Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks

These aren’t your regular mozzarella sticks. They’re spicy, cheesy, and stuffed with buffalo chicken. And yep—they’re made right in the air fryer.

I tried these once and now I can’t stop. The crispy outside, the gooey cheese, and that buffalo kick? Total flavor bomb.

They’re super easy to make and don’t need much prep. Just roll, air fry, and snack. Perfect for game day, parties, or, well… anytime.

Wanna try ‘em too? I’ve got the steps ready. Let’s make cheesy magic happen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fan-Favorite: “These are to die for!” That’s the feedback I hear most often when serving these buffalo chicken mozzarella sticks. It’s a crowd-pleaser.
• Healthy Twist: Using the air fryer, we reduce the amount of oil needed, so you can enjoy the crispy texture without the guilt.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of buffalo sauce with melted mozzarella and seasoned breadcrumbs is an irresistible flavor bomb.
• Perfect for Parties: These buffalo chicken mozzarella sticks are great for game day, parties, or just as a quick and easy snack.
• Quick and Easy: Prep and cook in under 30 minutes, making it a super convenient dish for busy weeknights.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make these buffalo chicken mozzarella sticks in your air fryer, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools:

• Air Fryer: This is the star of the show! It will crisp up the mozzarella sticks perfectly without deep frying.
• Mixing Bowls: For breading the chicken and preparing the buffalo sauce coating.
• Whisk: To beat the eggs for the egg wash.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise measurements of the ingredients.
• Baking Sheet: For assembling the mozzarella sticks before air frying.
• Tongs: For flipping the sticks halfway through cooking.

Ingredients

Let’s talk ingredients! You’ll need these items to make these crispy, cheesy, and flavorful buffalo chicken mozzarella sticks. The measurements are available in the recipe card below:

• Cooked Shredded Chicken: This is the base of the buffalo chicken. You can use rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breast that’s been shredded.
• Buffalo Sauce: Choose your favorite brand of buffalo sauce or make your own at home for a custom flavor. This will give the mozzarella sticks that signature spicy kick.
• Mozzarella String Cheese Sticks: Halved to make them the perfect size for these cheesy treats.
• All-Purpose Flour: For dredging the cheese sticks before dipping them in the egg wash and breadcrumbs.
• Large Eggs: Beaten, to help the breadcrumbs adhere to the cheese and chicken.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: For that perfect crunchy exterior.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds an extra layer of flavor to the breadcrumbs.
• Garlic Powder: For that warm, savory undertone.
• Smoked Paprika: Gives the dish a subtle smokiness.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors of the ingredients and balances the heat from the buffalo sauce.
• Nonstick Cooking Spray: To lightly coat the air fryer basket and prevent sticking.

Variations for Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks

While this recipe is already delicious on its own, you can make a few swaps or additions to customize it to your taste. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Add Blue Cheese: For a classic buffalo flavor, drizzle blue cheese dressing over the sticks before serving.
• Switch up the Cheese: While mozzarella is traditional, you can also use cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a different cheesy experience.
• Extra Spice: Want it even spicier? Add extra hot sauce to the buffalo sauce mixture or sprinkle red pepper flakes on top after cooking.
• Herb It Up: Mix some dried herbs, like oregano or thyme, into the breadcrumbs for added flavor.
• Dip Options: While buffalo sauce is the star, try dipping these sticks in ranch dressing, sour cream, or even a honey mustard sauce for a fun twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Filling

The first step in this recipe is to make the buffalo chicken filling. In a medium-sized bowl, combine your cooked shredded chicken with buffalo sauce. I recommend using about 1/2 cup of buffalo sauce for every 2 cups of chicken, but feel free to adjust depending on how saucy and spicy you want your filling.

Mix the chicken and buffalo sauce together until well-coated, ensuring the sauce evenly coats every shred of chicken.

2. Bread the Mozzarella Sticks

Now, let’s get those mozzarella sticks ready. Start by cutting your mozzarella string cheese sticks in half. This will make them the perfect size for wrapping in the chicken mixture.

To bread the cheese, set up a breading station. In one bowl, add your all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, beat your eggs. In the third bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt.

Take each mozzarella stick and coat it in the flour, making sure it’s evenly covered. Next, dip the floured mozzarella stick into the beaten eggs, then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. For extra crunch, press gently on the breadcrumbs to ensure they stick well. Repeat for all mozzarella sticks.

3. Stuff the Mozzarella Sticks with Chicken

Now that your mozzarella sticks are breaded, it’s time to stuff them with the buffalo chicken. Take a spoonful of the buffalo chicken mixture and press it gently onto each breaded mozzarella stick. Be sure to coat each stick well with the chicken mixture.

The chicken will help keep the cheese contained and add to the flavor explosion once it’s cooked.

