Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks: Crispy, Cheesy, And Easy!

Air fryers are a convenient way to make mozzarella sticks at home. They're a healthier alternative to deep-fried mozzarella sticks, delivering the same texture and flavour with less grease and fewer calories. Making mozzarella sticks in an air fryer is simple and can be done in a few easy steps. First, freeze your mozzarella sticks for at least two hours. Then, set up a breading station with flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs seasoned with salt and pepper. Next, coat the frozen mozzarella sticks in flour, dip them in egg, and then coat them in the breadcrumbs. Finally, place the breaded mozzarella sticks in the air fryer basket, spray them with cooking oil, and cook for around six minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Choosing the right cheese

Mozzarella sticks are a beloved snack for many, and making them in an air fryer is a great way to enjoy them at home. When it comes to choosing the right cheese for your air fryer mozzarella sticks, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, it's important to use low-moisture mozzarella cheese. This type of mozzarella is firmer and can better withstand the high heat of the air fryer. Regular, full-fat mozzarella sticks are a good option, as low-fat sticks tend to have a slightly rubbery texture.

Another convenient option is to use string cheese. It melts well and is already the perfect size for a bite. You can also use other types of string cheese, such as cheddar, if you want to experiment with different flavours.

When preparing your cheese sticks, it's crucial to freeze them completely before air-frying. This helps the coating stick to the cheese and ensures even cooking. If the cheese sticks are soggy or not fully frozen, the coating is likely to slide off, resulting in a messy situation. Aim for a freezing time of at least 30 minutes, or even up to several hours, to ensure the best results.

Finally, when it comes to coating your cheese sticks, a double-coating method is recommended. Start by dipping the cheese stick in a beaten egg, followed by breadcrumbs, and then repeat this process a second time. This double layer of coating provides extra crunch and helps prevent the coating from sliding off during cooking.

The importance of freezing

Freezing is an essential step in making air fryer mozzarella sticks. It ensures that the cheese is completely dry before cooking, which is crucial for achieving a crispy texture. Without freezing, the coating may not adhere properly, resulting in a messy and uneven cook.

The freezing process also allows the cheese to firm up, reducing the risk of it melting out during cooking. This is essential for creating that signature stretchy, gooey cheese pull that makes mozzarella sticks so appealing. Freezing the sticks beforehand helps to lock in the cheese's shape and structure, ensuring it melts evenly and creates the perfect, dippable mozzarella stick.

Additionally, freezing the sticks for an extended period (at least 30 minutes, but preferably a few hours or overnight) gives the coating enough time to set. This is crucial, as it ensures that the coating doesn't slide off during cooking, creating a mess in your air fryer. A double coating, with freezing in between, is the best way to ensure a mess-free and evenly cooked mozzarella stick.

Finally, freezing mozzarella sticks allows for meal prep and makes for a quick snack or appetizer. Once frozen, the sticks can be transferred to a zip-top bag and stored in the freezer for up to six months. This means you can enjoy freshly cooked, crispy, and gooey mozzarella sticks whenever the craving strikes, without having to go through the entire preparation process each time.

Breading techniques

The breading technique is crucial to achieving the perfect mozzarella sticks in your air fryer. Here are the steps you should follow:

Step 1: Prepare the Breading Station

Before you begin breading your mozzarella sticks, you'll need to set up a breading station. This will typically involve three separate shallow bowls or containers. In the first bowl, place some all-purpose flour. You can also add other dry ingredients to the flour, such as garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and mix them together. The second bowl should contain beaten eggs, and you can add a little water to the eggs if desired. The third bowl will contain the breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, opt for panko breadcrumbs, and season them generously with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, oregano, or even parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs for added flavour.

Step 2: Dredge the Mozzarella Sticks

Take each mozzarella stick and dip it first into the flour, making sure it's fully coated. Then, dip it into the beaten egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip back into the bowl. Next, roll the stick in the breadcrumbs until it's evenly coated. For an extra crispy texture, you can repeat this process by dipping the stick back into the egg mixture and then the breadcrumbs again. Make sure no cheese is visible for the best results.

