Air-Frying Cheesy Goodness: Timing For Perfect Cheese Sticks

Air fryers are a convenient and quick way to make cheese sticks with a crispy exterior and a gooey interior. The cooking time varies depending on the type of cheese stick and the brand of air fryer, but it typically ranges from 5 to 10 minutes. The ideal temperature for cooking cheese sticks is 360–390°F (183–198°C). It is critical to arrange the cheese sticks in a single layer and not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.

How to make homemade cheese sticks

Ingredients

• 8 mozzarella cheese strings (or 12 frozen mozzarella sticks)
• 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon water
• Non-stick cooking spray
• Dipping sauce of your choice

Method

• Cut the mozzarella sticks in half lengthways.
• Whisk the eggs with the water in a shallow bowl.
• In a separate bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Panko breadcrumbs, vegetable oil, and garlic powder. Place the flour in a third bowl and season with salt and pepper.
• Dip each mozzarella stick into the egg mixture, then the flour mixture, then back into the egg mixture, and finally into the breadcrumb mixture. Ensure each stick is fully coated.
• Place the coated cheese sticks on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes, or up to 6 months.
• Preheat your air fryer to 390°F.
• Spray the mozzarella sticks with cooking spray or oil.
• Place the cheese sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there is space around each stick for the hot air to circulate.
• Air fry for 5-7 minutes, or until crispy.
• Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately with your chosen dipping sauce.

Tips

• You can use olive oil instead of vegetable oil.
• Add extra seasoning to the breadcrumbs, such as Italian seasoning, taco seasoning, or Cajun seasoning.
• If you are using frozen mozzarella sticks, there is no need to defrost them first.
• If you don't have an air fryer, you can bake the cheese sticks in a preheated oven at 400°F for 9-11 minutes.
• If you want to make the cheese sticks from scratch but don't have an air fryer, you can deep fry or oven-bake them.
• If you are making the cheese sticks from scratch, you can use string cheese or cut a block of mozzarella into sticks.
• If you are using fresh mozzarella, double-coat the sticks by repeating the dipping process a second time and freezing for another 30 minutes before air frying.
• If you are reheating cheese sticks, cook them at 350°F for 2-3 minutes.

Dipping Sauce Ideas

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

How to cook frozen cheese sticks

Frozen cheese sticks are a quick and easy snack to make in an air fryer. They can be cooked straight from frozen, and the whole process should take less than 10 minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to between 360°F and 390°F (183°C and 198°C). You can also prepare the basket with a nonstick cooking spray, or use parchment paper or foil after the air fryer has been preheated.

Step 2: Place the Frozen Cheese Sticks in the Air Fryer

Arrange the frozen cheese sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they do not overlap. This is to allow the hot air to circulate evenly and cook the cheese sticks consistently.

Step 3: Air Fry the Cheese Sticks

Air fry the cheese sticks for 5-8 minutes at the temperature you set in Step 1, flipping them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. Keep a close eye on them, as they can go from melted to exploded in a matter of seconds.

Step 4: Remove and Serve

Remove the cheese sticks from the air fryer and allow them to cool for 1-2 minutes before serving. They can be served with a variety of dipping sauces, such as marinara, ranch, BBQ sauce, or buffalo sauce.

Tips:

• There is no need to thaw the cheese sticks before cooking.
• No oil spray is needed—there is enough oil in the crust already.
• Cooked cheese sticks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, place the cheese sticks in the air fryer at 360°F for 2-4 minutes, turning them halfway through.

How to store and reheat cheese sticks

If you have leftover cheese sticks, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.

To reheat cheese sticks in an air fryer, set the air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the cheese sticks for 3 to 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.

If you are reheating cheese sticks in an oven, bake them on a cookie sheet in a preheated oven at 400°F for 35 to 45 minutes. If the cheese sticks are frozen, cook them at 450°F for 8 to 15 minutes.

To reheat cheese sticks in a toaster oven, heat the oven to around 450°F and bake the sticks for 8 to 9 minutes. Check on them regularly to ensure they don't overcook.

If you are short on time, you can reheat cheese sticks in a microwave. Place them on a plate, arranging them like the spokes on a wheel. Microwave for 25 to 45 seconds, then flip them over and microwave for the same amount of time. Cut one or two open to check if they are heated through, and if not, microwave in 15-second intervals until they are. For extra crispiness, put them on a cookie sheet in the oven broiler for a couple of minutes.

How to prevent cheese from oozing out of cheese sticks

Choose the Right Cheese

When making cheese sticks, it's important to choose a hard cheese such as block mozzarella, cheddar, or real Parmesan. Harder cheeses are less likely to melt and ooze out of the coating.

Cut the Cheese into Small Pieces

Before breading and frying the cheese, cut it into small, matchstick-sized pieces. Smaller pieces will firm up more quickly during frying and are less likely to ooze.

Freeze the Cheese Sticks

Freezing the cheese sticks before frying helps to firm up the cheese and prevent oozing. Freeze the coated cheese sticks for about 30 minutes to an hour before frying.

Use Hot Oil for Frying

When frying the cheese sticks, make sure the oil is hot enough, ideally between 365-375 degrees Fahrenheit. Hot oil will quickly seal the coating and prevent the cheese from melting and oozing out.

Double-Coat the Cheese Sticks

To create a stronger barrier that can contain the melted cheese, double-coat the cheese sticks by dipping them in egg and breadcrumbs, freezing them, and then repeating the process.

Work in Batches

When frying multiple cheese sticks, work in batches to avoid overcrowding the fryer. This ensures even cooking and reduces the risk of the cheese sticks melting and oozing due to prolonged frying times.

How to make cheese sticks without an air fryer

While an air fryer is a great way to make cheese sticks, it is not the only way. You can also bake or deep-fry them in the oven. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make cheese sticks without an air fryer:

Ingredients:

• Mozzarella string cheese
• Breadcrumbs (a combination of seasoned breadcrumbs and Panko breadcrumbs works well)
• Eggs
• Flour
• Oil (vegetable or olive oil)
• Seasonings (such as garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper)

Instructions:

• Cut the mozzarella sticks in half.
• Whisk the eggs with a small amount of water in a shallow bowl.
• In a separate bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, oil, and seasonings.
• Place the flour in a third bowl and season with salt and pepper.
• Dip each mozzarella stick into the eggs, then into the flour mixture. Dip them back into the eggs and finally into the breadcrumb mixture.
• Place the coated mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes, or up to 6 months if you want to prepare them ahead of time.
• Preheat your oven to 400°F.
• Generously spray the mozzarella sticks with oil or cooking spray.
• Place the mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 9-11 minutes, or until crisp.
• Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara sauce or ranch dressing.

Tips:

• Ensure that the mozzarella sticks are frozen before baking to allow the crumbs to crisp up without the cheese melting.
• You can also use other types of string cheese, such as cheddar, if you prefer.
• Get creative with your seasonings! Try adding taco seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or Italian seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.

Frequently asked questions