4. Air Fry the Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks

Spray your air fryer basket lightly with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the stuffed mozzarella sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they’re not overcrowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.

Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the mozzarella sticks are golden brown and crispy. Halfway through the cooking time, flip the sticks over to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Once your buffalo chicken mozzarella sticks are crispy and golden, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. They’re perfect on their own or with a dipping sauce, like ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or extra buffalo sauce.

How to Serve Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks

These buffalo chicken mozzarella sticks can stand alone as an appetizer, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of sides and dips. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a game day snack, or simply enjoying a fun meal with family, here are a few ideas on how to serve them:

1. With Dipping Sauces

Buffalo chicken mozzarella sticks already pack a lot of flavor, but the right dipping sauce can take them to the next level. Here are some ideas to serve alongside:

• Ranch Dressing: A classic pairing with buffalo chicken. The cool and creamy ranch helps balance the heat from the buffalo sauce.
• Blue Cheese Dressing: For those who love the classic buffalo flavor combination, blue cheese dressing is a must-have.
• Garlic Parmesan Sauce: For a creamy, garlicky alternative to the usual buffalo sauces.
• Honey Mustard: If you prefer a sweeter option, honey mustard offers a delightful contrast to the spicy buffalo chicken.
• Buffalo Sauce: For the ultimate buffalo experience, drizzle some extra buffalo sauce over the sticks or serve on the side for dipping.

2. As Part of a Game Day Spread

These mozzarella sticks are perfect for a game day spread. Serve them alongside other favorite finger foods like:

• Mini sliders or chicken wings
• Loaded potato skins
• Vegetable trays with dip
• Mozzarella sticks with marinara dipping sauce for a traditional twist

You can also turn these into a main dish by serving them with a side of crispy fries or a fresh salad for balance.

3. In a Wrap or Sandwich

If you’re craving a more filling meal, try putting a few of these buffalo chicken mozzarella sticks into a tortilla or sandwich. Add a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing, lettuce, and tomatoes for a quick buffalo chicken wrap or sandwich. You’ll love the combination of crispy, cheesy, and tangy flavors.

4. On a Charcuterie Board

Yes, you can even include these buffalo chicken mozzarella sticks on a charcuterie board for a fun, spicy twist on the traditional appetizer board. Pair them with cheeses, crackers, fruits, and other savory snacks for a well-rounded spread.

Storing Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks

You might not be able to resist devouring these buffalo chicken mozzarella sticks right away, but if you end up with leftovers, here’s how to store them properly to keep them fresh:

1. In the Refrigerator:

Once your buffalo chicken mozzarella sticks have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat them, simply pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes or until they’re heated through and crispy again.

2. In the Freezer:

If you want to make a big batch and freeze some for later, you can easily freeze these mozzarella sticks. After breading the sticks, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.

To cook from frozen, preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the frozen sticks for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re golden and crispy.

Recipe Variations

While the classic buffalo chicken mozzarella stick recipe is delicious as is, you can switch things up a bit depending on your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few variations to try:

1. Make It Spicy!

If you love extra heat, you can crank up the spiciness in this recipe. Here’s how:

• Add Jalapeños or Habaneros: Finely chop jalapeños or habaneros and mix them into the buffalo chicken filling for an extra kick.
• Extra Hot Sauce: Mix in additional hot sauce or cayenne pepper into the buffalo sauce to make these mozzarella sticks hotter.

2. Go Keto-Friendly

If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, you can swap out the panko breadcrumbs for almond flour or parmesan cheese. Both options provide a crispy coating while keeping the carb count low. You can also use a keto-friendly buffalo sauce to keep everything in line with your diet.

3. Use Different Sauces

Not a fan of buffalo sauce? Try these alternatives for a unique flavor:

• BBQ Sauce: For a smoky, sweet flavor, use BBQ sauce instead of buffalo sauce.
• Teriyaki Sauce: For a sweet and savory twist, use teriyaki sauce in place of buffalo sauce.
• Sriracha Honey Sauce: A combination of sriracha and honey for a perfect balance of heat and sweetness.

4. Vegetarian Version

If you’re looking for a vegetarian version of these mozzarella sticks, you can simply omit the chicken and go for a classic mozzarella stick recipe. Instead of the buffalo chicken mixture, just bread and air fry the mozzarella sticks, adding buffalo sauce and seasoning afterward for that spicy flavor.

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks FAQs

Can I make these buffalo chicken mozzarella sticks ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare these buffalo chicken mozzarella sticks in advance. Assemble the sticks, bread them, and stuff them with the chicken mixture. Then, refrigerate them for up to 2 hours before air frying. This makes it easier to serve them quickly when you’re ready.

