Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks

Step 1: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Mixture

1. In a medium bowl, mix the shredded chicken, Buffalo sauce, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika until fully combined.
2. Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions.

Step 2: Assemble the Mozzarella Sticks

1. Take one portion of the chicken mixture and flatten it in your palm.
2. Place a mozzarella stick in the center and wrap the chicken mixture around it, ensuring it’s completely covered.
3. Repeat with the remaining chicken mixture and mozzarella sticks.

Step 3: Bread the Mozzarella Sticks

1. Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls:
   • Bowl 1: Flour
   • Bowl 2: Beaten eggs
   • Bowl 3: Seasoned breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan cheese
2. Roll each chicken-wrapped mozzarella stick in flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it in the breadcrumb mixture.
3. Place the breaded sticks on a parchment-lined plate or tray and freeze for at least 30 minutes. This step prevents the cheese from melting too quickly in the air fryer.

Step 4: Air Fry the Mozzarella Sticks

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
2. Lightly spray the mozzarella sticks with non-stick cooking spray to ensure a golden crust.
3. Place the sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch.
4. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the coating is crispy and golden.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Remove the mozzarella sticks from the air fryer and let them cool slightly to avoid burning from the melted cheese.
2. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing and extra Buffalo sauce for dipping.

Tips for Success

• Make-ahead option: Assemble and bread the mozzarella sticks, then freeze for up to 1 month. Cook straight from frozen.
• Control the heat: Adjust the amount of Buffalo sauce to your taste, or use a milder sauce for less spice.
• Even crispiness: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—cook in batches if needed.
• Alternative cheese: Try pepper jack sticks for a spicier twist or Colby jack for a creamier option.

Conclusion

These Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks are a fun, flavorful twist on traditional mozzarella sticks. Perfectly crispy on the outside and melty on the inside, with a spicy Buffalo chicken kick, they’re destined to be a hit at any gathering. Easy to prepare and even easier to devour, you’ll want to make these over and over again!