Mozzarella Sticks: Air Fryer Cooking Time From Frozen

Air fryer frozen mozzarella sticks are a quick and easy snack to make. They are crispy on the outside and gooey in the centre. The best temperature to cook frozen mozzarella sticks in the air fryer is 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-7 minutes. You can serve them with a variety of dips, such as marinara sauce, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce or blue cheese dip.

Preheat the air fryer to 360-390°F/183-198°C

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in ensuring your mozzarella sticks cook evenly, achieving the desired crispy exterior and gooey interior. Depending on the type of mozzarella sticks you are preparing, the ideal temperature to preheat your air fryer is between 360-390°F/183-198°C.

For frozen, store-bought mozzarella sticks, preheat your air fryer to 360°F/183°C. This temperature will ensure the cheese sticks cook from the inside out, resulting in a crispy exterior and a gooey, melted cheese centre. It is important to note that this temperature is for frozen mozzarella sticks that are already breaded.

On the other hand, if you are preparing homemade mozzarella sticks, it is best to preheat your air fryer to 390°F/198°C. This higher temperature will ensure that your homemade sticks cook through without the cheese melting out.

It is worth noting that the ideal temperature may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and brand. Therefore, it is recommended to perform a test run and adjust the temperature accordingly.

Place the frozen mozzarella sticks in the air fryer basket

When preparing frozen mozzarella sticks in an air fryer, it is important to place them in a single layer in the basket, ensuring there is enough space for the hot air to circulate around them. This will help to ensure even cooking and prevent overcrowding, which can lead to uneven results. It is also crucial not to stack the cheese sticks as this will affect the crispiness of the outer coating.

When placing the frozen mozzarella sticks in the air fryer basket, it is best to use a non-stick cooking spray or parchment paper to prevent sticking. You can also use foil, but this may affect the circulation of hot air and impact the cooking results. It is not necessary to use oil or cooking spray on the cheese sticks themselves as there is already enough oil in the crust.

Once the cheese sticks are in the air fryer, you can follow the cooking instructions provided by the manufacturer or use a general guideline of cooking at 360-390 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-7 minutes, flipping them halfway through. It is important to note that different brands of air fryers may vary in terms of temperature and cooking time, so it is recommended to do a test run and check on the cheese sticks a minute or two before they are supposed to be done.

Additionally, it is worth mentioning that frozen mozzarella sticks should be cooked straight from the freezer without thawing first. This helps to achieve a crispier outer coating. After cooking, it is important to let the cheese sticks cool down a bit before serving as the melted cheese can be extremely hot.

Air fry for 4-8 minutes

Air frying your mozzarella sticks is the final step in this quick and easy process. By now, you've chosen your favourite brand of frozen mozzarella sticks, preheated your air fryer to 360-390°F, and arranged the sticks in a single layer in the fryer basket, leaving enough room for the hot air to fully circulate. Now, you're ready to air fry!

Air fry your frozen mozzarella sticks for 4-8 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The exact time will depend on your air fryer model and the number of sticks you're cooking, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. You'll know they're done when they're crispy and golden brown on the outside, and the cheese is soft and gooey on the inside. If you pinch them gently, they should give way, indicating that the cheese is melted.

Once they're done to your liking, remove the sticks from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute or two before serving. Now, all that's left to do is to enjoy your crispy, cheesy treat!

Remove from the air fryer and let cool

Once you've removed your mozzarella sticks from the air fryer, it's important to let them cool down a little before serving or eating. This is because the cheese inside the sticks can get super hot and you don't want to burn your mouth!

The exact amount of time you should leave them to cool will depend on your preference and patience! If you're serving them to guests, it might be a good idea to let them cool for a few minutes to avoid any accidents. If you're cooking for yourself and feeling hungry, you might just want to leave them for a minute or so—just long enough so you don't burn your tongue.

While you're waiting for your mozzarella sticks to cool, you can prepare your favourite dipping sauce. Some popular options include marinara sauce, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, and blue cheese dip. If you're serving them to guests, you might want to provide a few different options so they can choose their favourite.

Once your mozzarella sticks have cooled down slightly, it's time to enjoy! Be careful not to burn your mouth, as the cheese can get extremely hot. Take your time and savour the crispy, crunchy outside and melty, cheesy inside.

If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is gooey and the coating is crispy again.

Serve with your favourite dipping sauce

When it comes to serving your favourite dipping sauce with air-fried mozzarella sticks, the options are endless! Here are some ideas to get you started:

Classic Choices:

• Marinara Sauce: A warm, seasoned pasta sauce is always a winner.
• Ketchup: You can't go wrong with this classic condiment.
• BBQ Sauce: Try a smoky BBQ sauce for a flavourful twist.

Creamy Options:

• Ranch Dressing: A creamy, herby ranch is a popular choice for a reason.
• Blue Cheese Dip: Tangy and rich, blue cheese is a great pairing with mozzarella.
• Honey Mustard Sauce: Sweet and tangy, this sauce adds a delicious kick.

Spicy Alternatives:

• Hot Sauce: Try something like sriracha or chili garlic sauce for an extra kick.
• Buffalo Sauce: Spicy and tangy, this sauce will add a punch to your mozzarella sticks.

Other Creative Ideas:

• Salsa: Why not add a Mexican twist with some salsa?
• Pesto: For a fresh, herbal flavour, pesto is a great choice.
• Tzatziki: Cool and creamy, tzatziki is a unique and tasty option.

So, whether you're a traditionalist or like to experiment, there's a dipping sauce to suit every taste. Get creative, and don't be afraid to try something new!

Frequently asked questions