Gluten-Free Mozzarella Sticks: Air Fryer Magic

how to make gluten free mozzarella sticks in air fryer

Making gluten-free mozzarella sticks in an air fryer is a tasty and healthier alternative to deep-frying. The air fryer's convection oven technology cooks food faster and with less oil, resulting in crispy, gooey, and cheesy sticks. The key to success is freezing the sticks before frying and double-coating them in gluten-free flour, egg, and breadcrumbs.

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Choosing the right cheese

  • Cheese Type: Opt for a block of whole milk mozzarella cheese, which offers a more "stretchy" texture compared to string cheese. Whole milk mozzarella also tends to provide a better flavour and yields more sticks. However, if you're pressed for time, string cheese can be a suitable alternative.
  • Cheese Texture: Go for a block of mozzarella cheese with a slightly firmer texture. Softer fresh mozzarella releases too much liquid, making the breading soggy.
  • Cheese Quantity: Depending on the size of your mozzarella block, you'll typically end up with around 15-24 cheese sticks. Each stick should be about 1/2 inch thick and a few inches tall.
  • Freezing the Cheese: Before breading and after, freezing the cheese sticks is crucial. Freeze them for at least 30 minutes to a maximum of two hours. This helps prevent the cheese from melting too quickly and ensures a crispy coating.
  • Double or Triple Dipping: To create a robust, crunchy shell and prevent the cheese from leaking out during cooking, double-dip or even triple-dip your cheese sticks in the egg wash and flour or breadcrumbs.

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The importance of freezing

Freezing is an essential step in making gluten-free mozzarella sticks in an air fryer. It is necessary to ensure the cheese sticks retain their shape and texture during the cooking process. Without freezing, the cheese will melt before the breading is cooked, resulting in a messy and unappetizing dish.

Additionally, freezing affects the texture and structure of the cheese sticks. By freezing the cheese before breading, you create a solid base that can withstand the heat of the air fryer without melting immediately. This ensures that the breading has time to cook and become crispy before the cheese starts to melt. Freezing also helps the breading adhere better to the cheese sticks, creating a uniform coating that seals in the cheese and prevents it from leaking out during cooking.

Moreover, freezing allows for better control over the cooking process. By freezing the cheese sticks before cooking, you can cook them in batches without worrying about them melting or losing their shape. This is especially useful when making a large quantity of mozzarella sticks for a party or gathering. Freezing also enables you to prepare the mozzarella sticks in advance and store them in the freezer until you are ready to cook and serve them.

Lastly, freezing affects the overall taste and quality of the final product. By freezing the cheese sticks, you can achieve a crispy exterior and a gooey, melted interior, which is the signature of a well-made mozzarella stick. Freezing also helps retain the nutrient content of the cheese, ensuring that your gluten-free mozzarella sticks are not only delicious but also nutritious.

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The double-coating method

Step 1: The Initial Dipping

Start by setting up your breading station with three separate bowls. The first bowl should contain gluten-free flour, the second bowl should have beaten eggs, and the third bowl should be filled with a mixture of gluten-free breadcrumbs, salt, and your choice of seasonings like garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or parsley. Take each mozzarella stick and dip it first in the flour, then the egg, and finally, the breadcrumb mixture.

Step 2: First Freeze

Once all your mozzarella sticks are coated, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours. This step is crucial, as it ensures the cheese is completely frozen before the second coating, preventing the breading from falling off during the next steps.

Step 3: Repeat the Dipping

After the initial freeze, remove the mozzarella sticks from the freezer. You will now repeat the dipping process, but this time, you will skip the flour and go straight to dipping them in the egg and then the breadcrumb mixture. This double coating provides extra insurance that all parts of the stick are coated, and it gives that extra crunch we all love.

Step 4: Final Freeze

Once your mozzarella sticks have their second coating, place them back in the freezer for another 30 minutes to an hour. This final freeze is essential, as it ensures the cheese is completely frozen before air frying, which will prevent the cheese from melting out during cooking.

Step 5: Air Frying

Preheat your air fryer to between 370-400°F. Lightly spray the air fryer basket and the mozzarella sticks with a nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the sticks in the basket, leaving a little space between them if possible. Air fry for 5-8 minutes, keeping a close eye on them. They are done when the exterior is golden and crispy, and you might see a little cheese starting to ooze out.

