Air Fryer Cheese Sticks: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Air fryers are a great way to make fried cheese sticks. They're a healthier alternative to deep-frying, and you can make them in minutes. The key to getting that perfect crunch is to use panko breadcrumbs and to double-coat your cheese sticks. You can also add spices like garlic powder, paprika, and oregano for extra flavour. The process is simple: cut your cheese into sticks, coat them in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, freeze, then air fry!

How to Make Fried Cheese Sticks in an Air Fryer

Choosing the right cheese

When making fried cheese sticks in an air fryer, the cheese you choose is crucial. The type of cheese you select will impact the flavour, texture, and overall success of your fried cheese sticks. Here are some tips and recommendations for choosing the right cheese:

Mozzarella Cheese:

Mozzarella cheese is the most popular and traditional choice for making fried cheese sticks. It has a mild flavour and melts beautifully, providing that irresistible stretchy, gooey texture. When selecting mozzarella, opt for low-moisture or whole milk varieties. These types of mozzarella have better flavour and yield more sticks than part-skim or non-fat options. You can use either string cheese or a block of mozzarella that you cut into sticks yourself. String cheese is convenient and ensures uniform sizing, but cutting your own blocks of mozzarella allows for more flavour control.

Cheddar Cheese:

If you want to switch things up, cheddar cheese is a great alternative to mozzarella. Cabot Lite50 Sharp Cheddar, for example, can be used to make delicious fried cheese sticks with a sharper, more pronounced flavour. The key is to use a block of cheddar and cut it into sticks, aiming for a similar size to traditional mozzarella sticks after coating.

Cheese Strings vs. Cheese Sticks:

An important distinction to make is between cheese strings and cheese sticks. Cheese strings, such as string cheese, are designed to be easily peeled and separated into string-like strands. This quality makes them ideal for fried cheese sticks because they melt better and help prevent the cheese from leaking out during the frying process. Regular cheese sticks, on the other hand, may melt too quickly or leak out of the coating, so it's best to avoid them for this particular recipe.

Full-Fat vs. Low-Fat:

When it comes to mozzarella cheese sticks, the fat content can impact the final texture of your fried cheese sticks. Full-fat or whole milk mozzarella sticks are generally recommended for the best flavour and texture. Low-fat mozzarella sticks may result in a slightly rubbery texture, and non-fat options may not hold up well during the frying process.

Freezing the Cheese:

Regardless of the type of cheese you choose, it is essential to freeze your cheese sticks before frying them. Freezing helps the coating solidify and ensures that the cheese sticks hold their shape when fried. Aim for at least 30 minutes to an hour of freezing time, or even longer if you're making them ahead of time and storing them in the freezer.

The breading

Ingredients

For the breading, you will need the following ingredients:

• Eggs: Use 2-3 large eggs, beaten or whisked. Eggs act as a binding agent, helping the breadcrumbs adhere to the cheese sticks.
• Breadcrumbs: Opt for Panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy texture. You will need about 1-2 cups of breadcrumbs, depending on the number of cheese sticks you are preparing.
• Seasonings: This is where you can get creative. The most commonly used seasonings include garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also experiment with other blends like Taco Seasoning, Cajun Seasoning, or your own signature mix.
• Flour: All-purpose flour will act as an additional coating to help the eggs and breadcrumbs adhere better.
• Oil: A small amount of oil, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil, is mixed with the breadcrumbs to create a moist mixture that will coat the cheese sticks evenly.
• Cheese Sticks: Use low-moisture mozzarella cheese sticks or string cheese. You can also cut blocks of cheese into stick shapes.

Steps

Now, let's walk through the steps to create the perfect breading:

• Prepare three separate shallow dishes or bowls for dredging. In the first dish, place the flour. You can also add some seasonings like garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or salt to the flour for extra flavour.
• In the second dish, beat or whisk the eggs. You can also add a small amount of water to the eggs to thin the mixture slightly.
• In the third dish, combine the breadcrumbs, oil, and your choice of seasonings. Mix well with a fork until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
• Take your cheese sticks and dredge them in the flour first, ensuring they are completely coated. Shake off any excess flour.
• Next, dip the floured cheese sticks into the egg mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
• Now, roll the cheese sticks in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating. Use your hands or a spoon and fork to help with this step.
• For an extra crispy and well-coated cheese stick, repeat the process by dipping the cheese sticks back into the egg mixture and then into the breadcrumbs for a second layer of breading.
• Place the breaded cheese sticks on a baking sheet or plate and transfer them to the freezer for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. This step is crucial to ensure the cheese sticks hold their shape and the breading adheres firmly.

By following these steps and allowing sufficient freezing time, you will achieve a crunchy and well-coated breading for your fried cheese sticks. Remember to preheat your air fryer and spray the basket with cooking spray before placing the cheese sticks inside to cook. Enjoy your delicious, crispy treat!

