Air Fryer Frozen Mozzarella Sticks: Quick, Easy, Crispy!

Mozzarella sticks are a beloved snack, and cooking them in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get that perfect, gooey texture. The air fryer's small but powerful presence on your countertop means it will heat up faster than your oven, and the results are pizza shop-worthy mozzarella sticks. It's important to note that not all cheese sticks are created equal, and full-fat mozzarella sticks are recommended for the best texture. The key to success is to ensure the cheese sticks are completely frozen before air frying, and to use a non-stick spray to prevent them from sticking to the basket. The cooking time will vary depending on your air fryer, but generally, it should take less than 10 minutes for crispy, golden, and gooey mozzarella sticks.

How to cook frozen mozzarella sticks in an air fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 360-390°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the mozzarella stick-making process. It ensures that your cheese sticks cook evenly and that the outside is crispy and crunchy, while the inside remains gooey.

Different recipes suggest different temperatures for preheating your air fryer. Some sources recommend preheating to 360°F, while others suggest 390°F. A few sources even suggest a temperature of 380°F. It's worth noting that the ideal temperature may vary depending on the model of your air fryer and the size of your mozzarella sticks. Therefore, you may need to experiment with different temperatures to find the sweet spot for your particular air fryer.

When preheating your air fryer, it's important to ensure that the basket is prepared with a nonstick cooking spray. This will help to prevent your mozzarella sticks from sticking to the basket and make cleanup easier. You can also use parchment paper or foil, but it's important to note that using foil may result in uneven cooking as the air won't circulate as effectively.

Once your air fryer is preheated, you can carefully place your frozen mozzarella sticks into the basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with enough space around them for the hot air to circulate. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the mozzarella sticks in batches.

Use non-stick spray

To cook frozen mozzarella sticks in an air fryer, you'll need to use a non-stick spray. This is an important step, as it will prevent the cheese sticks from sticking to the air fryer basket. It will also help them brown and get crispy.

First, hit the air fryer basket with some non-stick spray oil. You can also spray the mozzarella sticks themselves with the non-stick spray oil. This will ensure that the cheese doesn't stick to the basket and that they get nice and crispy.

When using the non-stick spray, work in batches if needed. If you're making a large batch of mozzarella sticks, you may need to work in smaller batches to ensure that the hot air can circulate properly. This will help the mozzarella sticks cook evenly.

It's important to note that not all brands of mozzarella sticks are created equal. Some may be thicker or thinner than others, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Always refer to the package instructions for the best results.

Additionally, make sure your mozzarella sticks are completely frozen before air frying. If they are even slightly soggy, they won't fry evenly, and the coating may fall off. The sticks should feel dry to the touch.

Place frozen mozzarella sticks in the air fryer

Place the frozen mozzarella sticks in the air fryer basket, arranging them in a single layer. Make sure to leave enough space around each stick to allow the hot air to fully circulate. Do not stack the cheese sticks in the air fryer basket/tray. Work in batches if necessary.

There is no need to add oil spray to the cheese sticks as there is enough oil in the crust already. However, you can use a non-stick cooking spray on the air fryer basket if you wish.

If you are cooking the mozzarella sticks from frozen, you may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure they are cooked to your preference.

Air fry for 4-10 minutes

The air-frying time for your mozzarella sticks will depend on the temperature you set your air fryer to, as well as the quantity of cheese sticks you are cooking. It is important to note that all air fryers are different, and some cook at higher temperatures than others. Therefore, the cooking time may differ slightly depending on the air fryer brand you are using.

If you are cooking your frozen mozzarella sticks at 390°F (198°C), you should air fry them for 5-7 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You can also cook them at 380°F (193°C) for 5 minutes, gently shaking or turning them, and then continue to air fry for another 1-2 minutes or until the cheese nearly starts to ooze out.

If you are reheating your mozzarella sticks, set your air fryer to 360°F (183°C) and cook them for 3-4 minutes, turning them halfway through. If you are cooking them straight from frozen, you can cook them at the same temperature for 8-10 minutes.

If you are cooking your frozen mozzarella sticks at a higher temperature of 400°F, you will only need to air fry them for 2 minutes to keep them crispy.

Serve with a dipping sauce

When it comes to serving your mozzarella sticks, there are a variety of dipping sauces to choose from. The most popular option is marinara sauce, which is a seasoned pasta sauce that is much more flavorful than plain tomato sauce. You can also try hot sauces like sriracha or chili garlic crunch for a spicy kick. If you're looking for something cooler, try a Greek yogurt ranch dressing. Zesty BBQ sauce is another option that pairs well with the cheese sticks.

If you want to make a simple tomato sauce, try this Basil and Tomato Sauce recipe. You can also add other sides to your serving platter, such as sliced vegetables, different dips, sliced cheese, olives, or salami.

Frequently asked questions