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

Air fryers are a great way to make crispy, golden-brown mozzarella sticks with a gooey, melty cheese inside. The best way to make them is to freeze the cheese before breading, then coat the sticks in flour, egg, and seasoned breadcrumbs, before freezing again and repeating the egg and breadcrumb step. Then, cook in the air fryer for 5-7 minutes.

Choosing the right cheese

Mozzarella sticks are the classic choice for this recipe, but you can also use other types of cheese. Here are some tips for choosing the right cheese for your air fryer cheese sticks:

Type of Cheese

Mozzarella is a popular choice for cheese sticks because of its stretchy, melty texture when cooked. It also has a mild flavour that pairs well with various dips and seasonings. However, you can also use other types of cheese, such as cheddar, as suggested by Cabot Creamery. Cheddar provides a sharper flavour and a slightly different texture. You could also try other cheeses like Swiss, Monterey Jack, or Colby.

Fat Content

When choosing mozzarella cheese, opt for regular, full-fat mozzarella sticks. Low-fat mozzarella sticks can result in a slightly rubbery texture, and non-fat mozzarella might not work at all. If you're using a different type of cheese, pay attention to the fat content as well. A higher fat content will generally result in a creamier, meltier texture.

Size and Shape

For air fryer cheese sticks, it's important to use cheese in a stick format. You can cut blocks of cheese into stick shapes, but using pre-made cheese sticks ensures uniformity in size and shape. This is important for even cooking and a consistent final product.

Freezing

Regardless of the type of cheese you choose, freezing the cheese sticks before breading and air frying is crucial. Freezing the cheese helps the breading crisp up without the cheese melting out. Make sure the cheese sticks are completely frozen before breading and air frying.

Dipping and Seasoning

The right dip and seasoning can enhance the flavour of your cheese sticks. Marinara sauce, ranch dressing, and pizza sauce are popular choices for dipping. For seasoning, you can use Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, or get creative with your own combinations.

Freezing the cheese sticks

To freeze the cheese sticks, start by cutting the mozzarella sticks in half. Then, set up three small shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place some flour, salt, and pepper, and mix lightly. In the second bowl, add an egg and beat it lightly. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.

Now, it's time to coat the mozzarella pieces. One at a time, coat the mozzarella pieces in the flour mixture, then dip them into the beaten egg, and finally coat them with the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to press lightly to help the coating adhere. Place the coated mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze again for about 30 minutes.

At this point, you will need to reserve some bread crumbs and beat a second egg in a separate bowl. Remove the mozzarella sticks from the freezer and dip them into the egg, followed by the breadcrumb mixture again. Return them to the freezer for another 30 minutes.

Your cheese sticks are now ready to be air-fried! But before you do so, make sure they are completely frozen. They should feel dry to the touch, and not even a tiny bit soggy. This will ensure that they fry evenly and the coating doesn't fall off.

You can store these frozen cheese sticks in a zip-top freezer bag for up to three months. When you're ready to air fry them, simply follow the air-frying instructions provided earlier. Enjoy your delicious, crispy cheese sticks!

The double-coating method

Step 1: First Freeze

First, you'll want to freeze your cheese sticks. This is a crucial step as it helps the cheese maintain its shape while cooking and prevents a messy explosion in your air fryer. Place your cheese sticks in the freezer for at least 30 minutes, or until they are solid.

Step 2: First Coating

Once your cheese sticks are frozen, it's time for the first coating. Set up three stations: one with flour, one with a lightly beaten egg, and one with breadcrumbs. You can season your breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, or any other spices you like. Working with a few sticks at a time, coat the cheese sticks with flour, then dip them into the egg, and finally coat them with the breadcrumbs. Make sure to coat the cheese sticks completely at each step. Place the coated cheese sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper, making sure they are not touching, and freeze for at least 30 minutes to an hour.

Step 3: Second Coating

After the first coating has frozen, it's time for the second coating. Remove the cheese sticks from the freezer and repeat the coating process: dip them into the egg and then coat them again with the breadcrumbs. Place the cheese sticks back on the baking sheet and freeze for another 30 minutes to an hour.

Step 4: Air Frying

Preheat your air fryer to 390°F. Spray the air fryer basket and the cheese sticks with a nonstick cooking spray or olive oil spray. Place the cheese sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Air fry for 5-8 minutes, or until the exterior is golden and crispy.

Tips:

• Use full-fat or low-fat mozzarella sticks for best results.
• Freeze the cheese sticks completely before air frying to ensure even cooking and prevent the coating from falling off.
• Use nonstick spray to prevent sticking and help with browning.
• Work in batches to prevent the cheese sticks from sticking together.
• If using a toaster oven/air fryer combo, place an extra rack underneath the fry basket and line it with foil to catch any dripping cheese.

The best cooking oil

When making cheese sticks in an air fryer, you'll want to use an oil with a high smoke point, as this type of oil can withstand the high temperatures of the air fryer without burning and affecting the taste of your food.

• Avocado oil (smoke point: 520-570°F)
• Peanut oil (smoke point: 450°F)
• Sunflower oil (smoke point: 450°F)
• Grapeseed oil (smoke point: 421°F)
• Refined coconut oil (smoke point: 400°F)
• Extra light olive oil (smoke point: 465-470°F)
• Canola oil (smoke point: 400-450°F)
• Vegetable oil (smoke point: 400°F)

It's important to note that while extra virgin olive oil is a popular choice for cooking, its smoke point is lower (320-374°F) than the other oils mentioned. Therefore, it's best to use extra virgin olive oil for air frying recipes that are cooked at 375°F or lower to avoid burning.

When air frying cheese sticks, you don't need to use a lot of oil. A light coating of oil on the cheese sticks before placing them in the air fryer should be sufficient. You can use a spray bottle, a pastry brush, or even toss the cheese sticks in a bowl with a small amount of oil before placing them in the air fryer.

Dipping sauces

There are a variety of sauces that you can use to elevate the flavour of your air-fried cheese sticks. Here are some options to consider:

Marinara Sauce

A popular choice that complements the cheesy goodness of the sticks. It adds an extra layer of flavour and indulgence to your snack.

Ranch Dressing

Another classic option that pairs well with the cheese sticks. It adds a creamy and tangy dimension to the crispy and gooey cheese sticks.

BBQ Sauce

A smokey and sweet option that can be a great alternative to the traditional choices. It adds a bold flavour to your snack.

Honey Mustard

A combination of sweet and tangy flavours that can elevate your cheese sticks. The honey adds a touch of sweetness, while the mustard provides a sharp kick.

Garlic Aioli

A creamy and garlicky sauce that can take your cheese sticks to the next level. It adds a punch of flavour and a smooth texture to your snack.

Pizza Sauce

A flavourful option that brings the taste of pizza to your cheese sticks. It is a fun and indulgent choice that both kids and adults will enjoy.

Comeback Sauce

A unique and flavourful option that can enhance your cheese sticks. It is a spicy and tangy sauce that adds a kick to your snack.

Boom Boom Sauce

An exciting and bold choice that can take your cheese sticks to the next level. It adds a spicy and creamy dimension to the crispy exterior and gooey interior of the sticks.

Feel free to experiment with other sauces and find your favourite pairing! You can also create your own signature sauce by blending different ingredients and seasonings.

Frequently asked questions