How to cook the cheese sticks

Now that you've assembled your ingredients and prepared your cheese sticks, it's time to cook them to perfection! Here's a detailed guide on how to use your air fryer to make delicious cheese sticks:

• Preheat your air fryer: Start by setting your air fryer to the desired temperature, which can range from 360°F to 400°F (183°C to 200°C) depending on the recipe you're following. Preheating ensures consistent cooking results.
• Place the cheese sticks in the air fryer: Carefully arrange the frozen or refrigerated cheese sticks in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket. Make sure they don't overlap to ensure even cooking.
• Cook the cheese sticks: Depending on the recipe and your air fryer, the cooking time may vary from 4 to 8 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as you want the cheese sticks to turn golden brown and crispy. Some recipes recommend flipping them halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.
• Remove and serve: Once they're golden brown and crispy, carefully remove the cheese sticks from the air fryer and place them on a serving plate. They're now ready to be enjoyed!

If you're making a large batch, you might need to cook the cheese sticks in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Additionally, some recipes suggest spraying the air fryer basket and the cheese sticks with cooking spray or oil before cooking to promote even browning and prevent sticking.

For frozen cheese sticks, there's no need to thaw them before air frying. Simply cook them straight from frozen, adjusting the cooking time as needed.

Dipping sauces

Mozzarella sticks are best served with a dipping sauce on the side. Here are some ideas for sauces that go well with fried cheese sticks:

Marinara Sauce

A classic choice to dip your fried cheese sticks in is marinara sauce. This tomato-based sauce is usually seasoned with garlic, herbs, and a touch of sweetness, making it a perfect complement to the cheese sticks.

Ranch Dressing

Ranch dressing is another classic and popular choice. Its cool, creamy, and tangy flavour pairs well with the warm, crispy, and gooey cheese sticks.

Honey Mustard

For a healthier option, try honey mustard. The sweetness of the honey and the zing of the mustard create a harmonious combination that goes well with the fried cheese.

Barbecue Sauce

For a smoky flavour, barbecue sauce is a great option. The tanginess and smokiness of the sauce complement the cheese's creaminess.

Buffalo Sauce

If you like your food spicy, then buffalo sauce is the answer. The spicy kick will be nicely offset by the gooey cheese and crunchy exterior of the fried cheese stick.

Garlic Butter

For garlic lovers, garlic butter is a must-try. The rich, buttery flavour combined with garlic adds something extra to the fried cheese stick experience.

Sweet Chilli Sauce

For those who enjoy a sweet and spicy combination, sweet chilli sauce is a good option. It adds a unique twist to the cheese sticks.

Other Ideas

Other sauces that can be used for fried cheese sticks include tartar sauce, chipotle mayo, pizza sauce, tomato sauce, salsa, Alfredo sauce, and even honey.

Making ahead and freezing

Preparing the Cheese Sticks for Freezing:

Start by lining a rimmed baking sheet with wax paper. This will be used to place your coated cheese sticks on before putting them in the freezer. Next, prepare your dredging stations. You'll need three wide, shallow bowls. In the first bowl, lightly beat an egg. This will help the breadcrumbs adhere to the cheese sticks. In the second bowl, combine your choice of breadcrumbs with any desired seasonings. You can use Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, or create your own signature blend. The third bowl will contain all-purpose flour, which is used in the dredging process.

Now, it's time to coat your cheese sticks. You can use mozzarella or cheddar cheese cut into sticks, or you can use string cheese for convenience. Dip each cheese stick into the beaten egg, making sure it's completely coated. Then, dip it into the flour, followed by another dip in the egg. Finally, coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure each cheese stick is well-coated to prevent the coating from sliding off during air frying.

Freezing the Cheese Sticks:

Once your cheese sticks are coated, arrange them on the prepared baking sheet lined with wax paper. Make sure they are not touching each other. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. This initial freezing helps set the coating.

Double-Coating the Cheese Sticks:

After the initial freezing, remove the cheese sticks from the freezer. It's now time for the second coating, which is crucial to ensuring a crispy and well-coated cheese stick. Dip each cheese stick back into the egg, followed by the breadcrumb mixture. Return the double-coated cheese sticks to the freezer for another 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Storing in the Freezer:

Once the cheese sticks are frozen solid, transfer them from the baking sheet to a zip-top freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 to 3 months for mozzarella sticks or up to 6 months for breaded, uncooked sticks.

Air Frying Frozen Cheese Sticks:

When you're ready to enjoy your cheese sticks, preheat your air fryer to 360°F for mozzarella sticks or 400°F for cheddar sticks. Coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the frozen cheese sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if necessary. Air fry for 5-10 minutes, depending on the type of cheese and your desired level of crispness. Keep an eye on them, as cooking times may vary, and you don't want the cheese to melt out of the coating.

Enjoy your delicious, crispy, and gooey cheese sticks as a snack or appetizer!

Frequently asked questions