How To Cook Frozen Mozzarella Sticks In An Air Fryer

If you’re a fan of mozzarella cheese sticks, achieving the perfect balance of crispy breading and gooey melted cheese can be challenging.

Luckily, an air fryer can make the process of cooking frozen mozzarella sticks a breeze. Using hot air to cook the sticks. You’ll get that perfect crunch on the outside while the cheese stays warm and melted on the inside.

So, if you are looking for a great snack, delicious side dish, or easy appetizer then look no further than air-fried mozzarella sticks.

In this article, I share everything you need to know to cook frozen mozzarella sticks in an air fryer, including cooking times, temperature settings, and tips for achieving the ultimate crispy texture.

Why cook frozen mozzarella sticks in an air fryer?

Air fryers excel at cooking frozen foods. If you have an air fryer you should not be considering any other way to cook most frozen foods including mozzarella sticks.

Quick and easy – Cooking mozzarella sticks in an air fryer is the easiest way to cook them. Simply take them from the freezer and put them in your pre-heated air fryer and air fry them for 6 to 8 minutes (faster than a traditional oven). Why wait any longer for your tasty snack?

Crispy and gooey – Using an air fryer eliminates any worry about if the mozzarella sticks will come out crispy and gooey. Simply set the timer, turn them once and wait to serve your perfectly crisp and gooey sticks. There is no uncertainty, cheese doesn’t escape, and you don’t need to check regularly vs. using a deep fryer.

Healthier – You do not need to add any additional oil to the air fryer when cooking the mozzarella sticks. Air fried mozzarella sticks as a result contain less fat and fewer calories vs. deep frying.

How long does it take to cook frozen mozzarella sticks?

It will take 6 minutes to cook your frozen mozzarella sticks in an air fryer pre-heated to a high temperature of 400 F (200 c). There is no prep work unless you decide to make homemade mozzarella sticks.

How to cook frozen mozzarella sticks in an air fryer

To serve up your mozzarella sticks that will match those from your favorite restaurant or bar. Follow these simple step-by-step instructions for air fryer frozen mozzarella sticks.

Step 1 – Preheat the air fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 400 F (200 c).

Step 2 – Add the frozen mozzarella sticks

Remove the air fryer drawer from the preheated air fryer and prepare the basket.

You don’t need to add a liner, aluminum foil, or extra oil to stop the sticks from sticking to the basket, but you can if you wish.

Place the mozzarella sticks in the bottom of the air fryer basket in a single layer with gaps between each stick.

Step 3 – Cook

Cook the sticks for 5 minutes at 400 F (200 c).

Step 4 – Turn

After 5 minutes use kitchen tongs to turn each mozzarella stick.

Cook for a further 1 minute.

Step 5 – Check

After 6 minutes in total check to see if the sticks have crisped to your preference. If not, cook a little bit longer. 1-2 minutes max in 30-second increments. This is to stop the melty cheese from exploding out.

Step 6 – Serve

Once your air fryer mozzarella sticks have crisped to your preference. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce.

Top tips

Here are some top tips to help you serve crispy mozzarella sticks.

No need to defrost – Frozen mozzarella sticks should be cooked from frozen. Do not bother to defrost them.

Single layer – For best results leave gaps between the mozzarella sticks and organize them in a single layer. Giving them space will allow the hot air circulating in the air fryer to crisp all sides of the sticks. Cook in batches if needed.

Turn – Do turn the sticks after 5 minutes. This will allow you to serve sticks that are perfectly crispy all over.  

Timings – Different air fryer models produce varying results. You might need to tweak the cooking time slightly to get your desired crisp if air frying mozzarella sticks for the first time. You want to avoid cooking for too long and the cheese leaking out.

Serving suggestions

There is nothing better than the crispy crunch and gooey cheese combined with the flavor of a dipping sauce. But to push the boundaries here are some other options for how you might serve your mozzarella sticks.

• With some tasty dips – Pick a few, from BBQ sauce to the family’s favorite marinara sauce. This makes for a delicious snack or easy appetizer.
• Add to a salad – The best way to add some crunch and upgrade your salad.
• Make it a main – Serve alongside french fries and a side salad or vegetables.
• Add it to a burger – Swap the onion rings and a slice of cheese for gooey mozzarella sticks.

There are so many options.

Common questions

How do I store leftover mozzarella sticks?

If you have cooked too many mozzarella sticks, allow them to cool to room temperature. Then place them in an airtight container with some paper towel. You can keep the sticks in the refrigerator for 3 days.

It is best not to freeze them for a second time.

How do I reheat leftover mozzarella sticks?

Put your leftover mozzarella sticks back into the air fryer to reheat them. Heat them at a lower temperature of 400 F (200 c) for 1 minute. Using the air fryer means your reheated sticks are crispy.

You could reheat them in a microwave, but they will be soggy and a disappointment. Use an air fryer!

Can I cook any brand of mozzarella sticks in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook any brand of mozzarella sticks in an air fryer. You might need to tweak the timings, as different brands of mozzarella sticks can come in different sizes. A maximum of a couple of minutes extra.

Related articles

Best Air Fryer Frozen Food Recipes – All the best frozen food recipes in one place to help you make the most of your air fryer.

Air Fried Halloumi – Simple step by step guide for cooking halloumi slices and fries in an air fryer.

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