ADVERTISEMENT
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for these Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks is simple and easy to follow. Most of these ingredients you may already have in your kitchen!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken (or finely chopped chicken breast)
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese sticks, cut into halves or thirds (depending on your preferred size)
- ½ cup buffalo sauce (adjust to your heat preference)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 egg (for binding)
- ½ cup flour (for dredging)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika (for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray (for a crispier coating)
How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks
1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture
- Start by mixing the ground chicken with buffalo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to thoroughly combine everything, making sure the chicken is well-coated in the sauce and spices.
2. Stuff the Cheese Sticks
- Take a piece of mozzarella cheese and wrap it in a layer of the buffalo chicken mixture. Roll it around the cheese until it’s fully enclosed, forming a small log shape. Repeat this process for all of your cheese sticks.
3. Dredge the Sticks
- In a shallow bowl, add the flour. In another bowl, crack the egg and lightly whisk it. In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each chicken-wrapped mozzarella stick first in the flour, then dip it in the egg, and finally coat it in the panko breadcrumbs. Be sure to coat each stick evenly to get that crispy exterior.
4. Air Fry the Mozzarella Sticks
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes.
- Lightly spray the mozzarella sticks with olive oil to ensure they become crispy and golden. Then, place the sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they aren’t overcrowded.
- Air fry the mozzarella sticks for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the coating is golden brown and crispy. Be sure to flip them halfway through the cooking time for even crispness.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
- Once the sticks are perfectly crispy, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly.
- Serve them immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, and enjoy the cheesy, spicy goodness!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks
1. Use Panko Breadcrumbs
Panko breadcrumbs give these mozzarella sticks their crispy, crunchy texture. Don’t substitute regular breadcrumbs for panko, as they don’t provide the same light, airy crunch.
2. Adjust the Spice Level
If you prefer a mild buffalo flavor, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce in the chicken mixture, or use a mild variety of buffalo sauce. For an extra kick, feel free to add more sauce or use a hot variety for a spicier bite.
3. Make Sure They’re Fully Coated
To get the perfect crispy crust, it’s important to ensure each stick is fully coated in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. If you find the coating is not sticking properly, you can add another layer of breadcrumbs after dipping in the egg.
4. Air Fry in Batches
If you’re making a large batch, don’t overcrowd the air fryer. For best results, cook the mozzarella sticks in batches to ensure they get crispy and cook evenly. If needed, you can keep the first batch warm in the oven while you cook the second batch.
5. Serve Immediately
These buffalo chicken mozzarella sticks are best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer. They’ll lose their crispy texture if left to sit for too long, so be ready to eat and enjoy them while they’re at their peak!
Why This Recipe is a Winner
These Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks combine all the best parts of comfort food—cheese, chicken, and buffalo sauce—into one irresistible bite-sized snack. Not only are they packed with flavor, but the air fryer also makes them healthier and easier to prepare than traditional deep-fried versions. The crispy coating, melty cheese, and spicy buffalo flavor come together to create a snack that’s perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re watching the big game, hosting a party, or simply craving something cheesy and spicy, these buffalo chicken mozzarella sticks are sure to hit the spot. They’re fun to make, easy to share, and guaranteed to disappear quickly!
Conclusion
If you’re a fan of buffalo wings and mozzarella sticks, you’ll love this innovative recipe for Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks. They’re spicy, cheesy, and crispy—all the qualities that make them a perfect snack or appetizer. With just a few simple ingredients and the help of your air fryer, you’ll have a finger-licking good treat that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Enjoy!
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
