Air Fryer Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

why make this recipe

Air Fryer Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are a delicious twist on a classic snack. These crispy cheese sticks are perfectly spiced and offer a fun, flavorful bite. Unlike traditional frying, using an air fryer makes them a healthier option while still keeping that satisfying crunch. Plus, the Nashville hot sauce adds a kick that elevates these cheesy treats to a whole new level. Whether for game day, a party, or just a cozy night in, these mozzarella sticks are sure to impress.

how to make Air Fryer Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

Making Air Fryer Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks is easy and fun! Follow these simple steps to create your own batch.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup Italian style breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
• 1 pound block part skim mozzarella
• 1 recipe Nashville hot sauce
• Oil spray

Directions:

1. In a shallow dish, add the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Whisk to combine.
2. In a second shallow dish, crack the eggs and whisk until smooth.
3. In a third shallow dish, combine the panko, Italian breadcrumbs, and dried parsley. Whisk well.
4. Line a sheet pan with wax or parchment paper.
5. Cut the block of mozzarella into 8 equal bricks.
6. Dip each cheese brick into the flour mixture, then into the eggs. Dip back into the flour, coat with egg again, and finally press into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure the crumbs stick well.
7. Place the breaded cheese bricks on the prepared baking sheet and freeze them for 30 minutes.
8. Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees F (180 degrees C) and spritz the basket with oil spray.
9. Arrange the frozen mozzarella sticks in the basket, spritz the tops with oil spray, and cook for 6 minutes.
10. Check the mozzarella sticks, and continue cooking in 1-minute increments until the cheese starts to leak out.
11. Let them cool for 1 to 2 minutes before serving.
12. Dunk the cheese sticks in Nashville hot sauce to coat, and serve them with ranch dressing.

how to serve Air Fryer Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

Serve Air Fryer Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks hot and fresh. They are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a fun party food. Pair them with ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor.

how to store Air Fryer Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

If you have any leftovers, store the mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the fridge. They can be kept for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer for a few minutes until they are heated through and crispy again.

tips to make Air Fryer Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

• Make sure to freeze the cheese sticks before cooking. This helps them keep their shape and prevents the cheese from leaking out too quickly.
• Use a mix of panko and Italian breadcrumbs for the best texture and flavor.
• Adjust the Nashville hot sauce to your preferred spice level by adding more or less.

variation

For a different spin on this recipe, try using cheddar cheese or pepper jack instead of mozzarella. You can also experiment with different spices in the breading for unique flavors.

FAQs

Can I make these mozzarella sticks ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mozzarella sticks and freeze them. When you are ready to cook, just place the frozen sticks in the air fryer directly.

Is it possible to bake these instead of air frying?
Yes, you can bake them in the oven at 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.

What if I don’t have panko bread crumbs?
If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs will work too. Just be aware that the texture may be slightly different.

Air Fryer Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

Delicious crispy mozzarella sticks with a kick of Nashville hot sauce, made healthier in an air fryer.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 minutes mins

Total Time 36 minutes mins

Servings: 8 sticks

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Breading Ingredients

• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs
• 1.5 cups panko bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup Italian style breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes

Cheese and Sauce

• 1 pound block part skim mozzarella
• 1 recipe Nashville hot sauce
• as needed oil spray

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a shallow dish, add the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Whisk to combine.
2. In a second shallow dish, crack the eggs and whisk until smooth.
3. In a third shallow dish, combine the panko, Italian breadcrumbs, and dried parsley. Whisk well.
4. Line a sheet pan with wax or parchment paper.
5. Cut the block of mozzarella into 8 equal bricks.

Breading

1. Dip each cheese brick into the flour mixture, then into the eggs. Dip back into the flour, coat with egg again, and finally press into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure the crumbs stick well.
2. Place the breaded cheese bricks on the prepared baking sheet and freeze them for 30 minutes.

Cooking

1. Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees F (180 degrees C) and spritz the basket with oil spray.
2. Arrange the frozen mozzarella sticks in the basket, spritz the tops with oil spray, and cook for 6 minutes.
3. Check the mozzarella sticks, and continue cooking in 1-minute increments until the cheese starts to leak out.
4. Let them cool for 1 to 2 minutes before serving.

Serving

1. Dunk the cheese sticks in Nashville hot sauce to coat, and serve them with ranch dressing.

Notes

Make sure to freeze the cheese sticks before cooking to help maintain their shape. Adjust the Nashville hot sauce to your preferred spice level.