Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks
Deliciously crispy and cheesy sticks filled with shredded chicken and buffalo sauce, perfect for game days and family dinners.
Ingredients
Filling Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded Tender and juicy, forms the base of this recipe.
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce Gives an exciting kick to every bite.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Adds delightful creaminess.
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened Provides a luscious texture and rich flavor.
Coating Ingredients
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour For dusting the mozzarella sticks.
- 2 large eggs, beaten Essential for binding.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crunch) Delivers an irresistible crunch.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder Infuses a warm, savory taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder Adds depth and sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika Brings warmth and smokiness.
- N/A Cooking spray Prevents sticking and aids in color.
Garnish
- N/A Fresh parsley, chopped For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, mozzarella cheese, and cream cheese. Blend until completely mixed and creamy.
- Create a breading station: place the flour in one bowl, the beaten eggs in another, and mix breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika in a third bowl.
- Take a spoonful of the buffalo chicken mixture, shape it into a stick, dip it into the flour, then the egg wash, and finally coat it in the breadcrumb mix. Repeat until all are shaped and coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and spray the basket with cooking spray.
- Lay the mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray.
Cooking
- Cook the mozzarella sticks for about 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. You may need to cook in batches.
- Once cooked, remove the sticks and let them cool slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley.
Serving
- Serve warm with extra buffalo sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
Notes
For an extra kick, add more buffalo sauce or jalapeños to the filling. Experiment with different cheeses or flavored breadcrumbs for unique variations.