Save to Pinterest Craving that classic, cheesy pull of a perfect mozzarella stick but short on time? These air fryer mozzarella sticks are your answer. In just a few minutes, you can transform frozen mozzarella sticks into a golden, crispy delight with a wonderfully gooey, melted cheese center. They're the ultimate quick and easy snack or appetizer that always hits the spot.
Save to Pinterest Making these is incredibly simple, requiring just one main ingredient you probably already have in your freezer. It’s a fuss-free way to enjoy a restaurant-quality snack at home without the mess of deep-frying.
Ingredients
- 16 frozen mozzarella sticks
- 1 cup marinara sauce, warmed
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
- Arrange Sticks
- Arrange the frozen mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each stick.
- Air Fry
- Air fry for 6–8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Cool and Serve
- Remove immediately and let cool for 1–2 minutes before serving. Serve with warm marinara sauce and garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure your mozzarella sticks are perfectly crispy, do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary for even cooking. For an extra crunch, you can lightly spray the frozen sticks with cooking oil before placing them in the air fryer.
Varianten und Anpassungen
While classic marinara is a perfect partner, don't hesitate to switch things up. These mozzarella sticks are also delicious served with other dips like ranch dressing or a creamy garlic aioli for a different flavor profile.
Serviervorschläge
For the best experience with maximum cheese pull and crispiness, serve the mozzarella sticks immediately after they have cooled for a minute. Reheating is not recommended as the cheese is likely to leak out and the breading may not be as crisp.
Save to Pinterest With these simple steps, you're just moments away from a delicious, crowd-pleasing snack. Enjoy the perfect combination of a crunchy outside and a molten, cheesy inside, all thanks to the magic of the air fryer.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use fresh mozzarella instead of frozen sticks?
Fresh mozzarella has too high a moisture content and will leak excessively during cooking. Frozen mozzarella sticks are breaded and designed to contain the cheese, making them ideal for air frying.
- → What temperature should the air fryer be set to?
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). This temperature ensures the breading crisps up perfectly while the cheese inside melts without bursting through the coating.
- → Why is shaking the basket halfway through important?
Shaking the basket halfway through cooking ensures even heat circulation and browning on all sides of the mozzarella sticks, preventing some from cooking faster than others.
- → How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?
Remove the sticks immediately after cooking while the exterior is still set but before the cheese has cooled. Let them cool for 1-2 minutes before serving. Avoid overcrowding the basket, which causes uneven cooking and potential leaks.
- → Can these be made ahead and reheated?
It's best to enjoy mozzarella sticks immediately after cooking. Reheating can cause the cheese to leak out. If you must store them, keep them refrigerated and reheat gently in a low-temperature oven rather than the air fryer.
- → What dipping sauces work best?
Warm marinara sauce is the classic choice, but you can also try ranch dressing, garlic aioli, sriracha mayo, or even pizza sauce for variety.