Game day, movie night, or simply a snack-time upgrade—these Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks are your golden ticket to crispy, cheesy, spicy bliss. They’re a mouthwatering combination of bold buffalo flavor, gooey mozzarella, and crunchy coating, all made easier (and healthier) with the magic of an air fryer.
Let’s get ready to impress with a treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. You’ll wonder why you’ve waited this long to try them!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthier Twist: Air frying cuts down on oil without sacrificing crispiness.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, game days, or snack cravings.
- Customizable: Adjust the buffalo sauce for the perfect heat level.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes!
What Do They Taste Like?
Each bite is a perfect medley of tangy buffalo chicken, gooey mozzarella, and crispy, seasoned breadcrumbs. The bold spices add depth, while the creamy interior and crunchy coating make for a heavenly texture contrast. Dip them in ranch or extra buffalo sauce for the ultimate flavor explosion!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need:
- For the Filling:
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- For the Coating:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crunch!)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Additional:
- Cooking spray
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Tools You’ll Need
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls (3 for breading station)
- Whisk or fork
- Baking sheet (optional, for shaping)
- Cooking spray
Ingredient Substitutions and Additions
- Chicken: Use canned chicken or leftover turkey for convenience.
- Buffalo Sauce: Swap for barbecue sauce or sriracha for a different twist.
- Breadcrumbs: Gluten-free breadcrumbs work beautifully if needed.
- Cheese: Add a hint of blue cheese for an authentic buffalo flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, mozzarella cheese, and softened cream cheese. Mix until the mixture is creamy and well blended.
2. Set Up Breading Station
- Bowl 1: All-purpose flour.
- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs.
- Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
3. Shape the Sticks
Take a spoonful of the chicken mixture and shape it into a stick (about 2-3 inches long). If the mixture feels sticky, chill it for 10-15 minutes before shaping.
4. Coat the Sticks
Dip each stick into the flour, then the beaten egg, and finally coat it in the seasoned breadcrumbs. Press gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick.
5. Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray the basket with cooking spray.
6. Air Fry
Arrange the mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they don’t touch. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
7. Garnish and Serve
Once cooked, let the mozzarella sticks cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with ranch or extra buffalo sauce for dipping.
What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks
- Dipping Sauces: Ranch dressing, blue cheese dip, or extra buffalo sauce.
- Side Dishes: Celery sticks, carrot sticks, or a fresh green salad to balance the spice.
- Drinks: Cool down the heat with a refreshing glass of lemonade or a light beer.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked sticks in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Cook from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to the air fryer time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bake These Instead of Air Frying?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Can I Make Them Spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture or use an extra-hot buffalo sauce.
Are They Gluten-Free?
Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks are everything you’ve been craving: crispy, cheesy, and packed with bold buffalo flavor. Whether you’re whipping them up for game day or indulging in a snack attack, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.
Love this recipe? Try more air fryer favorites like crispy zucchini fries, spicy jalapeño poppers, or classic mozzarella sticks.
Don’t forget to share your creations! Tag us on Pinterest or Instagram and let us know how yours turned out. Happy air frying!
Pro Tips for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks
- Keep It Cool: Chill the chicken mixture before shaping to make it easier to handle.
- Double Coat for Extra Crunch: For an even crispier result, dip the sticks in the egg and breadcrumbs a second time before air frying.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Arrange the sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.
- Adjust the Spice Level: Mix a little ranch dressing into the buffalo sauce for a milder flavor, or use extra-hot sauce for spice lovers.
- Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare the sticks up to the breading step, then freeze them. Cook directly from frozen for an effortless snack later.
Creative Serving Ideas
- Buffalo Chicken Platter: Serve the mozzarella sticks alongside celery sticks, carrot sticks, and small bowls of ranch and buffalo sauce for a shareable appetizer platter.
- Buffalo Sliders: Use the sticks as a filling for mini slider buns with lettuce and a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- Party Charcuterie Board: Add these mozzarella sticks to a snack board with chips, dips, wings, and veggie sticks for a game-day spread.
Flavor Variations to Try
- BBQ Chicken Mozzarella Sticks: Swap buffalo sauce for smoky barbecue sauce and add a sprinkle of shredded sharp cheddar to the filling.
- Mediterranean Style: Use tzatziki sauce instead of buffalo, and add chopped spinach and feta cheese to the filling.
- Spicy Jalapeño Popper: Mix in diced jalapeños and a touch of cream cheese for a spicy twist.
How to Make Them in a Regular Oven
Don’t have an air fryer? No problem! Here’s how you can bake these to perfection:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray.
- Arrange the coated mozzarella sticks on the sheet, ensuring they don’t touch.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Why Use Panko Breadcrumbs?
Panko breadcrumbs are larger and lighter than traditional breadcrumbs, making them ideal for creating a crunchy texture. If you can’t find Panko, you can use regular breadcrumbs, but the crunch factor may be slightly reduced.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 215
Protein: 12g
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