Can I use store-bought chicken?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken or any pre-cooked chicken works great for this recipe. Just shred the chicken and mix it with the buffalo sauce for the filling. This shortcut saves you time and effort.

Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?

While panko breadcrumbs create an extra crispy exterior, you can substitute them with regular breadcrumbs if that’s what you have on hand. Keep in mind that the texture won’t be quite as light and crispy.

How do I know when the mozzarella sticks are fully cooked?

You’ll know the mozzarella sticks are ready when they are golden brown on the outside, and the cheese inside is melted. You can also test by gently pressing on the sticks with a fork—if they’re soft inside and the breadcrumbs are crispy, they’re good to go!

Nutrition (Per Serving)

These Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks are a fun treat, and you can feel good about them being air-fried instead of deep-fried. Below is an approximate breakdown of the nutrition per serving (assuming the recipe yields about 8 sticks):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	240
Protein	15g
Fat	15g
Carbohydrates	16g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	1g
Sodium	650mg

Note: Nutrition values may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks

Here are some helpful tips and tricks to ensure your buffalo chicken mozzarella sticks come out perfectly every time:

1. Ensure the Chicken is Well-Drained

If you’re using store-bought shredded chicken or cooking your own, make sure the chicken is well-drained before mixing it with the buffalo sauce. Too much liquid can make the mixture soggy, which could affect the coating and cause it to fall off during cooking.

2. Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket

When placing the mozzarella sticks in the air fryer, make sure they are in a single layer with a little space between them. Overcrowding can cause the sticks to cook unevenly and may lead to a soggy or undercooked coating. If you’re making a large batch, cook them in batches for the best results.

3. Lightly Spray with Oil

Although the air fryer uses little to no oil, a light spray of nonstick cooking spray helps the coating crisp up even more. Make sure to spray the basket as well as the sticks themselves for that extra crunch.

4. Flip Halfway Through Cooking

For an even golden brown color and crispy texture, flip the mozzarella sticks halfway through the cooking time. This ensures both sides cook evenly and get that perfect crunch.

5. Keep an Eye on the Cheese

The biggest challenge with making mozzarella sticks is the melting cheese! If you cook them for too long, the cheese can leak out and make a mess. To prevent this, check on your mozzarella sticks after about 6 minutes of cooking. If they’re golden brown and the cheese is melted, you can take them out. If they need more time, cook for an additional minute or two.

6. Rest After Cooking

Let the mozzarella sticks rest for a couple of minutes after removing them from the air fryer. This helps the cheese set and ensures you don’t burn your mouth with melted cheese!

Common Troubleshooting Tips

Even though air frying is easy, you might run into a few challenges along the way. Here are some common issues and how to solve them:

Problem 1: The Bread Crumbs Are Falling Off

This can happen if the breadcrumbs don’t stick properly to the chicken or cheese. To prevent this, make sure to coat the mozzarella sticks well with the flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs onto the mozzarella sticks gently to ensure they adhere. Also, don’t skip the egg wash—it helps the breadcrumbs stick to the cheese and chicken.

Problem 2: The Mozzarella Sticks Are Soggy

Soggy mozzarella sticks are often the result of too much moisture in the chicken mixture or overcrowding the air fryer basket. To avoid this, ensure the chicken is drained of excess liquid and arrange the sticks in a single layer with space between them in the air fryer basket. Also, a light spray of oil will help with crisping.

Problem 3: The Cheese Is Leaking Out

This is a common problem when cooking mozzarella sticks. The cheese can melt too quickly, causing it to ooze out. To minimize this, make sure the mozzarella sticks are well-breaded and not overcrowded in the air fryer. You can also try freezing them for 15-20 minutes before air frying them. This will help the cheese stay in place while cooking.

Conclusion

These Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks are a fantastic combination of crispy, cheesy, and spicy goodness. The air fryer makes it easy to cook them with less oil, while still achieving that perfect crunch on the outside and gooey cheese on the inside. Whether you’re preparing them for a party, game day, or a fun snack, they are sure to be a crowd favorite.

With a variety of ways to customize and serve these mozzarella sticks, you’ll have endless options for creating new flavor profiles. Plus, they’re easy to store and reheat for later—making them a convenient option for meal prep or leftovers.

I hope you enjoy making these buffalo chicken mozzarella sticks as much as I do! They’re guaranteed to be a hit wherever you serve them. Happy cooking!

FAQs:

1. Can I freeze the mozzarella sticks?
   Yes! After breading and stuffing, freeze the sticks for 1-2 hours before storing them in a freezer bag. Cook from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes.
2. Can I use a different type of cheese?
   Yes, cheddar or pepper jack would also work great in this recipe.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
   Absolutely! Assemble the mozzarella sticks ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 2 hours before air frying.