Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks: Taki Style

Air fryers are a great way to make mozzarella sticks without deep-frying them in oil. The key to making mozzarella sticks in an air fryer is to freeze the cheese before cooking, which allows the crumbs to crisp up without the cheese melting. The sticks should be frozen for at least an hour, but can be stored in the freezer for up to six months. When you're ready to cook them, preheat your air fryer to at least 375°F and cook for around 5-10 minutes, or until the outside is crispy and the cheese is melted.

Choosing the right cheese

Type of Cheese

The most common cheese used for mozzarella sticks is, of course, mozzarella. However, not all mozzarella cheeses are created equal. For the best flavour and texture, opt for whole milk mozzarella, which has a superior flavour compared to part-skim mozzarella. It also typically yields more sticks than pre-packaged string cheese.

If you're using string cheese, go for full-fat mozzarella sticks. Low-fat sticks tend to have a rubbery texture, and nonfat mozzarella might not hold up during the cooking process. Fresh mozzarella is also not recommended as it's too soft and can make the breading soggy.

Quantity

One 16-ounce block of low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella cheese should yield around 20-24 cheese sticks. Cut the cheese into sticks just under ½" thick and about 3" long. You can also use string cheese and cut them in half to get the desired size.

Storage

It's essential to freeze the cheese sticks before frying. This ensures the cheese doesn't melt too quickly and allows the coating to crisp up properly. Freeze the breaded mozzarella sticks for a minimum of 30 minutes to two hours before cooking. You can also make a big batch and freeze them for later; they'll stay good for up to two to six months!

Alternatives

While mozzarella is the classic choice, you can experiment with other types of cheese. Cheddar, gouda, and smoked cheddar are all tasty alternatives that will melt and stretch well. Just make sure to avoid soft cheeses like fresh mozzarella, as they can affect the breading and cooking process.

The breading

Step 1: Prepare the Breading Station

Set up three separate shallow bowls or containers for the breading process. In the first bowl, place the flour. You can use all-purpose flour or add other ingredients like cornstarch and cornmeal for a thicker batter. In the second bowl, beat one or more eggs until well blended. You can also add a bit of water to the eggs. The third bowl will contain the breadcrumb mixture. For Taki mozzarella sticks, blend the Takis in a food processor until they reach a crumb consistency. Transfer the crumbs to the bowl and mix them with seasonings. You can add salt and pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs like parsley, oregano, and basil, or even grated Parmesan cheese. Mix the breadcrumbs and seasonings until they are well combined.

Step 2: Coat the Mozzarella Sticks

Take each mozzarella stick and lightly coat it with flour. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it is completely coated and allowing any excess to drip back into the bowl. Next, roll the stick in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture until it is evenly coated. You can use your hands or tongs to press the breadcrumbs onto the cheese stick, ensuring no cheese is visible.

Step 3: Double-Coat for Extra Crunch (Optional)

For an extra crispy and crunchy exterior, you can double-coat your Taki mozzarella sticks. Simply repeat the process by dipping the coated stick back into the egg mixture and then into the breadcrumbs again. Make sure to press the breadcrumbs onto the stick firmly so that the second layer of breading adheres well.

Step 4: Freeze the Breaded Sticks

Once your Taki mozzarella sticks are coated, it is essential to freeze them before air frying. Place the breaded sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet or tray lined with wax paper. Freeze them for at least 30 minutes to an hour, or until the breading is firm. This freezing step is crucial, as it helps the cheese retain its shape and prevents it from melting out during cooking.

Tips for the Breading Process:

• Ensure your cheese sticks are completely coated with each layer of the breading before moving on to the next step.
• Use tongs or your hands to press the breadcrumbs onto the cheese sticks firmly, ensuring an even and complete coating.
• If you want an extra crispy exterior, don't skip the double-coating step!
• Freezing the breaded sticks is essential to prevent the cheese from melting out during air frying.

Cooking method

To make Taki mozzarella sticks in an air fryer, you'll first need to prepare your ingredients: Taki (or Doritos), eggs, flour, breadcrumbs, and mozzarella cheese sticks. You can also season your breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic powder, or any other spices you like.

