Description
Crispy, golden buffalo chicken mozzarella sticks deliver a spicy kick that melts hearts and tantalizes taste buds. Cheese lovers will savor the perfect blend of zesty buffalo sauce and gooey mozzarella in this irresistible appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Cheese:
- 1 cup (240 ml) cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup (240 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
Breading and Seasoning:
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (240 ml) breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Liquid and Additional Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) buffalo sauce
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Cooking spray
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Craft a flavorful filling by thoroughly combining shredded chicken with tangy buffalo sauce, ensuring each chicken strand is evenly coated with zesty heat.
- Integrate shredded mozzarella into the buffalo-infused chicken mixture, stirring until the cheese and meat create a harmonious blend.
- Assemble three distinct breading vessels: one with flour, another with whisked eggs, and the final bowl containing breadcrumbs enhanced with aromatic garlic powder, onion powder, and smoky paprika.
- Mold the chicken-cheese mixture into uniform cylindrical shapes, using gentle pressure to compact the ingredients and maintain structural integrity.
- Execute a meticulous coating process by first dusting each stick with flour, creating a delicate base layer that helps egg adherence.
- Submerge the floured sticks into beaten eggs, ensuring complete coverage, then roll them through the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to create a robust, crispy exterior.
- Prepare the air fryer by preheating to 375°F and lightly misting the basket with cooking spray to prevent potential sticking.
- Arrange the breaded sticks in a single layer within the air fryer basket, maintaining spacing to promote even crisping, and lightly spray the tops for additional golden browning.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, rotating midway to achieve an uniformly crisp, golden-brown exterior that encases the molten cheese and spicy chicken interior.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately, allowing guests to experience the perfect balance of crunch, heat, and cheesy indulgence.
Notes
- Prevent cheese leakage by freezing the filled mozzarella sticks for 15-20 minutes before breading, which helps them hold shape during cooking.
- Create gluten-free versions by substituting regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for those with dietary restrictions.
- Control spice levels by adjusting buffalo sauce quantity or choosing mild/medium varieties to suit different heat tolerances.
- Maximize crispiness by ensuring breadcrumbs are evenly distributed and not clumping, which guarantees a perfectly crunchy exterior.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg