Air Fryer Cheesesticks: Timing For Perfect Results

Air fryers are a great way to make mozzarella sticks, giving them a crispy exterior and a gooey interior. The key to success is to ensure the cheese is frozen before cooking and not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Depending on the air fryer model and the number of cheese sticks being cooked, the cooking time can vary from 4 to 10 minutes at temperatures between 360°F and 390°F. It is also important to note that the cheese sticks should be placed in a single layer and flipped halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

Air fryer temperature and timing

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 cheese sticks properly to avoid a mess.

When cooking mozzarella sticks in the air fryer, it's important to note that not all air fryers are created equal, and cook times may vary depending on the brand and model. Therefore, it's recommended to do a test run and start checking on the cheese sticks a minute or two before they're supposed to be done.

Temperature

• Preheat your air fryer to between 360-390 degrees Fahrenheit or 183-198 degrees Celsius.
• If you're using frozen mozzarella sticks, there's no need to thaw them first as cooking them straight from frozen will give them a crispier coating.

Timing

• Place the frozen mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving enough space between them to allow for proper air circulation.
• Cook the cheese sticks for 5-8 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process.
• The cheese sticks are done when the exterior is golden and crispy, and the cheese is gooey.
• If you're cooking frozen cheese sticks, they may take a little longer, around 6-8 minutes.
• For best results, cook the cheese sticks in batches to ensure even cooking.

Tips

• There's no need to add oil to the air fryer basket as there's already enough oil in the crust of the cheese sticks.
• If you're making homemade mozzarella sticks, be sure to double-coat them in egg and breadcrumbs and freeze them before air frying to prevent the coating from sliding off.
• You can freeze coated mozzarella sticks for up to three months and cook them straight from frozen, but increase the cooking time to 8-10 minutes.
• Serve your cheese sticks with your favourite dipping sauce, such as marinara, ranch, BBQ, or buffalo sauce.

How to prevent cheese from exploding

To prevent cheese from exploding in an air fryer, there are several steps you can take:

Firstly, the type of cheese you use is important. Soft cheeses like mozzarella or brie have a higher water content and can release steam when heated, leading to potential explosions. Harder cheeses like cheddar or parmesan have a lower moisture content, reducing the risk of steam buildup and subsequent explosions.

Secondly, prepare the cheese properly before cooking. If using soft cheese, pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. For harder cheeses, shredding or grating them increases the surface area, allowing for more even cooking and reducing steam buildup. Additionally, seasoning the cheese with a thin layer of breading or coating can provide a barrier and help contain the cheese during cooking.

Another crucial step is to cut or slice the cheese into smaller pieces. This helps distribute heat more evenly and reduces steam buildup. Ensure that the cheese pieces are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking and steam buildup.

You can also add a small amount of oil or butter to the cheese before cooking. This creates a barrier and prevents excessive steam buildup. Alternatively, use parchment paper or aluminum foil to line the air fryer basket, creating a non-stick surface that makes it easier for the cheese to stay in place.

Lastly, monitor the cooking process. Keep an eye on the cheese, especially if using softer cheeses, and occasionally open the air fryer to release any built-up steam. Remember to adjust the temperature and cooking time accordingly to prevent overheating and reduce the risk of cheese explosions.

By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the chances of cheese exploding in your air fryer and enjoy your cheesy treats without any messy surprises.

How to store and reheat cheese sticks

How to Store Cheese Sticks

To store cheese sticks, place them in an airtight container lined with paper towels and keep them in the fridge for up to five days. The paper towels will soak up any excess moisture and help keep the coating crunchy. Always wait until the cheese sticks are completely cool before storing them. Otherwise, condensation will build up in the container and make the cheese sticks soggy.

How to Reheat Cheese Sticks

The best ways to reheat cheese sticks are in the oven, air fryer, or skillet.

Reheating Cheese Sticks in the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F-400°F (180°C-200°C) and bake the cheese sticks for 5-10 minutes. If the cheese sticks are frozen, increase the temperature to 425°F (220°C) and bake for 10-20 minutes. If you're using a toaster oven, the cheese sticks will be closer to the heat source, so they'll warm quicker.

Reheating Cheese Sticks in a Skillet

Set the stovetop to medium-high heat and add some oil to a skillet, making sure to cover the entire bottom. Wait until the oil starts to shimmer, indicating that it's hot enough, before adding the cheese sticks. Fry the cheese sticks for 4-5 minutes, turning frequently to ensure an even cook. Rest the cheese sticks on a paper towel for 30 seconds to remove excess oil before serving.

Reheating Cheese Sticks in an Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 360°F-375°F (183°C-190°C) and optionally spray each cheese stick lightly with oil. Place the cheese sticks in the basket, leaving a small space between each one. Heat refrigerated cheese sticks for 3-5 minutes or frozen ones for 8-10 minutes.

Reheating Cheese Sticks in the Microwave

Place the cheese sticks on a microwave-safe plate in a single layer. Heat in 15-second intervals – the more cheese sticks you’re reheating, the longer they’ll need. When the cheese is warm and melted, they are ready. Allow the cheese sticks to rest for 30 seconds before serving.

Choosing the right cheese

When choosing the right cheese for your cheesesticks, you have a few options. Mozzarella is the most common type for this snack, but you can also use cheddar, Swiss, American, or provolone if you're making them yourself. Harder or crumbly cheeses may not melt as smoothly, so soft cheeses are generally a safer bet.

If you're buying premade cheesesticks, you may be limited to mozzarella, but you can always experiment with different recipes and cheeses to find the perfect combination for you. Buying in bulk is often more cost-effective, and you can freeze mozzarella sticks to prevent spoilage.

When making cheesesticks at home, freezing them before frying is essential to achieving that gooey texture without leakage. Double or triple coating your cheesesticks in breadcrumbs and egg will also help prevent the cheese from leaking out during cooking.

Dipping sauces

When it comes to dipping sauces for your air fryer cheese sticks, the options are endless! Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Marinara Sauce: This is a classic choice for mozzarella sticks and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. You can buy it pre-made or make your own.
• Ranch Dressing: A creamy and tangy ranch dressing can help balance out the richness of the cheese sticks.
• BBQ Sauce: A sweet and smoky BBQ sauce can add a nice kick to your cheese sticks.
• Honey Mustard: A combination of sweet honey and tangy mustard can give your cheese sticks a delicious flavour boost.
• French Onion Dip: This dip is sure to add some extra savouriness to your cheese sticks.
• Spicy Mayo: A spicy mayo can bring some heat to your cheese sticks without overwhelming the delicate flavour of the cheese.
• Blue Cheese Dip: Blue cheese is known for its strong, pungent flavour, so a little goes a long way. This dip is sure to add some extra depth to your cheese sticks.
• Buffalo Sauce: If you're feeling adventurous, try pairing your cheese sticks with a spicy and tangy buffalo sauce.

Feel free to experiment with different sauces and dips to find your favourite combinations!

Frequently asked questions