes, or until golden brown. If you're using an air fryer, preheat it to 390°F and cook the cheese sticks in batches for 5-8 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as they can go from perfectly melted to exploded in seconds!

And there you have it—perfectly coated, crispy, and gooey mozzarella sticks! Enjoy your delicious creation with your favorite dipping sauce, like marinara sauce or ranch dressing.

Cooking time

The cooking time for mozzarella sticks in an air fryer varies depending on the brand of the air fryer and the number of mozzarella sticks being cooked. However, on average, it takes around 6 to 10 minutes to cook them in an air fryer.

It is important to note that the cooking time may differ based on the brand and size of the air fryer being used. For example, larger air fryers may cook the mozzarella sticks faster than smaller ones. Therefore, it is recommended to use this recipe as a starting point and adjust the timing accordingly.

When cooking mozzarella sticks in an air fryer, it is crucial to keep an eye on them as they can go from perfectly cooked to exploded in just a few seconds. It is also recommended to flip them halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

Some recipes suggest cooking the mozzarella sticks at a temperature of 360 degrees Fahrenheit, while others recommend a higher temperature of 390 degrees Fahrenheit. It is worth noting that cooking at a lower temperature may help prevent the cheese from oozing out of the sticks.

Additionally, it is important to ensure that the mozzarella sticks are in a single layer in the air fryer basket and not stacked or crowded. This allows for even cooking and prevents them from cooking unevenly. If needed, cook the mozzarella sticks in multiple batches to ensure proper spacing.

For frozen mozzarella sticks, the cooking time may vary slightly. Some sources suggest cooking them for 4 to 5 minutes, while others recommend 8 to 10 minutes. It is important to monitor the sticks closely to prevent overcooking or cheese oozing out.

Frequently asked questions