Step 3: Freeze the Breaded Sticks

Once your mozzarella sticks are breaded, place them on a baking sheet or tray in a single layer, making sure they don't touch each other. Put the tray into the freezer for at least 30 minutes to a few hours, or until the breading is firm. Freezing the sticks helps the coating crisp up without the cheese melting out during cooking.

Step 4: Cook in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 390°F to 400°F. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray, and place the frozen mozzarella sticks inside in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Generously spray the sticks with cooking spray or oil, and cook for about 5 to 8 minutes, depending on your air fryer and the desired level of crispness. Keep an eye on them, and remove them from the air fryer when they're golden brown and crispy.

Tips for Success:

• Use low-moisture mozzarella cheese, as it holds up better in the air fryer.
• Double-coat your mozzarella sticks for an extra crunchy texture and to prevent the coating from sliding off.
• Ensure your mozzarella sticks are completely frozen and dry before breading them.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed.
• Flip the sticks halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and browning.

Cooking methods

Air fryer mozzarella sticks are a tasty snack that can be prepared and stored in the freezer. You can use either mozzarella string cheese or cut up a block of mozzarella to make the sticks. It is important to note that you should use full-fat mozzarella as low-fat mozzarella has a slightly rubbery texture.

To make the breading, you can use a combination of seasoned breadcrumbs and Panko breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs will give you a maximum crunch. You can also add your own seasoning to the breading. Some seasoning suggestions include garlic powder, salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, and Italian seasoning.

To prepare the mozzarella sticks, set up three separate shallow bowls. In one bowl, beat some eggs. In the second bowl, add flour. In the third bowl, add the breadcrumbs and seasoning.

First, dip each mozzarella stick into the flour, making sure it is fully coated. Then, dip the stick into the beaten egg, letting the excess egg drip back into the bowl. Next, dip the stick into the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat this process, dipping the stick back into the egg and then into the breadcrumbs for a second coating. Place the coated mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes or up to 6 months.

Once the mozzarella sticks are frozen, you can cook them in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F. Place the frozen mozzarella sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not crowded. Spray the sticks with cooking spray and cook for 5-7 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.

You can serve the air fryer mozzarella sticks with a warm marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.

Dipping sauces

Mozzarella sticks are a great snack, but they're even better with a tasty dipping sauce. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Marinara Sauce

This is the classic choice for mozzarella sticks. The warm, tangy tomato sauce pairs perfectly with the stretchy, cheesy sticks. You can buy marinara sauce pre-made, or make your own from scratch if you're feeling adventurous.

Ranch Dressing

If you're looking for something a little creamier, ranch dressing is a great option. The cool, herby flavour is a nice contrast to the melted cheese. You can buy bottled ranch dressing, or make your own with buttermilk, mayonnaise, and a mix of fresh herbs.

Pesto Sauce

For something a little different, try dipping your mozzarella sticks in pesto sauce. The combination of basil, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese creates a rich, flavourful sauce that complements the mozzarella perfectly. You can find pre-made pesto in most supermarkets, or make your own by blending the ingredients together.

Thousand Island Dressing

Thousand Island dressing is a classic condiment that also makes a great dip for mozzarella sticks. It's a creamy, tangy dressing with a hint of sweetness, usually made with mayonnaise, ketchup, and relish. You can find it in most supermarkets, or make your own by mixing together the ingredients.

Spicy Mozzarella Sticks

If you're feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with different types of breading for your mozzarella sticks. One fun option is to use spicy crushed Doritos or Takis instead of breadcrumbs. This will give your sticks a nice kick of heat, and you can dip them in a cool, creamy sauce like ranch or blue cheese dressing to balance out the spice.

Frequently asked questions