Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks combine the bold flavors of buffalo chicken and the gooey goodness of mozzarella in one crispy, flavorful bite. These delicious snacks are quick to make in the air fryer and offer a perfect balance of spicy buffalo sauce and melty cheese, making them ideal for game days, parties, or a tasty appetizer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make in the air fryer, resulting in a crispy exterior without the deep frying
- A fun twist on traditional mozzarella sticks with the added kick of buffalo chicken
- Perfect for those who love a bit of spice and cheese in every bite
- Quick and convenient, ready in just under 30 minutes
- Great for appetizers, parties, or a snack to enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast (cooked and shredded)
- Mozzarella cheese sticks
- Buffalo sauce (your favorite brand)
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Eggs
- All-purpose flour
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Cooking spray
Directions
- Prepare the chicken: In a bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with buffalo sauce. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly. Set aside.
- Prepare the cheese: Cut the mozzarella cheese sticks in half, creating bite-sized pieces.
- Coat the cheese: In a shallow dish, add the flour and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. In a second dish, beat the eggs. In a third dish, add the panko breadcrumbs.
- Stuff the cheese: Take a piece of mozzarella cheese and stuff it with a spoonful of buffalo chicken mixture. Press the edges together to seal the cheese and chicken inside. Repeat with the remaining cheese sticks.
- Bread the mozzarella sticks: Dredge each stuffed mozzarella stick in the seasoned flour, then dip it into the egg mixture, and finally coat it in the panko breadcrumbs.
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the mozzarella sticks: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the buffalo chicken mozzarella sticks in the basket in a single layer. Spray the tops with cooking spray. Air fry for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Serve the mozzarella sticks with extra buffalo sauce or ranch/blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
Variations
- Add Cheese Filling: Stuff the mozzarella sticks with other types of cheese like cheddar or pepper jack for extra flavor.
- Spicy Twist: Add extra cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the buffalo sauce for an extra kick.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based protein to create a vegetarian version.
- Dipping Sauces: Try different dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or a spicy sriracha mayo for a unique twist.
- Make it Low-Carb: Use almond flour or coconut flour instead of regular flour for a low-carb version.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes, or until crispy again. You can also reheat them in a regular oven at 375°F for about 5-7 minutes.
- Freezing: Freeze the uncooked mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be cooked directly from frozen in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes at 375°F.
FAQs
Can I use cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this recipe. Just shred it and mix it with the buffalo sauce as instructed.
How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?
Be sure to seal the mozzarella sticks tightly around the buffalo chicken mixture. If necessary, you can double-coat the mozzarella sticks in breadcrumbs for extra protection.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mozzarella sticks, bread them, and then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with different cheese varieties, such as pepper jack, cheddar, or a blend of cheeses, for a different flavor profile.
What can I serve these with?
These buffalo chicken mozzarella sticks are great on their own or paired with dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or even a spicy sriracha mayo.
Can I bake these in the oven instead of using an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Can I use store-bought buffalo sauce?
Yes, store-bought buffalo sauce works great in this recipe. Just choose your favorite brand or make your own if you prefer.
How can I make these spicier?
For an extra spicy kick, add more buffalo sauce or include some crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
Can I freeze these mozzarella sticks before cooking?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet and then transfer them to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the air fryer cooking time.
How do I prevent the mozzarella from becoming too soft in the air fryer?
Make sure to coat the mozzarella sticks well in breadcrumbs, and avoid overcrowding them in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks are the ultimate snack for those who love a spicy, cheesy treat. With crispy exteriors, gooey melted cheese, and flavorful buffalo chicken inside, they’re perfect for any occasion. Quick to make, and even easier to devour, these mozzarella sticks are sure to be a hit at your next gathering or as a satisfying snack.
Print
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Appetizers, Air Fryer Recipes, Party Snacks
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks combine the bold flavors of spicy buffalo chicken and gooey mozzarella cheese in one crispy, delicious bite. Quick and easy to make in the air fryer, these cheese-stuffed snacks are perfect for game days, parties, or as a savory appetizer. With a crispy exterior and a flavorful, cheesy interior, they’ll become your new favorite treat!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cooked and shredded)
- 10 mozzarella cheese sticks
- ¼ cup buffalo sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping (optional)
Instructions
-
Prepare the chicken: In a bowl, mix the shredded cooked chicken with buffalo sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Set aside.
-
Prepare the cheese: Cut the mozzarella cheese sticks in half to create bite-sized pieces.
-
Coat the cheese: In a shallow dish, add the flour and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. In another dish, beat the eggs. In a third dish, add the panko breadcrumbs.
-
Stuff the cheese: Take a piece of mozzarella cheese and stuff it with a spoonful of buffalo chicken mixture. Press the edges together to seal the cheese and chicken inside. Repeat with the remaining cheese sticks.
-
Bread the mozzarella sticks: Dredge each stuffed mozzarella stick in the seasoned flour, dip it into the egg mixture, and then coat it in the panko breadcrumbs.
-
Preheat the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
-
Cook the mozzarella sticks: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the buffalo chicken mozzarella sticks in the basket in a single layer. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray. Air fry for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
-
Serve: Serve the mozzarella sticks with extra buffalo sauce or ranch/blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Notes
- Add Cheese Filling: Stuff the mozzarella sticks with other cheeses like cheddar, pepper jack, or a cheese blend for extra flavor.
- Spicy Twist: Add extra cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the buffalo sauce for even more heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based protein for a vegetarian version.
- Dipping Sauces: Try pairing with ranch, blue cheese, or spicy sriracha mayo for variety.
- Low-Carb Option: Use almond flour or coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour for a keto-friendly version.
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