Air Fryer Cheese Sticks: Timing For Perfection

Air fryers are a great way to make cheese sticks at home. They're a fantastic snack, appetizer, or lunch option that can be served with a variety of dips and sauces. While the exact cooking time and temperature will depend on the type of cheese stick and air fryer being used, most recipes recommend cooking frozen cheese sticks for around 5-7 minutes at 360-390°F. For homemade cheese sticks, the cooking time may be slightly longer, around 6-10 minutes, and the temperature may be higher, around 400°F. It's important to keep an eye on the cheese sticks while they're cooking, as they can go from perfect to exploded in just a few seconds.

How to make cheese sticks in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• 8 mozzarella cheese sticks (or sharp cheddar sticks)
• 1 egg
• Breadcrumbs (or panko)
• Flour
• Cooking spray
• Marinara sauce (optional)

Method:

• Cut the cheese into sticks.
• Dip each cheese stick into the whisked egg, then into the flour, then back into the egg, and finally into the breadcrumbs.
• Place the coated cheese sticks on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes, or up to 6 months.
• Preheat your air fryer to 360-400°F.
• Spritz the cheese sticks with cooking spray and place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the basket.
• Air fry the cheese sticks for 4-7 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
• Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately with marinara sauce or your favourite dipping sauce.

Tips:

• You can add extra flavour to the breadcrumbs by mixing in Italian seasoning, paprika, or other herbs and spices.
• If you're making a big batch, you may need to work in batches so as not to overcrowd the air fryer basket.
• Keep an eye on the cheese sticks while they're cooking, as they can go from perfect to exploded in just a few seconds!
• If you're reheating any leftover cheese sticks, place them back in the air fryer at 360°F for 3-4 minutes.

How to prevent cheese from exploding in the air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook food quickly and with less oil. However, when it comes to cooking cheese, there is a risk of it exploding or flying around in the air fryer. This can create a mess and even be dangerous. Here are some tips to prevent cheese from exploding in your air fryer:

Choose the Right Type of Cheese:

Start by choosing harder cheeses such as cheddar or parmesan, which have a lower moisture content. Soft cheeses like mozzarella or brie have a higher water content and are more prone to releasing steam, leading to explosions.

Prepare the Cheese Properly:

If you do choose to use soft cheese, pat it dry with paper towels before placing it in the air fryer. This will help remove excess moisture. For harder cheeses, shredding or grating them increases the surface area, allowing for more even cooking and reducing the chance of steam buildup.

Bread the Cheese:

Create a barrier between the cheese and the air fryer by breading the cheese sticks. Dip the cheese in a lightly beaten egg, followed by breadcrumbs, and freeze it for a short period. Then, repeat the process to add a second coating before air frying. This double-coating helps prevent the cheese from exploding and also creates a crunchier texture.

Control the Temperature:

Cooking at a lower temperature can help prevent cheese from melting too quickly and potentially exploding. Experiment with different temperatures to find the optimal setting for your air fryer and the type of cheese you are using.

Avoid Overcrowding:

Make sure to leave enough space between the cheese sticks in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and steam buildup, increasing the chances of cheese exploding.

Use Parchment Paper or Aluminum Foil:

Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or aluminum foil to create a barrier between the cheese and the basket. This helps contain the cheese and prevents it from flying around during cooking.

Add a Small Amount of Oil:

Applying a small amount of oil or butter to the cheese before placing it in the air fryer can create a barrier and prevent excessive steam buildup.

Monitor the Cooking Process:

Keep an eye on the cheese while it's cooking, especially if you're using softer cheeses. Open the air fryer occasionally to release any built-up steam and prevent pressure from building up.

By following these tips, you can minimize the chances of cheese exploding in your air fryer and enjoy your cheesy treats without the mess and hassle.