Tips for Success:

  • Use fine gluten-free breadcrumbs for the best results. If your breadcrumbs are coarse, you can run them through a food processor to make them finer.
  • Don't skip the freezing steps! They are crucial to ensuring your cheese doesn't melt out during air frying.
  • If you want to make these ahead of time, you can freeze the coated mozzarella sticks for up to 3 months and air fry them whenever the craving strikes.
  • If you want to add more seasoning to your breadcrumbs, feel free to experiment with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, or black pepper.
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Seasoning suggestions

The seasoning you choose for your gluten-free mozzarella sticks will make or break the dish. You can use a variety of spices to add flavour to the breadcrumbs, and you can also experiment with different types of breadcrumbs to create a unique taste and texture. Here are some ideas to get you started:

  • Italian seasoning: This is a classic choice for mozzarella sticks. It adds a delicious blend of herbs and spices that complement the cheese perfectly. You can buy pre-made Italian seasoning or make your own blend with herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme.
  • Garlic powder: A little garlic powder goes a long way. It adds a savoury punch to the breadcrumbs and enhances the overall flavour of the dish.
  • Red pepper flakes: If you like your food with a kick, add some red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture. They will give your mozzarella sticks a spicy kick that pairs well with the cooling cheese.
  • Salt and pepper: Don't underestimate the power of salt and pepper! They are simple yet effective seasonings that can enhance the natural flavours of the dish.
  • Parsley: This herb adds a fresh, slightly peppery taste to your mozzarella sticks. It also looks great as a garnish, adding a pop of colour to the dish.
  • Basil: Basil has a sweet, slightly peppery taste that goes well with the other Italian-inspired flavours in this dish. It's also one of the main ingredients in pesto, so it will reinforce those flavours if you're serving your mozzarella sticks with a pesto dipping sauce.
  • Oregano: Oregano is a member of the mint family and has a bold, slightly earthy flavour. It's commonly used in Italian cuisine and goes well with tomato-based sauces, so it's an excellent choice if you're serving your mozzarella sticks with marinara sauce.

When seasoning your gluten-free mozzarella sticks, it's important to taste as you go. Add small amounts of seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture, then dip a spoon into the mixture to taste it. This will help you avoid over-seasoning the dish. You can always add more seasoning, but it's difficult to fix a dish that has too much.

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Reheating and storage tips

Mozzarella sticks are best enjoyed hot and crispy, straight from the air fryer. However, if you have any leftovers, you can easily reheat them to restore that signature gooey cheese pull. Here are some tips for reheating and storing your gluten-free air fryer mozzarella sticks:

  • It is recommended to reheat your mozzarella sticks in the air fryer or oven for the best results. You can also use a toaster oven, stovetop, microwave, or indoor grill.
  • When reheating, always start with refrigerated or frozen sticks. Room temperature mozzarella sticks will become soggy.
  • Arrange the sticks in a single layer with space between them to ensure even crisping.
  • Preheat your air fryer or oven before adding the mozzarella sticks.
  • For the air fryer, set the temperature to 375°F and cook for 4-6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
  • For the oven, preheat to 375°F and place the sticks on a baking sheet. Bake for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • If you're using a microwave, arrange the sticks on a microwave-safe plate and heat on HIGH for 45 seconds to 1 minute, then in 15-second intervals until the cheese is melted. Be careful not to overdo it, as the breading can become rubbery.
  • You can also reheat the sticks in a toaster oven at 375°F for 4-5 minutes or in a skillet with a light coating of oil for 1-2 minutes per side.
  • To store your gluten-free mozzarella sticks, keep them covered in the refrigerator for up to three days.
  • If you want to make a big batch, you can freeze the uncooked, breaded sticks for up to six months. When you're ready to cook them, there's no need to thaw them; just increase the cooking time by a minute or two.
  • To freeze cooked mozzarella sticks, let them cool, then store them in an airtight container in the freezer. Reheat them as mentioned above until crispy and warm.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, you can make these mozzarella sticks with vegan mozzarella cut into bite-sized pieces. Dip them in milk instead of egg and use gluten-free and vegan breadcrumbs.

Yes, you can prepare these mozzarella sticks ahead of time. Place the prepared, uncooked sticks in a freezer-safe container and store them in the freezer for up to four months. If you've already cooked them, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.

Yes, mozzarella sticks are a great make-ahead appetizer. Simply go through the breading process, flash-freeze the sticks on a baking sheet, and then transfer them to an airtight container and freeze for up to three months.

Yes, you can fry these mozzarella sticks. Ensure they are completely frozen first, then heat a neutral oil like avocado oil in a deep pot over medium heat. Fry 2-3 sticks at a time for about 2 minutes per side, until golden.

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