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.
