Air-Fryer Fried Mozzarella: A Quick, Crispy, Cheesy Treat

Air fryers are a great way to make fried mozzarella, a delicious snack that is crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. The air fryer reduces calories and gives a crunchy texture to the mozzarella sticks without the need for much oil. The secret to making great mozzarella sticks in the air fryer is to double-coat them with breadcrumbs and freeze them before frying. The sticks should be dipped in beaten egg and then coated with breadcrumbs, and this process should be repeated for a second coating. The sticks are then placed in the air fryer for 5-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

How to Make Fried Mozzarella in an Air Fryer

Choosing the right mozzarella

When making fried mozzarella, it's important to use fresh mozzarella cheese rather than the processed cheese sticks found in the supermarket cheese section. Fresh mozzarella has a higher moisture content and will give you that gooey, stringy, melty texture that makes fried mozzarella so delicious. It also tends to have a milder taste, so infusing the crunchy outside with flavour will make your dish stand out.

You can buy mozzarella in log form or as a block. If you buy a block, you will need to cut the cheese in half and then slice each half into rounds or sticks. If you buy a log, you can slice it into rounds or sticks, or buy it pre-sliced. Either way, you'll want to pat each slice dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, as this will help the breading stick better.

When preparing your fried mozzarella, set up a standard dredging or breading station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, mix flour, salt, and pepper. In the second bowl, beat eggs with a bit of water, milk, or beer. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese, and any desired seasonings such as garlic, oregano, Italian seasoning, or basil. You can use regular breadcrumbs, but panko breadcrumbs will give your fried mozzarella a lighter, crunchier texture.

Now you're ready to start breading! First, dredge each mozzarella slice in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it in the egg wash, letting any excess drip off. Finally, coat the slice with the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat this process so that each slice has a double coating of breadcrumbs. This double coating helps the breading stick to the cheese and provides extra crunch. Place the breaded mozzarella slices on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and set them aside.

Freezing the mozzarella

Step 1: Prepare the Mozzarella Sticks

Start by slicing the mozzarella log into equal-sized sticks or slices. Place the mozzarella sticks on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess moisture. It is important to ensure that the cheese is dry as this will help the breading stick better.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

In one shallow dish, whisk one or two eggs, depending on the number of mozzarella sticks you are preparing. In another shallow dish, combine the breading mixture. This typically includes Panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and other seasonings of your choice. You can also add parmesan cheese to the breading mixture for extra flavour.

Step 3: Coat the Mozzarella Sticks

Dip each mozzarella stick into the beaten egg, ensuring it is fully coated. Then, roll it in the breading mixture, making sure all sides are evenly coated. Repeat this step to create a double coating. The double coating helps the breading stick better and provides extra crunch.

Step 4: Freeze the Breaded Mozzarella

Place the breaded mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet or tray lined with parchment paper or wax paper. Make sure they are spaced apart and not touching each other. Freeze the breaded mozzarella for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This step is crucial to ensuring the cheese is firm and reduces the likelihood of it melting too quickly during frying.

Step 5: Second Coating (Optional)

Some recipes suggest an additional coating step for an even crunchier exterior. After the initial freezing, remove the mozzarella sticks from the freezer and dip them back into the egg mixture, followed by the breading mixture. Return the sticks to the freezer for another 30 minutes to an hour.

Step 6: Store in the Freezer

Once the mozzarella sticks are firmly coated and frozen, you can store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for later use. They can be stored in the freezer for up to two to three months. When you're ready to fry them, simply preheat your air fryer, spray the sticks with cooking spray, and air fry according to your desired recipe.

Preparing the coating

Firstly, gather your ingredients. For the coating, you will need breadcrumbs, and you can choose between Panko or regular breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs will give your fried mozzarella a lighter and airier crunch. If you opt for regular breadcrumbs, they will produce a slightly different texture but will work just fine. You can also use seasoned or plain breadcrumbs, depending on your preference. In addition to the breadcrumbs, you will need eggs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and other seasonings of your choice.

Now, let's set up your breading station. Separate your ingredients into different shallow dishes. In one dish, whisk or beat your eggs until they are well combined. You can use a fork or a whisk for this step. In another shallow dish, add your breadcrumbs. If you are using Panko breadcrumbs, you can drizzle a small amount of olive oil and toss until the crumbs are coated. This step will help the breadcrumbs stick better to the mozzarella.

Next, add your seasonings to the breadcrumbs, and stir to combine. You can add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and any other spices you prefer. Feel free to experiment with different combinations of seasonings to find your favourite flavour profile. Once your breading station is set up, you are ready to start coating your mozzarella!

The key to a successful coating is to double-coat your mozzarella. Dip each mozzarella stick or slice first into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated, and then into the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat this process, so each piece has two coats of the egg and breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to press the breadcrumbs onto the cheese to help them adhere better. This double-coating step is essential to ensure the coating sticks to the cheese and creates an extra crunchy texture.

After coating all your mozzarella pieces, place them in the freezer for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This step will help firm up the cheese so that it doesn't melt too quickly or ooze out of the coating when air-fried. Once the breaded mozzarella has been chilled, your coating is now ready for the air fryer!

Cooking the mozzarella

Once you've breaded your mozzarella, it's time to cook it! Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F for five minutes. You'll want to do this with an empty fryer, so make sure to remove any racks or trays before turning it on.

While the fryer is preheating, you can prepare your mozzarella sticks by spraying them with cooking spray or spritzing them with olive oil. This will help them brown and ensure they don't stick to the fryer basket.

When the fryer is ready, carefully place the mozzarella sticks inside, making sure they are in a single layer and not touching or stacked on top of each other. Depending on the size of your fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.

Close the lid and cook the sticks for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Then, open the lid and use tongs to flip the sticks over. Close the lid again and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey.

Once they're cooked to perfection, remove the mozzarella sticks from the fryer and serve them immediately. They're perfect for dipping in your favourite sauce, like marinara or ranch. Enjoy!

Tips for success:

• Don't skip the preheating step! This will help ensure your mozzarella sticks cook evenly and the breading gets nice and crispy.
• Work in batches if needed. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may not be able to fit all the sticks in at once.
• Don't overcrowd the fryer basket. Make sure the sticks are in a single layer and not touching each other.
• Use a light spray of cooking spray or olive oil to help the sticks brown and prevent sticking.
• If you're using a toaster oven/air fryer combo, place an extra rack underneath the fry basket to catch any dripping cheese.

Serving suggestions

Air-fried mozzarella is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, snack, or party food. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your fried mozzarella experience:

Dipping Sauces

The classic choice for fried mozzarella is a warm marinara sauce, but feel free to get creative! Here are some dipping sauce ideas to try:

• Ranch dressing
• Balsamic glaze with a sprinkle of fresh basil
• BBQ sauce
• Honey
• Chimichurri
• Pesto
• Alfredo sauce
• Applesauce

Platters and Sides

For a party or gathering, create a mozzarella platter by adding some cherry tomatoes and olives for a caprese-inspired appetizer. You can also serve air-fried mozzarella as part of a larger spread, such as:

• Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms
• Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites
• Poached Shrimp with Cocktail Sauce
• Air Fryer Parmesan Dill Fried Pickles
• Crispy Homemade Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
• Air Fryer Crispy Chickpeas
• Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
• Air Fryer French Fries

Reheating and Storage

If you have any leftover fried mozzarella, let them cool completely before storing them in a single layer in an airtight container to prevent sogginess. They can be stored in the fridge for up to two days. To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes until warm and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as this will result in a rubbery texture.

Frequently asked questions