Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks: A Spicy, Cheesy Game-Day Delight
If you’re craving a bold, crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines the fiery kick of buffalo chicken with the gooey goodness of mozzarella, these Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks are your answer! This inventive twist on classic mozzarella sticks merges the tangy heat of buffalo sauce with tender shredded chicken, all wrapped in a crispy egg roll wrapper. Thanks to the magic of the air fryer, you get a golden, crunchy exterior without the mess and calories of deep frying. Perfect for game days, parties, or a fun family snack, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
This recipe is simple to prepare, customizable, and delivers restaurant-quality results at home. Whether you’re hosting friends for the big game or looking for a creative way to use leftover chicken, these mozzarella sticks are a guaranteed hit. Let’s dive into the details of how to make this irresistible appetizer, complete with tips, variations, and serving suggestions to elevate your culinary game!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold Flavors: The spicy buffalo sauce paired with creamy mozzarella creates an unforgettable flavor combo.
- Crispy Without the Guilt: The air fryer gives these sticks a perfect crunch with minimal oil.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for spontaneous gatherings or busy weeknights.
- Versatile: Serve as an appetizer, snack, or even a fun main dish with a side salad.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, tailgates, or cozy nights in.
Ingredients (Makes 12 Mozzarella Sticks)
To create these spicy, cheesy bites, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients. This recipe is designed to serve about 4–6 people as an appetizer, but you can easily double it for larger crowds.
- 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook your own chicken breast or thighs. Shred finely for the best texture.
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce: Choose your favorite brand or make your own by combining hot sauce with a touch of melted butter. Adjust the heat level to your preference.
- 6 mozzarella cheese sticks, halved: String cheese works perfectly here. Look for whole-milk mozzarella for extra creaminess.
- 12 egg roll wrappers: Found in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores, these provide the perfect crispy shell.
- Oil spray: A neutral oil like avocado or olive oil spray ensures a golden finish without excess grease.
- Water (for sealing): Just a small bowl to help seal the wrappers.
- Optional for serving: Ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, celery sticks, or carrot sticks for a classic buffalo wing vibe.
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer (any size works, but adjust batch size based on your basket capacity)
- Small bowl for mixing
- Pastry brush or finger for sealing wrappers with water
- Tongs for flipping during cooking
- Cutting board or clean surface for assembling
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks. The process is straightforward but includes a few tricks to ensure perfect results every time.
Step 1: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of shredded chicken with 1/4 cup of buffalo sauce. Stir thoroughly to ensure the chicken is evenly coated in the spicy, tangy sauce. Taste the mixture and adjust with a bit more sauce if you like an extra kick. For a milder flavor, you can reduce the buffalo sauce to 3 tablespoons and mix in a teaspoon of melted butter for richness.
Pro Tip: If your chicken is cold (e.g., from the fridge), warm it slightly in the microwave for 15–20 seconds before mixing. This makes it easier to blend with the sauce.
Step 2: Assemble the Mozzarella Sticks
Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean, flat surface with one corner pointing toward you (like a diamond shape). Place about 1–1.5 tablespoons of the buffalo chicken mixture in the center of the wrapper, spreading it slightly into a small rectangle. Place half a mozzarella stick on top of the chicken.
To roll, fold the bottom corner of the wrapper over the filling, tucking it snugly. Fold in the left and right corners to create an envelope shape, then roll the wrapper tightly toward the top corner. Before completing the final roll, dip your finger or a pastry brush in water and lightly moisten the top corner to seal the wrapper securely. Repeat with the remaining wrappers, chicken, and cheese sticks.
Pro Tip: Don’t overfill the wrappers, as this can cause them to burst during cooking. Aim for a tight, compact roll to keep the filling contained.
Step 3: Prep for Air Frying
Lightly mist each rolled mozzarella stick with oil spray on all sides. This helps achieve that golden, crispy texture without deep frying. Arrange the sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch to allow proper air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
Pro Tip: If your air fryer tends to stick, consider lining the basket with parchment paper designed for air fryers or lightly spraying the basket with oil.
Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection
Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the mozzarella sticks for 8–10 minutes, flipping them halfway through with tongs to ensure even browning. The sticks are done when the wrappers are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is just starting to ooze slightly (but not fully melted out).
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the sticks during the last 2 minutes of cooking, as air fryer models vary. If they brown too quickly, reduce the temperature slightly to 360°F (182°C).
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the cooked mozzarella sticks to a serving platter and let them cool for 1–2 minutes (the filling will be hot!). Serve with ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing for dipping, and add a side of celery or carrot sticks for a refreshing crunch. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color, if desired.
Tips for Success
- Prevent Leaks: Ensure the wrappers are sealed tightly to avoid cheese escaping during cooking. If a stick bursts slightly, it’s still delicious, but a tight roll helps maintain the shape.
- Customize the Heat: For spicier sticks, mix a pinch of cayenne pepper into the buffalo sauce. For a milder version, use less buffalo sauce or mix in a tablespoon of cream cheese for creaminess.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the sticks up to 4 hours in advance and store them covered in the fridge. Spray with oil just before air frying to maintain crispiness.
- Freezing Option: These mozzarella sticks freeze beautifully! Assemble, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. Air fry from frozen at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Variations to Try
This recipe is endlessly adaptable! Here are a few creative spins to suit different tastes:
- BBQ Chicken Mozzarella Sticks: Swap the buffalo sauce for your favorite barbecue sauce for a smoky, sweet twist.
- Jalapeño Popper Style: Add a thin slice of fresh jalapeño or a sprinkle of diced pickled jalapeños to the filling for extra heat.
- Cheese Swap: Try cheddar or pepper jack cheese sticks for a different flavor profile.
- Low-Carb Option: Use low-carb wraps instead of egg roll wrappers, or skip the wrapper entirely and coat the cheese and chicken mixture in crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly version.
- Veggie Boost: Mix finely chopped green onions or bell peppers into the chicken for added texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks shine as a standalone appetizer but can also be part of a larger spread. Pair them with:
- A crisp green salad to balance the richness.
- Sweet potato fries or onion rings for a hearty game-day platter.
- A cold beer, sparkling water with lemon, or a refreshing iced tea to complement the spicy flavors.
- Extra dipping sauces like garlic aioli, honey mustard, or sriracha mayo for variety.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, Per Stick)
- Calories: 120–150 kcal (varies based on cheese and sauce used)
- Protein: 8–10g
- Fat: 5–7g
- Carbohydrates: 10–12g
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and depend on specific brands and portion sizes. For a lighter option, use low-fat mozzarella or reduce the amount of buffalo sauce.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the wrappers soggy.
- Freezing: See the “Tips for Success” section above for freezing instructions.
Why the Air Fryer?
Using an air fryer for this recipe is a game-changer. It delivers the crispy, golden texture of deep-fried mozzarella sticks with a fraction of the oil, making it a healthier and less messy option. Plus, the air fryer cooks these sticks evenly and quickly, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your delicious creation.
Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks are the ultimate fusion of spicy, cheesy, and crispy. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to impress your guests or satisfy your snack cravings. Whether you’re hosting a party, cheering on your favorite team, or just treating yourself to a fun meal, this recipe delivers big on flavor and fun. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your creations with us in the comments or on social media!
