Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

If you are craving a snack that combines spicy, cheesy, and crispy in one glorious bite, then you are in for a treat with these Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks. This dish is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, packing the fiery kick of buffalo sauce with the gooey indulgence of melted mozzarella, all perfectly crisped in the air fryer. Whether you’re hosting game night, need a fun appetizer, or just want something deliciously different, these sticks deliver bold flavors and a satisfying crunch every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, accessible ingredients come together to create a flavor-packed experience with these Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks. Each component plays a vital role—moist and spicy buffalo chicken, silky mozzarella, and a crispy seasoned coating—making this dish irresistible.

• 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded: The hearty base infused with buffalo sauce for spicy goodness.
• 1 cup buffalo sauce: Adds that signature tangy heat and moisture to the chicken.
• 8 oz mozzarella sticks: This is the melty, cheesy heart of every stick.
• 1 cup breadcrumbs: Provides the golden, crunchy exterior once seasoned.
• 1/2 cup flour: Helps the coating stick and achieve a perfect crust.
• 2 large eggs, beaten: Acts as the glue to bind the coating to the mozzarella.
• 1 tbsp garlic powder: Adds a savory depth to the breadcrumb mixture.
• 1 tbsp onion powder: Enhances flavor complexity in the crust.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Balances and brightens every bite.
• Cooking spray: Essential for crisping the sticks without frying in oil.

How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks

Step 1: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Mixture

Start by shredding your cooked chicken breasts until tender and easy to stuff. Toss that shredded chicken in a bowl with a full cup of buffalo sauce, making sure each piece is coated in the spicy, tangy flavor that defines this dish. Set this mixture aside—it’s the fiery filling that will take your mozzarella sticks to the next level.

Step 2: Coat the Mozzarella Sticks

This part creates the irresistible crispy shell around your cheesy centerpiece. First, roll each mozzarella stick in the flour, which provides a dry surface for the egg wash to stick to. Next, dip the floured sticks directly into the beaten eggs, forming the tacky layer needed to hold the breadcrumb coating. Finally, generously roll each stick in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, packed with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for vibrant flavor and texture.

Step 3: Stuff the Mozzarella Sticks

Now for the fun part. Carefully take a small spoonful of the buffalo chicken mixture you prepared and stuff it around or alongside the mozzarella sticks, depending on their size and your preference. This stuffing method infuses every bite with spicy chicken goodness, mingling wonderfully with the creamy cheese inside.

Step 4: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for that ideal cooking environment. Arrange the stuffed mozzarella sticks in a single layer inside the basket, making sure they don’t touch for even crisping. Spray them lightly with cooking spray to encourage that golden, crunchy exterior. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, turning them halfway through so all sides crisp beautifully. Once done, they will be perfectly golden and bubbling with cheesy, spicy goodness.

How to Serve Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks

Garnishes

Adding simple garnishes can elevate your presentation and add fresh flavor contrasts. Try sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and a light herbal note to balance the richness. For those who crave extra heat, a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing is a classic choice and intensifies the buffalo flair.

Side Dishes

Pair these buffalo chicken mozzarella sticks with crunchy celery sticks or baby carrots to refresh the palate and keep things balanced. A crisp green salad drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette is another lovely partner, offering some brightness alongside the indulgent sticks. For a heartier meal, consider serving them with oven-baked fries or crispy sweet potato wedges.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests? Serve these sticks skewered on wooden sticks for easy dipping and a fun presentation. Arrange them on a wooden board with small bowls of bleu cheese, ranch, and extra buffalo sauce for an inviting appetizer platter. You could even slide them into soft slider buns with a smear of ranch for a playful bite-size sandwich twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers from your Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping them well-sealed helps maintain their crispy coating while locking in moisture and flavor.

Freezing

These mozzarella sticks freeze wonderfully if you want to prepare in advance or save some for later. Freeze them on a baking sheet first to keep the sticks separate, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to two months and are just as tasty when air-fried straight from frozen.

Reheating

Reheat your leftover or frozen Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks in the air fryer to regain that crispness. Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and heat for 5 to 7 minutes, turning halfway through. Avoid microwaving as it will make the coating soggy and the cheese prone to oozing out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to fully cook and shred the chicken before mixing it with buffalo sauce. Using cooked frozen chicken saves time and tastes great in this recipe.

Is there a way to make these sticks less spicy?

Definitely. You can reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or substitute it with a milder wing sauce. Additionally, pairing the sticks with ranch or blue cheese dips helps tone down the heat.

What type of mozzarella sticks work best?

Standard frozen mozzarella sticks found in most grocery stores work perfectly. Choose mozzarella sticks that are uniformly shaped to make stuffing and coating easier.

Can I bake these instead of air frying?

You can, but the air fryer gives a superior crispiness without excess oil. If baking, place them on a greased baking sheet at 400°F (205°C) and bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, to approximate the texture.

How do I prevent the mozzarella from leaking during cooking?

Properly coating the sticks with flour, egg, and breadcrumbs helps seal in the cheese. Also, avoid overstuffing the chicken to reduce the risk of leakage, and keep the coating intact before air frying.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like the satisfying crunch of these Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks paired with that spicy, meaty filling and gooey cheese. They’re quick to make, fun to eat, and guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. So grab your ingredients, fire up the air fryer, and get ready to enjoy a snack that feels indulgent and exciting—your taste buds will thank you!