Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks
These Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks are a fun and flavorful twist on traditional mozzarella sticks! They combine tender, juicy chicken breast with gooey mozzarella and a spicy buffalo sauce for an irresistible snack or appetizer. The air fryer makes them perfectly crispy on the outside while keeping the cheese inside melty and delicious. With just a few simple ingredients and a quick cook time, this is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves buffalo chicken and cheesy goodness.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 8 mozzarella sticks
Instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix together the buffalo sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Dredge each chicken strip in flour, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Then dip it into the buffalo sauce mixture, followed by coating it with breadcrumbs.
- Take one mozzarella stick and carefully wrap a chicken strip around it, ensuring it covers the cheese completely.
- Place the wrapped chicken mozzarella sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crispiness.
- Once the chicken is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted, remove the sticks from the air fryer.
- Serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping and enjoy!
Storage and Reheating Tips:
- Storage: Leftover buffalo chicken mozzarella sticks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the mozzarella sticks before cooking. Lay them out on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply place the mozzarella sticks in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until crispy and heated through. You can also reheat them in a conventional oven at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes.
20 FAQs:
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
- Yes, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier option, though the cooking time may vary slightly.
- Do I need to thaw the mozzarella sticks before using them?
- No, the mozzarella sticks should be frozen when wrapped in chicken to prevent the cheese from melting out too soon.
- Can I use store-bought breaded chicken strips instead of raw chicken?
- Yes, pre-breaded chicken strips will work, but the texture will be slightly different.
- What if I don’t have buffalo sauce?
- You can make a quick buffalo sauce by mixing hot sauce with melted butter.
- Can I use a different cheese?
- Yes, you can use cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor.
- How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?
- Ensure the chicken fully wraps around the mozzarella stick and that it’s tightly coated with breadcrumbs.
- Can I bake these instead of using the air fryer?
- Yes, bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Can I make these without the buffalo sauce?
- Yes, you can skip the buffalo sauce for a milder flavor or use a different sauce like BBQ or ranch.
- How can I make this dish spicier?
- Add more hot sauce or use a spicier buffalo sauce for an extra kick.
- Can I freeze the unbaked mozzarella sticks?
- Yes, you can freeze them before cooking. Just make sure to freeze them in a single layer first, then store them in a freezer-safe bag.
- How do I know when the mozzarella sticks are done?
- When the chicken is golden brown and the cheese is melted inside, they’re ready to eat.
- Can I make these with a different coating?
- Yes, you can use panko breadcrumbs, cornmeal, or even crushed crackers for a different texture.
- How can I make these less greasy?
- Use lean chicken breast and ensure the air fryer basket isn’t overcrowded, allowing air circulation for even cooking.
- How do I make these crispy without frying?
- The air fryer crisps the chicken perfectly without the need for deep frying.
- Can I use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs?
- Yes, you can substitute gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free.
- How can I add more flavor to the chicken?
- Marinate the chicken strips in a little bit of buffalo sauce and seasonings for a couple of hours before wrapping.
- Can I use a different dipping sauce?
- Ranch, blue cheese, or even a creamy garlic sauce would all work well for dipping.
- Can I use a different meat, like turkey?
- Yes, ground turkey or turkey breast can be used in place of chicken for a leaner option.
- Can I make this in a regular fryer instead of an air fryer?
- Yes, you can deep fry these at 375°F for about 4-6 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
- How can I ensure the chicken cooks through without overcooking?
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
20 Best Tips to Make It:
- Use frozen mozzarella sticks to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly and oozing out.
- Don’t overcoat the chicken—a thin layer of flour, buffalo sauce, and breadcrumbs works best.
- Flip halfway through cooking to ensure both sides get crispy.
- Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray before air frying for extra crispiness.
- Preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking from the start.
- Wrap the chicken tightly around the mozzarella sticks to minimize cheese leakage.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—leave space between each stick for even cooking.
- Add more flavor with seasonings like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the breadcrumbs.
- Use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken is cooked through without overcooking.
- Try different sauces: If you don’t like buffalo, try BBQ sauce or teriyaki for a different flavor.
- Cut the chicken strips to the same size for uniform cooking.
- Rest the mozzarella sticks for a few minutes after cooking to allow the cheese to set.
- Serve with multiple dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or honey mustard for variety.
- Make sure the chicken is dry before dipping it in the flour to help the breading stick.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan in the breadcrumbs for an added flavor boost.
- For a crispier texture, double coat the chicken with an extra layer of breadcrumbs after dipping in buffalo sauce.
- Marinate the chicken in buffalo sauce for a few hours for more intense flavor.
- Pair these with a side salad or veggies for a more balanced meal.
- Experiment with different types of cheese sticks—cheddar, pepper jack, or even string cheese.
- Serve immediately for the best crispy texture and gooey cheese inside.
These Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks are a perfect combination of spicy, cheesy, and crispy goodness. They’re easy to make, incredibly tasty, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering or as a fun weeknight treat. Enjoy every bite!
