Air-Fryer Cheese Sticks: Quick, Crispy, Golden Treats

Air fryers are a convenient and quick way to make cheese sticks. They can be made from frozen or homemade, and are a great snack or appetizer. The time it takes to air fry cheese sticks depends on the type of cheese used and whether they are frozen or not. Frozen cheese sticks typically take 5-7 minutes to cook at around 390°F, while homemade cheese sticks may take a little longer, up to 10 minutes.

How to make cheese sticks from scratch

Ingredients:

• 8 mozzarella cheese strings
• 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
• Oil or cooking spray
• Dipping sauce of your choice

Method:

• Cut the mozzarella sticks in half so you have two sticks that are about 2.5 inches long.
• Whisk the eggs with 1 tablespoon of 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 eggs, then the flour mixture, then back into the eggs, and finally into the breadcrumb mixture. Ensure each stick is well 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.
• Generously spray the frozen mozzarella sticks with oil or cooking spray.
• Place the cheese sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving enough space between them to allow for even cooking.
• Air fry for 5-7 minutes, or until crispy.
• Carefully remove the cheese sticks from the air fryer and allow to cool slightly before serving.
• Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce!

Tips:

• You can use olive oil instead of vegetable oil.
• For extra flavor, add some Italian seasoning, taco seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or your favorite herbs and spices to the breadcrumb mixture.
• If you don't have an air fryer, you can bake these cheese sticks in a preheated oven at 400°F for 9-11 minutes.

Variations:

You can also make cheese sticks using other types of cheese, such as cheddar. Here is a recipe for air fryer cheddar cheese sticks:

• Cut an 8-ounce block of Cabot Lite50 Sharp Cheddar into 12 sticks.
• Place flour in a shallow dish. Whisk an egg in another shallow dish. Combine breadcrumbs, oil, and paprika in a third shallow dish.
• Dredge the cheddar sticks in the flour, then the egg, and then the breadcrumb mixture. Set aside on a plate or baking sheet.
• Transfer the coated cheese sticks to the freezer and freeze for 1 hour.
• Remove from the freezer and repeat the breading process to create a second layer.
• Set your air fryer to 400°F and coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
• Place half of the cheese sticks in the basket and air fry for 5 minutes.
• Remove the basket and let the cheese sticks cool for 4 minutes, then remove from the basket.
• Repeat with the remaining cheese sticks.
• Serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Storage and Reheating:

• You can store any leftover cheese sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, place the cheese sticks in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is gooey and the coating is crispy.

Enjoy your homemade cheese sticks!

How to store cheese sticks

Cheese sticks are delicious snacks, but they can be a little tricky to store. Here are some tips to ensure your cheese sticks stay fresh and tasty:

• Refrigeration is key: Cheese sticks need to be kept cold and refrigerated. The ideal spot is in the vegetable crisper of your refrigerator, where the temperature is cold and stable. This will help maintain their quality and prolong their shelf life.
• Use airtight containers: Store your cheese sticks in airtight containers or resealable plastic bags. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps them from drying out. If using plastic wrap or bags, consider "facing" your cheese by cutting off the part that was in direct contact with the plastic before consuming.
• Freeze for longer storage: If you want to keep your cheese sticks for longer, consider freezing them. Place them in an airtight container or zip-top freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to two to eight months. When you're ready to enjoy them, thaw them slowly in the refrigerator for the best results.
• Be mindful of the type of cheese: Different types of cheese have varying storage requirements. Hard cheeses like Cheddar or Parmesan can last for weeks at room temperature, while soft and semi-soft cheeses have a higher moisture content and should be refrigerated at all times.
• Check the packaging: The packaging of your cheese sticks will usually indicate the use-by date. Follow this guidance to ensure you consume them within their recommended shelf life.
• Store-bought and unopened cheese sticks: If you have store-bought cheese sticks that are still unopened, they can be safely kept out of the fridge for a few days, as long as they are in an airtight container and the temperature is 70°F (21.1°C) or lower.
• Leftovers: If you have leftover fried cheese sticks, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To reheat, use your air fryer at 360°F (180°C) for 3-4 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to avoid overheating.

How to reheat cheese sticks

Preparation

If you have a batch of cheese sticks that you want to reheat, you can easily do so in an air fryer. This method is suitable for reheating frozen cheese sticks that have been cooked in an air fryer previously.

Reheating

To reheat cheese sticks in the air fryer, set the temperature 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.

Serving

Even though it's possible to reheat cheese sticks, they are best when fresh out of the air fryer. You can serve them with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, blue cheese dip, or marinara sauce.

What temperature to air fry cheese sticks

Air-frying cheese sticks is a quick and easy way to get that crispy, crunchy outside and melty cheese inside. The best temperature to cook frozen cheese sticks in an air fryer is 360°F (183°C). A hotter temperature may cause the cheese sticks to split open.

If you are cooking fresh, homemade cheese sticks, a temperature of 390°F is recommended.

It is important to note that all air fryers are different, and some cook much hotter than others. Therefore, the cooking time and temperature may need to be adjusted depending on the model of air fryer you are using. It is recommended to start with a lower temperature and shorter cooking time to avoid overcooking or burning the cheese sticks.

Additionally, it is important to spread the cheese sticks out in a single layer when air-frying and to cook in smaller batches if needed, to ensure even cooking.

What to serve with cheese sticks

Cheese sticks are a versatile snack, and there are plenty of options to serve alongside them. Here are some ideas:

Salads

A fresh, light salad can be a great pairing with the fried cheese sticks, especially if you're looking for something healthier to balance out the cheese sticks' high-calorie count. You can go for a simple garden salad or a fresh tomato salad. If you want to get creative, try making a salad with lettuce leaves, cherry tomatoes, tortilla chips, and a creamy mayonnaise mustard dressing.

Dips and Sauces

Cheese sticks are commonly served with a marinara sauce for dipping. You can also try other dips and sauces like guacamole, ranch, BBQ sauce, tzatziki, garlic aioli, hot sauce, sweet chili sauce, or honey mustard sauce. If you're feeling adventurous, make your own sauce at home!

Sides

There are several side dishes that go well with cheese sticks. You can try pickles, especially pickled cucumbers and peppers, as their tart and sour notes complement the savouriness of the cheese sticks. Crispy vegetables like breaded green beans, cauliflower, broccoli, and mushrooms are also a good option. If you're looking for something more filling, try mac and cheese, pesto pasta, or even a sheet pan pizza.

Mains

Cheese sticks can be served as an appetizer or a snack, but they can also be paired with a main course. Try them with grilled chicken, steak, or fish and chips. If you're looking for something lighter, pair them with grilled fish or a classic Caesar salad.

Drinks

While not a food, pairing cheese sticks with a drink can elevate the whole experience. Try a glass of wine, a cold beer, or even a refreshing cocktail to balance out the richness of the cheese sticks.

Frequently asked questions