Mozzarella Cheese Sticks Recipe Air Fried VS Deep Fried

Who can resist the delightful combination of gooey melted cheese encased in a crispy golden crust? Mozzarella cheese sticks are a popular appetizer that satisfies cravings and brings joy to both kids and adults alike. In this recipe, we'll explore two cooking methods for making these irresistible treats: deep frying and air frying. Whether you prefer the classic deep-fried version or a healthier alternative, these mozzarella cheese sticks are sure to please your taste buds. Let's get started!

Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

Double breading: One interesting fact about this recipe is the technique of double breading the cheese sticks. By coating them in seasoned flour, dipping them in beaten eggs, and then coating them again in Italian bread crumbs, you create a thicker and crispier outer layer that adds extra texture and flavor to the cheese sticks.

Air Fried Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

Air frying as a healthier alternative: Another interesting fact is the inclusion of an air frying method as a healthier alternative to deep frying. Air frying uses hot air circulation to achieve a crispy exterior while reducing the amount of oil used. It provides a lighter option for those who want to enjoy mozzarella cheese sticks with less guilt, as air frying typically requires little to no oil compared to deep frying.

FAQs

  1. How do you make mozzarella cheese sticks at home?

    • To make mozzarella cheese sticks, coat string cheese in a seasoned flour mixture, dip it in eggs, and coat it with Italian breadcrumbs. Freeze the cheese sticks before air frying or deep frying them.

  2. What is the best cheese for mozzarella sticks?

    • The best cheese for mozzarella sticks is low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella, as it holds up well during frying and provides a perfect melt.

  3. Can you make mozzarella sticks without frying?

    • Yes! You can air fry mozzarella sticks for a healthier option, or bake them in the oven for a less greasy result.

  4. How long should you freeze mozzarella cheese sticks before frying?

    • It’s recommended to freeze mozzarella cheese sticks for at least 1 hour, or overnight, to ensure the breading adheres properly during frying.

  5. What’s the difference between air frying and deep frying mozzarella sticks?

    • Air frying uses hot air to cook the cheese sticks with a small amount of oil, making them healthier. Deep frying uses oil to cook the cheese sticks, resulting in a crispier texture.

  6. What kind of oil is best for frying mozzarella sticks?

    • Canola oil is ideal for deep frying mozzarella sticks due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor.

  7. How long do you air fry mozzarella cheese sticks?

    • Air fry mozzarella cheese sticks for about 5 minutes at 400°F (200°C), flipping halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.

  8. Can you use store-bought breadcrumbs for mozzarella sticks?

    • Yes, you can use store-bought breadcrumbs for mozzarella sticks, but homemade breadcrumbs can add extra flavor and texture.

  9. Can you make mozzarella sticks with gluten-free breadcrumbs?

    • Yes, gluten-free breadcrumbs can be used to make mozzarella sticks, making them suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

  10. How do you keep mozzarella sticks from leaking cheese?

    • Freezing the mozzarella sticks before frying or air frying is crucial to prevent the cheese from leaking out during cooking.

  11. What sauce is best for mozzarella sticks?

    • Mozzarella sticks are best served with pizza sauce or marinara sauce for dipping. You can also try ranch or garlic butter for a twist.

  12. Can I use other cheeses for mozzarella sticks?

    • While mozzarella is the classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or string cheese for a different flavor profile.

  13. How do you double bread mozzarella cheese sticks?

    • To double bread mozzarella sticks, first coat them in the flour mixture, dip in beaten eggs, coat with breadcrumbs, then repeat the egg dip and breadcrumbs coating for an extra crispy layer.

  14. Are mozzarella sticks keto-friendly?

    • Traditional mozzarella sticks with breadcrumbs are not keto-friendly due to the carbs in the breadcrumbs, but you can make a low-carb version using almond flour and pork rinds as a substitute.

  15. Can you make mozzarella sticks in advance?

    • Yes, you can prepare mozzarella sticks in advance, bread them, and freeze them until ready to cook. This ensures the best results when frying or air frying.

Make it

Mozzarella Cheese Sticks Recipe (Air Fried vs. Deep Fried)

Ingredients:

  • String cheese (low moisture, part-skim mozzarella)

  • 3 large eggs

  • 2/3 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt

  • 1 cup Italian-style bread crumbs

  • Canola oil (for deep frying)

  • Cooking spray (for air frying)

  • Pizza sauce or marinara sauce (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Set up the breading station:

  • Prepare three shallow bowls:

    • In the first bowl, crack the three large eggs and beat them with a fork.

    • In the second bowl, combine 2/3 cup of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of garlic salt, whisking them together.

    • In the third bowl, place 1 cup of Italian-style bread crumbs.

2. Prepare the cheese sticks:

  • Remove the string cheese from the individual packages. The recommended cheese for this recipe is low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella.

3. Double breading:

  • First coat: Coat each cheese stick in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring to remove any excess.

  • Second coat: Dip the flour-coated cheese stick into the beaten eggs, allowing excess egg to drip back into the bowl.

  • Final coat: Coat the cheese stick with Italian bread crumbs.

4. Double breading (continued):

  • For extra crispy coating, repeat the process of dipping the cheese stick into the flour, egg, and breadcrumbs again.

5. Freeze the cheese sticks:

  • Once breaded, set the cheese sticks aside. Repeat with the remaining cheese sticks.

  • Transfer the breaded cheese sticks to the freezer for at least 1 hour, or overnight. Freezing ensures the breading adheres better during frying.

6. Deep frying method:

  • Heat canola oil in a skillet over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

  • Fry the cheese sticks in batches, cooking them for about 1 minute per side until crispy and golden brown.

  • Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.

7. Air frying method:

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

  • Place the cheese sticks into the air fryer basket, spraying them with cooking spray to prevent drying out.

  • Air fry for 5 minutes, flipping halfway through. Spray the other side with cooking spray, then continue air frying until golden and crispy.

8. Serving:

  • Serve with a side of pizza sauce or marinara sauce for dipping. The deep-fried version will have a crispier texture, while the air-fried version offers a healthier alternative.

Cooking Time:

  • Freezing Time: Minimum 1 hour (or overnight)

  • Deep Frying: 2 minutes (1 minute per side)

  • Air Frying: 10 minutes (5 minutes per side, flipping halfway)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving - 2 Cheese Sticks, Approx. 1 Serving):

  • Calories: 280

  • Fat: 18g

    • Saturated Fat: 6g

    • Trans Fat: 0g

  • Cholesterol: 60mg

  • Sodium: 560mg

  • Carbohydrates: 22g

    • Fiber: 1g

    • Sugars: 2g

  • Protein: 14g

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on ingredients used and portion size.

Conclusion:

Mozzarella cheese sticks are a universally loved appetizer, whether air-fried for a healthier option or deep-fried for a crispy, golden indulgence. Whichever method you choose, they are best enjoyed with pizza or marinara sauce for dipping. Happy cooking!

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