Make Mozzarella Sticks In Your Instant Vortex Air Fryer

Making mozzarella sticks in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to create a delicious snack or appetizer. The key to success is to freeze the cheese sticks before breading them, and then freeze them again after breading to ensure the cheese is nice and frozen when they go into the air fryer. This prevents the cheese from melting and oozing out of the breading. The breading process involves dipping the cheese sticks in an egg wash and then coating them in seasoned breadcrumbs. The air fryer's small size means it will heat up quickly and cook the mozzarella sticks in just a few minutes, resulting in a crispy and creamy treat.

Choosing the right mozzarella sticks

Mozzarella sticks are a great snack, and making them in an air fryer is an easy and quick way to get that crispy, golden exterior and gooey, melted cheese interior. But not all mozzarella sticks are created equal. Here are some tips for choosing the right ones and preparing them for your air fryer:

Type of Mozzarella Cheese

The type of mozzarella cheese you use is important. While you can use low-fat mozzarella sticks, the texture may be slightly rubbery. Regular, full-fat mozzarella sticks are recommended for the best flavour and stretch. You can also use string cheese, which is convenient as it comes in pre-portioned sticks, but the texture may be more gooey and wet, and it can be harder to coat.

Breadcrumbs

Italian-style breadcrumbs are a good choice for seasoning and coating your mozzarella sticks. You can also use plain breadcrumbs and add your own seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, oregano, thyme, and Italian seasoning. For a gluten-free or low-carb option, you can use crushed pork rinds and almond flour instead of breadcrumbs.

Freezing

Freezing your mozzarella sticks before air frying is essential. This helps the coating solidify and ensures that the cheese doesn't melt too quickly or leak out during cooking. Freeze your coated mozzarella sticks for at least 30 minutes to an hour, or even overnight, before air frying.

Double (or Triple) Coating

For the best results, double-coat your mozzarella sticks. Dip the cheese into the egg mixture, then the breadcrumbs, and repeat the process. This ensures a crispy exterior and helps prevent the coating from sliding off. For an even thicker and crunchier coating, you can also do a triple coat.

Other Tips

When cutting your own mozzarella sticks from a block of cheese, cut them smaller than you think, as they will expand during cooking. Also, make sure your air fryer is preheated before adding the mozzarella sticks. This helps seal the coating and prevents the cheese from leaking out.

Freezing the sticks

Freezing the mozzarella sticks is an important step in the cooking process. Freezing them for long enough will ensure that the cheese is nice and frozen when it hits the hot air of the air fryer, giving the breading time to crisp up and turn golden brown. This will prevent the cheese from melting and oozing out of the breading.

To freeze the sticks, you will need to first cut the mozzarella into sticks of approximately 1/3-inch thickness. Then, dip the sticks into the flour, beaten egg, and breadcrumb mixture. Place the coated sticks onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper, making sure they are not touching. Place the sticks into the freezer for at least 30 minutes to an hour.

Once the initial freezing is complete, remove the sticks from the freezer and dip them into the egg mixture and breadcrumb mixture for a second time. Return the sticks to the freezer for another 30 minutes to an hour.

After the second freezing, the sticks are ready to be placed into the air fryer. However, if you want to prepare them ahead of time, you can leave them in the freezer for up to 2 to 3 months. When you are ready to cook them, simply place them into the air fryer straight from the freezer.

Preparing the breading

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need eggs, milk (optional), breadcrumbs (both seasoned and plain), Italian seasoning or other herbs and spices, and flour (optional). The exact quantities will depend on the number of mozzarella sticks you are making, but a rough ratio can be deduced from the recipes provided. For instance, for 8 mozzarella sticks, you will need 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and 1 cup of breadcrumbs.

Next, prepare your workstation. You will need three shallow bowls for the wet and dry ingredients, as well as a baking sheet or tray lined with wax or parchment paper. In the first bowl, prepare the flour mixture by mixing flour with salt and pepper. You can also add dried herbs or Italian seasoning to this mixture for extra flavour. In the second bowl, beat an egg or two, depending on the quantity of cheese sticks. You can also add milk to this mixture, as some recipes suggest. The third bowl should contain the breadcrumb mixture. Combine the breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning or other herbs and spices. You can also use pre-seasoned breadcrumbs if you prefer.

