Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks: Tgi Friday's Style

TGI Friday's mozzarella sticks are a delicious snack that can be made at home using an air fryer. The sticks are breaded and fried, then served with a marinara dipping sauce. They are best served hot and fresh, and can be cooked in just a few minutes. This recipe will outline the steps to make TGI Friday's mozzarella sticks in an air fryer, as well as provide tips for the best results.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for TGI Friday's mozzarella sticks in an air fryer vary depending on the level of crispiness you prefer. If you want your mozzarella sticks to be very crispy, similar to deep-fried, set your air fryer to 200 degrees Celsius or 400 degrees Fahrenheit. For a crispier breading that is similar to an oven-baked texture, 180 degrees Celsius or 360 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended.

The cooking time can range from 5 to 8 minutes. If you prefer softer and meltier mozzarella sticks, 3 to 5 minutes in the air fryer will suffice. For crispier sticks, increase the cooking time to 5 to 7 minutes, or even 8 minutes if you want the cheese to be completely melted in the middle. However, be cautious not to exceed the cooking time, as the cheese might escape the breading or even explode and make a mess in your air fryer.

It is also recommended to preheat your air fryer before adding the mozzarella sticks to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. Additionally, coat the sticks with a light layer of cooking spray or extra virgin olive oil to enhance the crispiness and prevent sticking to the basket.

How to get a crispy coating

To get a crispy coating on your TGI Friday's mozzarella sticks, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, ensure that you don't overcrowd the air fryer basket or tray, as the sticks will expand during cooking. Secondly, preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. This can be done at around 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius.

Next, and most importantly for the crispy coating, coat the mozzarella sticks in a light layer of cooking spray or oil before placing them in the air fryer. This step will ensure a crispy exterior while keeping the cheese molten inside. You can use extra virgin olive oil for this, which will help to create a deep-fried texture without the high fat content.

Finally, cook the sticks in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and to avoid overcrowding. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to cook them in two or three batches. Following these steps will result in perfectly crispy TGI Friday's mozzarella sticks, cooked to golden perfection.

Dipping sauce options

When it comes to dipping sauces, there are many options to choose from, depending on your personal preference. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Spicy Options

If you like your food with a little kick, try a spicy marinara sauce, or mix things up with a creamy jalapeño sauce. For an extra spicy kick, you could try a buffalo wing sauce or Frank's Red Hot Sauce.

Sweet and Tangy

For those with a sweet tooth, honey mustard or BBQ sauce are always delicious options. You could also try something fruity like raspberry sauce or blackberry sauce. A unique option is a sweet and tangy combination like tangy BBQ or honey mustard.

Cheesy

If you want to double down on the cheese, try an Alfredo sauce or a blue cheese dressing. A three-cheese Alfredo sauce will surely satisfy your cheese cravings!

Savoury

For a more savoury option, try a garlic aioli, ranch dressing, or a simple garlic dip. You could also experiment with different types of pesto, such as sundried tomato pesto or traditional basil pesto.

Other Creative Options

Some other unique dipping sauce ideas include:

• Beer cheese sauce
• Thai peanut sauce
• Chinese mustard sauce
• Apricot Dijon sauce
• Roasted red pepper sauce
• Vietnamese dipping sauce
• Donair sauce (a Canadian speciality!)

So, there you have it! Plenty of dipping sauce options to choose from when making TGI Friday's mozzarella sticks in your air fryer. Get creative, and enjoy!

Reheating tips

If you have any leftover mozzarella sticks, you can easily reheat them in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and place the mozzarella sticks in the basket. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until they are heated through. This method will ensure your mozzarella sticks remain crispy and delicious, without becoming rubbery or unappetizing.

When reheating, it is best to cook the mozzarella sticks in batches to ensure they cook evenly. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in two or three batches. You can also reheat them in the oven or microwave, but they may not retain their crispy texture.

If you are reheating a large batch of mozzarella sticks, it is important to preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking. If your air fryer does not have a preheat setting, simply set it to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes before adding the mozzarella sticks. This will help to create a consistent cooking environment and prevent the sticks from sticking to the basket.

Additionally, when reheating, be sure to coat the mozzarella sticks with a light layer of cooking spray or oil. This will help to maintain the crispy exterior while keeping the cheese molten inside. This step is especially important if you are reheating a large batch, as it will help to prevent the sticks from sticking together and falling apart.

Finally, be mindful of the cooking time. Depending on your desired level of crispiness, you may need to adjust the cooking time. For softer, meltier mozzarella sticks, aim for 3-5 minutes, and for crispier sticks, cook for 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't overcook or burn.

What to eat with mozzarella sticks

TGI Friday's Mozzarella Sticks are a delicious snack or appetizer that can be made in an air fryer. They are best served hot and fresh, with a crispy exterior and molten cheese inside. But what should you eat with them?

Mozzarella sticks are commonly served with a marinara dipping sauce, but there are many other sauces to explore. For a more adventurous dip, try mixing in some pesto or sun-dried tomatoes. You could also experiment with different cheeses in your mozzarella sticks, such as garlic or onion flavours.

• Ranch dressing
• Honey mustard
• BBQ sauce
• Alfredo sauce
• Spicy marinara
• Creamy jalapeño sauce
• Salsa
• Sweet chilli dip
• Pesto
• Hummus

Mozzarella sticks can also be served as part of a larger meal, such as with pizza, spaghetti and meatballs, grilled chicken Caesar salad, burgers, or ribs. They can be a great side dish or even a main course, especially when paired with garlic bread, a Caesar salad, or caramelised mushrooms.

So, get creative and enjoy your mozzarella sticks with a variety of sauces and sides!

Frequently asked questions