Air Fryer Breadsticks: Easy, Quick, And Delicious!

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance due to their convenience and ability to cook food quickly without sacrificing texture or flavour. They are particularly useful for cooking frozen foods, such as breadsticks, which can be made crispy and golden brown on the outside, while remaining soft and warm on the inside. This can be achieved in just a few minutes, making air-fried breadsticks a simple and delicious side dish or snack that can complement a variety of meals.

How to make frozen breadsticks in an air fryer

Frozen breadsticks are a quick and easy snack to make in your air fryer. They are a great side dish to almost any meal and can be whipped up in just a few minutes.

Ingredients:

• Frozen breadsticks (any variety, plain or stuffed with cheese)
• Butter (optional)
• Dipping sauces (optional)

Method:

First, take out your air fryer and remove the basket. Get your frozen breadsticks and place them in the basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with some space between them. Do not overlap or crowd the basket. You may need to cook them in batches depending on how many fit in your air fryer.

Next, set the temperature and time. The temperature and cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer and the level of crispiness you desire. A temperature of between 340-390 degrees Fahrenheit and a cooking time of 5-6 minutes should be sufficient. No preheating is required.

Once the timer goes off, open the air fryer and check on your breadsticks. If you would like them more golden brown, cook for another minute or two. If they are topped with cheese, there is no need to flip them over.

Finally, remove the breadsticks from the air fryer and serve warm. You can serve them plain, with butter on top, or with a variety of dipping sauces such as alfredo sauce, nacho cheese, marinara, or garlic butter.

Tips:

• There is no need to defrost the breadsticks before cooking.
• If serving to children, cut the breadsticks open to allow them to cool down slightly before serving.
• Store any leftover breadsticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the air fryer at 330°F for 1-2 minutes.

The best temperature to cook breadsticks

Air-fried breadsticks are a quick and easy snack or side dish that can be made in just a few minutes. They are crispy on the outside and soft and warm on the inside—a perfect combination!

The ideal temperature to cook breadsticks in an air fryer is between 340°F and 370°F. Depending on the desired level of crispiness, you can adjust the temperature slightly within this range. For example, if you prefer your breadsticks extra crispy, you can increase the temperature to 370°F or cook them for a little longer. On the other hand, if you prefer softer breadsticks, a temperature of 340°F for a shorter duration will do the trick.

It's important to note that the size and thickness of the breadsticks, as well as the brand of your air fryer, will also impact the cooking time and temperature. Thicker breadsticks or those with cheese fillings may require slightly longer cooking times or a lower temperature to ensure even cooking.

Additionally, when cooking breadsticks in an air fryer, it is not necessary to preheat the appliance or to defrost the breadsticks beforehand. Simply place the frozen breadsticks in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with some space between them, and set the temperature and timer according to your desired outcome.

For breadsticks without toppings, it is recommended to flip them over halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking on both sides. However, if your breadsticks are topped with cheese, it is important to cook them with the cheese side facing up and avoid flipping them to prevent the cheese from sticking to the air fryer basket.

So, the next time you're looking for a quick and tasty snack, remember that air-fried breadsticks are a convenient and delicious option. Just adjust your air fryer to the recommended temperature range, and you'll be enjoying warm and crispy breadsticks in no time!

How to make garlic breadsticks

Ingredients

• Pizza dough (equivalent to two large pizzas)
• Butter
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Parsley
• Garlic powder
• Mozzarella cheese (optional)
• Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
• Divide the dough into the desired size of breadsticks to fit your air fryer basket.
• Twist each dough breadstick.
• Place the breadsticks in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them.
• Cook in the air fryer for 6 minutes or until the breadsticks are golden.
• Meanwhile, melt some butter and mix in your chosen spices.
• Using a food brush, generously coat each breadstick with the butter mixture.
• If desired, sprinkle some mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top of the breadsticks.
• Place the breadsticks back in the air fryer for another 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.

Tips

• You can double the recipe to serve a crowd. Simply increase the ingredients proportionately and cook in batches.
• For a nuttier crunch, add some sesame seeds to the butter mixture.
• For a healthier version, try using whole wheat dough.
• Load up on fresh herbs and spices to make a zesty version.
• You can store any leftover breadsticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

How to make cheesy breadsticks

Ingredients

• Pizza dough (equivalent to two large pizzas)
• Butter (unsalted)
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Parsley
• Garlic powder
• Shredded mozzarella cheese

Method

• Divide the dough into breadsticks of your desired size, ensuring they will fit in the air fryer basket.
• Twist each dough breadstick.
• Melt the butter and mix in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and parsley.
• Using a food brush, generously coat each breadstick with the butter mixture.
• Place the breadsticks in the air fryer basket, leaving some room between them.
• Air fry at 350°F for 5-6 minutes or until golden brown.
• Serve warm with your favourite marinara sauce or other dips such as alfredo sauce, nacho cheese, or garlic butter.

Tips

• For a softer breadstick, cook for less time, and for a crispier breadstick, cook for longer.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. You may need to cook the breadsticks in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Be sure to generously brush the breadsticks with the butter mixture for a delicious and flavorful breadstick.
• These breadsticks are best enjoyed fresh and warm straight from the air fryer.
• For extra crispy breadsticks, brush them with olive oil before air frying.

How to make chocolate breadsticks

Ingredients:

• Fresh brewer's yeast
• Milk
• Sugar
• Flour
• Salt
• Dark chocolate chips
• Granulated sugar

Method:

First, crumble the brewer's yeast into the milk at room temperature, dissolving it along with the sugar by mixing with a spoon. Next, collect the flour in a bowl and pour in the milk, mixing the ingredients together. Then, add the salt and knead the dough directly in the bowl by repeatedly pinching it.

Now, for the chocolatey part! Spread the dough onto a floured work surface and cover with 2/3 of the dark chocolate chips. Fold the dough over itself to incorporate the chocolate chips, then add the remaining chocolate chips and fold again. Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough until you have a 2-3 cm thick rectangle.

Transfer the rectangle of dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and with a floured bottom. Flour the surface of the dough, cover with cling film, and let it rise in a sheltered place for about an hour. After this time, remove the film and gently turn the dough over onto the floured work surface with the help of the parchment paper.

Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into sticks a couple of centimeters wide. Take each stick and gently pull to form breadstick shapes, placing them onto a pan lined with parchment paper. Brush the surface of the breadsticks with a little milk, cover with a sheet of cling film, and let them rest for about 30 minutes.

Finally, remove the film and sprinkle the surface of the breadsticks with granulated sugar. Place the breadsticks in your air fryer in a single layer, leaving a bit of space between each one. Set the temperature to 350°F and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until golden brown.

Serving Suggestions:

These chocolate breadsticks are perfect for a mid-morning snack or afternoon treat, paired with a cup of milk, hot chocolate, or spiced tea. They also make a great appetizer, especially when served with fresh ricotta cheese, ham, or sweet blue cheese. For a creative twist, try dipping the breadsticks in chocolate and sprinkling with chopped pistachios, kosher salt, or sea salt.

Frequently asked questions