Now you are ready to start breading the cheese sticks. This process will need to be done in two stages, with freezing in between, to ensure the cheese is nice and frozen when it goes into the air fryer. Start by coating the cheese sticks with the flour mixture, then dip them into the egg mixture, and finally coat them with the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to press the coating lightly to help it adhere. Place the coated cheese sticks on the prepared baking sheet and freeze for about 30 minutes to an hour.

For the second breading, remove the cheese sticks from the freezer and dip them back into the egg mixture, and then coat them again with the breadcrumb mixture. Return the cheese sticks to the freezer for another 30 minutes to an hour. This double-coating process will ensure a crispy, golden exterior and help prevent the coating from sliding off the cheese sticks during frying.

Coating the sticks

Coating the mozzarella sticks is a crucial step in achieving that perfect, crunchy exterior. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

Firstly, prepare your breading station. You'll need three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place some flour, salt, and pepper; mix them together. This is your dry mixture. In the second bowl, add a beaten egg. This will be your wet mixture. In the third bowl, combine Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and breadcrumbs. You can use regular breadcrumbs or panko, which will give your mozzarella sticks an extra crispy texture. Mix the dry ingredients well.

Now, it's time to coat the cheese sticks. Start by dipping a frozen mozzarella stick into the flour mixture. Make sure it's evenly coated. Then, dip it into the beaten egg, ensuring it's completely coated. Finally, roll the stick in the breadcrumb mixture until it's entirely covered. It's important to work with frozen cheese sticks, as this will help the coating stick and prevent the cheese from melting too quickly during frying.

Return the coated mozzarella stick to the freezer for about 30 minutes to an hour to firm up. This step is essential to ensure the cheese is nice and frozen before air frying, giving the coating time to crisp up without the cheese melting too much.

Once the sticks have been in the freezer for the second time, it's time for the final coating. Dip them into the beaten egg once more, and then give them a second coating of the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure every part of the stick is well covered.

Place the double-coated mozzarella sticks back in the freezer for another 30 minutes to an hour. This final freezing step is crucial, so don't be tempted to skip it! It ensures the cheese is nice and solid, which will help it hold its shape during frying.

Your mozzarella sticks are now ready for the air fryer! But before you pop them in, give them a light spray with some cooking spray or olive oil spray. This will help them achieve that golden-brown colour and extra crispiness.

Remember, the coating process is a bit fiddly, but it's well worth the effort for that perfect, crunchy exterior and gooey, cheesy interior!

Cooking in the air fryer

Now that you have your ingredients and coatings ready, it's time to cook your mozzarella sticks in the air fryer. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Freeze the Mozzarella Sticks: Before you begin breading, place your mozzarella sticks in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial to ensure the cheese is frozen when it goes into the air fryer, preventing it from melting too quickly and leaking out of the coating.
• Prepare the Breading Station: Set up three small shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place the flour, salt, and pepper, and mix them together. In the second bowl, beat an egg lightly. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
• Breading Process: Take each mozzarella stick and coat it with the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten egg, ensuring it's well coated. Finally, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture until completely covered. Repeat this process for a second coating.
• Freeze Again: Once all your mozzarella sticks are coated, place them in the freezer again for about 30 minutes to an hour. This step helps the coating set and ensures the cheese is thoroughly frozen.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to the desired temperature. Different recipes suggest different temperatures, ranging from 360°F to 400°F. Refer to your air fryer's instructions for the best results.
• Spray the Mozzarella Sticks: Lightly spray or brush the breaded mozzarella sticks with cooking oil or olive oil spray. This step helps them achieve a crispy, golden texture.
• Place in the Air Fryer Basket: Arrange the mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't touch each other. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook them in batches.
• Air Fry: Place the basket in the air fryer and set the timer. The cooking time will vary depending on the air fryer and the desired level of doneness, but it typically ranges from 5 to 8 minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't overcook.
• Flip and Cook Again: Some recipes suggest flipping the mozzarella sticks halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. If your air fryer doesn't indicate when to turn the food, set a timer for halfway through the cooking time and flip them then.
• Serve Immediately: Once the mozzarella sticks are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and serve them immediately. They are best enjoyed hot and crispy. You can serve them with your favourite dipping sauces, such as marinara sauce, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or any sauce of your choice.

Remember to exercise caution when handling the air fryer as it will be very hot. Always use oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves when removing the basket or placing food inside. Additionally, be mindful of the hot air that escapes when you open the air fryer, as it can cause burns.

Frequently asked questions