Air Fryer Cheese Sticks: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a great way to cook cheese sticks. The process is a little persnickety, but it's worth it to avoid having your cheese sticks explode in the fryer. The key is to double-coat your cheese sticks in egg and breadcrumbs, and freeze them before frying. You'll also want to spritz your air fryer basket with olive oil, and make sure you don't stack the cheese sticks when cooking. Fry for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown, and serve with your favourite dipping sauce.

How to prepare your air fryer basket

Preparing your air fryer basket is a crucial step in the cheese stick-making process. First, you'll want to spritz or brush your air fryer basket with olive oil. This will help to ensure that your cheese sticks don't stick to the basket and make them easier to remove once they're cooked.

Next, you'll want to arrange your cheese sticks in the basket. Depending on the size of your basket, you'll be able to fit around 4-6 cheese sticks in a single layer. Make sure to leave space between each stick to allow air to flow. You may need to work in batches to cook all of your cheese sticks.

If you're using frozen cheese sticks, it's important to let them thaw slightly before placing them in the air fryer. This will help them cook more evenly. Place the cheese sticks on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for 30 minutes.

Once your cheese sticks are arranged in the basket, you'll want to give them a light spritz of oil. This will help them get nice and crispy. Now you're ready to start cooking!

Remember to cook your cheese sticks in batches if they don't all fit in the basket at once. Set your air fryer to 390 degrees and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they're golden brown and the cheese is starting to bubble out.

How long to cook cheese sticks for

The cooking time for cheese sticks in an air fryer depends on the type of cheese stick you are cooking. For frozen mozzarella sticks, you should cook them for 4 minutes, then carefully flip them over and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until they are crispy golden brown and still holding their shape. You can also cook them for 5-7 minutes until they are golden brown and some cheese starts to bubble out.

If you are making your own cheese sticks, you should first place the halved cheese sticks on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for 30 minutes, then assemble the breading. Whisk mayonnaise and egg together in a medium bowl, then place the flour, breadcrumbs, onion, and garlic powder in a large bowl and whisk to combine. Working in batches of 6, roll the frozen cheese sticks in the mayo-egg mixture to coat, then in the flour mixture. Return the coated cheese sticks to the parchment-lined baking sheet and repeat with the remaining cheese sticks. Return the baking sheet to the freezer for 10 minutes.

Once you have prepared your cheese sticks, spritz or brush your air fryer basket with olive oil. Arrange the cheese sticks in a single layer with space between each for air to flow. Spritz the cheese sticks lightly with oil, then air fry at 390 degrees for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown and little spots of cheese are just starting to pop through the coating.

How to prevent cheese sticks from exploding

To prevent cheese sticks from exploding in your air fryer, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, it's important to double-coat your cheese sticks before frying. Dip the cheese sticks in a lightly beaten egg, then coat them in breadcrumbs. Freeze the sticks for a short period, and then repeat the process to add a second coating. This step is crucial, as it ensures the coating doesn't slide off the cheese stick during frying.

Another tip is to arrange the cheese sticks in a single layer with space between each one for air to flow. Spritz or brush your air fryer basket with olive oil before adding the cheese sticks. Cook the cheese sticks for 4-7 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness and browning. Keep a close eye on them, as some cheese may start to bubble out, indicating they are ready.

By following these steps, you can enjoy crispy, golden-brown cheese sticks without the worry of them exploding in your air fryer.

How to coat cheese sticks

To coat cheese sticks, you will need to whisk together mayonnaise and egg in a medium bowl. In a separate bowl, combine flour, breadcrumbs, onion and garlic powder. Working in batches, roll the frozen cheese sticks in the mayo-egg mixture to coat, then in the flour mixture. Return the coated cheese sticks to the baking sheet and repeat with the remaining cheese sticks. Finally, place the baking sheet in the freezer for 10 minutes. You can also double-coat your cheese sticks by repeating the process a second time before air frying.

What sauces to serve with cheese sticks

To cook cheese sticks in an air fryer, you should first brush your air fryer basket with olive oil. Place the cheese sticks in a single layer, leaving space between each one for air to flow. Spritz the cheese sticks with oil and air fry at 390 degrees for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is starting to bubble out.

When it comes to sauces to serve with cheese sticks, there are several options to choose from. Here are some ideas:

• Marinara sauce
• BBQ sauce
• Ranch dressing
• Nacho cheese sauce
• Honey mustard
• Blue cheese sauce
• Diavolo sauce
• Creamy garlic sauce
• Parmesan cream sauce

So, whether you're looking for something tangy, spicy, or creamy, there's a sauce to suit every taste.

Frequently asked questions