How to store cheese sticks

Cheese sticks are delicious snacks, but they can be a little tricky to store. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure your cheese sticks stay fresh and tasty:

Storing Unopened Cheese Sticks

If your cheese sticks are unopened, you can keep them out of the fridge for a few days, but only if the ambient temperature is 70°F (21.1°C) or lower. For longer-term storage, it's best to keep them in the refrigerator, where they will last for about 6 to 8 weeks. Make sure to check the "best before" date on the packaging, as this will give you an indication of how long they will remain safe for consumption.

Storing Opened Cheese Sticks

Once you've opened your cheese sticks, it's important to refrigerate any leftovers. Place the cheese sticks in a plastic storage bag or an airtight container, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Consume these within a week to ensure the best quality and safety.

Freezing Cheese Sticks

If you want to store your cheese sticks for an extended period, freezing is a great option. First, drain any excess oil from the cheese sticks using paper towels. Then, place them on a plate in a single layer and put them in the freezer. Once they are frozen solid, transfer the cheese sticks to a freezer-safe zip-lock bag and store them for up to 8 months. This method is especially useful if you've made a large batch of homemade cheese sticks and want to enjoy them over several months.

Reviving Leftovers

If your cheese sticks have been sitting out of the fridge for a while and need reviving, you can pop them back into the air fryer to reheat them. Set your air fryer to 360°F (180°C) and cook the cheese sticks for 3-4 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to avoid overcooking.

How to reheat cheese sticks

Preparation

Before reheating your cheese sticks, it's important to note that they should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for no more than two days.

Reheating

To reheat cheese sticks in an air fryer, set the temperature to 360°F and cook for 3-4 minutes, turning them halfway through. Keep a close eye on them as they reheat, as they may split open if you heat them for too long.

Tips

• No need to thaw: You can cook frozen cheese sticks straight from the freezer without needing to thaw them first.
• Flip halfway through: Flipping your cheese sticks halfway through ensures even cooking and helps you gauge their doneness.
• Avoid overcrowding the basket: Arrange the cheese sticks in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
• Avoid using aluminium foil: Aluminium foil can interfere with the cooking process. Instead, use a bare basket or air fryer liners.
• Check early: Cheese sticks go from perfect to exploded in seconds, so it's important to check them early, around the 4-minute mark.
• Reheat time: Reheat for about 3 minutes to re-crisp them.

What to serve with cheese sticks

Cheese sticks are a versatile snack, and there are plenty of options to serve alongside them. Here are some ideas:

Dipping Sauces

The most classic pairing for cheese sticks is a marinara or tomato-based dipping sauce. Other sauces that go well with cheese sticks include barbecue, ranch, honey mustard, spicy mustard, French onion dip, spicy mayo, and even your favourite salad dressing.

Salads

A refreshing and light salad can complement the richness of cheese sticks. Try a garden salad, a tomato salad, or a Caesar salad. If you want to get creative, you can also make a salad with lettuce leaves, cherry tomatoes, tortilla chips, and a creamy mayonnaise mustard dressing, and add in the cheese sticks as an ingredient.

Proteins

Meatballs, grilled chicken, and steak are all great options to serve with cheese sticks. Chicken is a versatile meat that blends well with cheese sticks, especially when grilled. Meatballs in marinara sauce are also a delicious option, especially as a party appetiser.

Sides

If you're looking for more side dish options, consider pigs in a blanket, tomato soup, chicken wings, spinach balls, ribs, or garlic bread. For a healthier option, go for crispy vegetables like breaded green beans, cauliflower, broccoli, or mushroom caps.

Hearty Dishes

If you want something more filling, try pesto pasta or a sheet pan pizza. For a fun twist, you can even top your mac and cheese with mozzarella sticks before baking.

Snacks and Appetisers

Cheese sticks are great as a snack or appetiser, and you can serve them with other party foods like chicken wings, Italian sub sliders, or jalapeno poppers.

With so many options, you can easily turn your cheese sticks into a full meal or a delicious party spread!

Frequently asked questions