Air-Fryer Frozen Cheese Sticks: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a convenient and quick way to cook frozen cheese sticks, with most recipes taking under 10 minutes. The sticks are cooked from frozen, with no need to defrost, and are placed in a single layer in the air fryer basket. The air fryer is preheated to between 360 and 390 degrees Fahrenheit, and the cheese sticks are cooked for 4 to 8 minutes, depending on the recipe. They are then served with a dip of your choice.

How to cook frozen cheese sticks in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Frozen cheese sticks
• Your choice of dipping sauce (optional)

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to between 360°F and 400°F.
• Place the frozen cheese sticks in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with space between each stick.
• Air fry the cheese sticks for 4-7 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
• Remove the cheese sticks from the air fryer and leave to cool for 1-2 minutes before serving.

Tips:

• No need to defrost the cheese sticks before cooking.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure the cheese sticks cook evenly.
• There is no need to spray the air fryer basket with oil before cooking.
• If you want to reheat any leftovers, set your air fryer to 350°F-360°F and cook for 2-4 minutes.

Sauce suggestions:

• Marinara sauce
• Ranch dressing
• BBQ sauce
• Buffalo sauce
• Blue cheese dip
• Honey mustard
• Ketchup

How long to cook frozen cheese sticks in an air fryer

Frozen cheese sticks are a quick and easy snack to make in an air fryer. They are also a great appetizer for a party or special occasion.

How to cook frozen cheese sticks in an air fryer:

First, preheat your air fryer to between 360-390 degrees Fahrenheit (183-198 degrees Celsius). Then, place your frozen cheese sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping. You don't need to defrost them first or add any oil.

Air fry the cheese sticks for 4-7 minutes, flipping them halfway through. They are done when they are crispy and golden brown. Remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute or two before serving.

Tips:

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Make sure there is space for hot air to circulate around the cheese sticks.
• Double-coat your cheese sticks before freezing for an extra-crunchy coating.
• Serve with your favourite dipping sauce, such as marinara, ranch, BBQ, buffalo, or blue cheese.

Reheating:

To reheat cheese sticks, set your air fryer to 350-360 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 2-4 minutes, turning them halfway through. Keep a close eye on them, as they may split open if you heat them for too long.

How to store and reheat frozen cheese sticks after cooking in an air fryer

To store your frozen cheese sticks after cooking in an air fryer, place them in an airtight container and put them in the fridge. They will last for up to two to three days.

To reheat your frozen cheese sticks, set your air fryer to 350-360°F and cook for 3-4 minutes, turning them halfway through. Keep a close eye on them as they reheat, as they may split open if you heat them for too long.

Alternatively, you can reheat your frozen cheese sticks in the oven. Place them in an oven preheated to 350°F for 5 minutes, or until heated through. If they are frozen, place them in an oven preheated to 450°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

You can also reheat frozen cheese sticks in the microwave. Place them on a plate, arranging them like the spokes on a wheel. Microwave for 25-45 seconds, then flip them over and microwave for another 25-45 seconds. If they are still cold, heat for an additional 15 seconds. For extra crispiness, place them in the oven broiler for a couple of minutes.

What sauces to serve with frozen cheese sticks

Frozen cheese sticks are a quick and easy snack to make, and there are plenty of sauces to serve with them. The most popular choice is marinara sauce, but if you're looking for something different, there are several other options to consider.

A tangy barbecue sauce can add a smoky, slightly sweet flavour to the cheese sticks. For those who like it hot, a spicy buffalo sauce or a chipotle sauce made from chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, mayonnaise and lime juice will add a kick. Alternatively, a creamy ranch dressing or a blue cheese dip can add a refreshing element to the snack.

If you're feeling adventurous, you could try a unique sauce like pesto, made from fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese and olive oil, or a honey mustard sauce, which balances sweet and tangy flavours. For a truly indulgent experience, a creamy garlic sauce made with butter, garlic and cream is a perfect pairing.

So, whether you're a fan of spicy, sweet, tangy or creamy sauces, there's a dipping sauce to suit every taste when it comes to frozen cheese sticks.

What machines are best for cooking frozen cheese sticks

Frozen cheese sticks are a popular snack, and there are several ways to cook them. Here are some of the best machines for cooking frozen cheese sticks:

Air Fryer

Air fryers are a convenient and quick way to cook frozen cheese sticks. They use hot air circulation to cook food, resulting in a crispy texture without the need for deep frying. Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer between 360-390 degrees Fahrenheit and cooking the cheese sticks for around 5-7 minutes. Air fryers are compact, easy to use, and perfect for cooking frozen snacks like cheese sticks.

Conventional Oven

A conventional oven is a traditional method for cooking frozen cheese sticks. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and arrange the cheese sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 9-11 minutes for a full box or 10-15 minutes if frozen. This method may take longer than an air fryer, but it is suitable for larger quantities.

Toaster Oven

A toaster oven is a smaller version of a conventional oven and is useful if you don't want to heat up a large oven. Preheat the toaster oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and arrange the cheese sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 8-9 minutes for a full box. Toaster ovens are energy-efficient and ideal for smaller portions.

Home Fryer

A home fryer, or deep fryer, is a dedicated appliance for frying foods. Preheat the fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and arrange the cheese sticks in a single layer in the basket. Fry for 2 minutes and 15 seconds for a full box. This method will give you a classic deep-fried texture and flavour, but it requires more oil and can be messier.

Microwave

While microwaving is not recommended by some brands, you can use it to cook frozen cheese sticks if you're short on time or appliances. Check your cheese sticks 1-2 minutes before the indicated cooking time, as microwaves can vary in power. Microwaving is convenient and fast but may not achieve the same crispy texture as other methods.

Frequently asked questions