The key to getting crispy mozzarella sticks is to double-coat them before air frying. Here are the steps:

• Coat the cheese sticks: Dip each mozzarella stick into the beaten egg, ensuring it's completely coated. Then, dip it into the flour, and finally into the breadcrumb mixture.
• Freeze the coated sticks: Place the coated sticks in the freezer for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. This step is crucial to ensuring the cheese doesn't melt out when air frying.
• Second coating: After freezing, remove the sticks from the freezer and repeat the coating process. Dip them into the egg, then the flour, and finally back into the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure no cheese is visible.
• Freeze again: Place the double-coated sticks back in the freezer for another 30 minutes to 1 hour.
• Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F to 400°F.
• Prepare the air fryer basket: Lightly grease or spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. You can use olive oil or any other cooking spray.
• Place the sticks in the air fryer: Carefully place the frozen, coated mozzarella sticks in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't touch or overcrowd. You may need to work in batches.
• Air fry: Cook the sticks for 5 to 7 minutes, flipping halfway through. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. The sticks are ready when the exterior is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted on the inside.

Serve your Taki mozzarella sticks with your favourite dipping sauce, such as marinara sauce or ranch dressing. Enjoy!

Dipping sauces

To make Taki mozzarella sticks in an air fryer, you can use a variety of dipping sauces to elevate the flavour. Here are some ideas for delicious sauces that will perfectly complement your crispy and cheesy Taki mozzarella sticks:

Marinara Sauce:

This is a classic choice for mozzarella sticks and can be easily made at home. All you need are some pantry ingredients like garlic, olive oil, basil, oregano, and tomato sauce. Bloom the spices in olive oil to release their flavours, and then add the tomato sauce. This sauce is perfect for those who want a smooth texture and bold flavours without being overpowering.

Pesto:

Pesto is a great store-bought option, and you can even find it at Costco. It pairs well with mozzarella sticks, offering a tangy and refreshing taste. If you're feeling adventurous, you can make your own pesto by blending basil, spinach, cashews, and parmesan cheese.

Honey Mustard:

Honey mustard is a popular choice that adds a sweet and tangy kick to your mozzarella sticks. It's a versatile sauce that many enjoy on various dishes, and it will surely elevate your Taki sticks.

Ranch Dressing:

Ranch dressing is another classic dipping sauce that goes well with mozzarella sticks. It offers a creamy and tangy contrast to the crispy cheese sticks. You can easily find it in stores, or make your own by mixing mayonnaise, olive oil, herbs, lemon, and garlic.

Salsa:

Salsa is an unexpected but delightful pairing with mozzarella sticks. The tartness of the salsa perfectly balances the richness of the cheese. Try a store-bought salsa or make your own by blending tomatoes, onions, chillies, and coriander.

Buffalo Wing Sauce:

For those who like it spicy, Frank's Buffalo Wing sauce is a great choice. You can even cook it with some butter and garlic to make it extra indulgent. This sauce will add a nice kick to your Taki mozzarella sticks.

Remember, when preparing your Taki mozzarella sticks in the air fryer, be sure to double-coat the cheese sticks with egg and breadcrumbs, and freeze them before frying to avoid a messy explosion of cheese in your air fryer! Enjoy experimenting with these sauces and find your favourite combinations.

Freezing and reheating

Freezing:

Freezing your Taki mozzarella sticks is an essential step to ensure they hold their shape and get that crispy texture when cooked. Here's a step-by-step process:

• Coat the Sticks: Start by coating your mozzarella sticks with the flour, egg, and crumb mixture as instructed in the recipe.
• Freeze for the First Time: Place the coated sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet or tray, making sure they don't touch each other. Freeze them for at least 30 minutes to an hour.
• Double-Coat (Optional but Recommended): For extra crunch and to ensure even coating, you can repeat the coating process. Dip the sticks in the egg and crumb mixture again and freeze them for another 30 minutes to an hour.
• Store in an Airtight Container: Once the sticks are frozen solid, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag or an airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 to 3 months.

Reheating:

When you're ready to enjoy your Taki mozzarella sticks, here's how you can reheat them to achieve that perfect, crispy texture:

• Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 360°F (180°C) if you're cooking them from frozen. If they have thawed, preheat to 390°F (200°C).
• Prepare the Sticks: Remove the desired number of sticks from the freezer and let them sit for a few minutes. You can brush or spray them lightly with oil or cooking spray to help achieve a crispier texture.
• Air Fry: Place the sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't overcrowd each other. Air fry for 6 to 10 minutes, depending on whether they are frozen or thawed. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
• Cool and Serve: Remove the sticks from the air fryer and let them cool down slightly to avoid burning your mouth. Enjoy your crispy, gooey Taki mozzarella sticks!

Tips:

• Always freeze the sticks before air frying to ensure even cooking and prevent the cheese from melting out.
• If you want to reheat a large batch, consider working in batches to ensure even cooking and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
• For extra flavor, serve your Taki mozzarella sticks with your favorite dips, such as marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or buffalo sauce.

Frequently asked questions