To reheat mozzarella sticks in an air fryer, set the temperature to 180°C (350°F) and cook for 3-5 minutes until crispy and heated through. This method restores that perfect crunch while keeping the cheese deliciously molten inside – far superior to microwave results.
The air fryer's rapid hot air circulation works wonders on leftover mozzarella sticks. Unlike microwaving which makes them soggy, or conventional ovens that dry them out, the air fryer recreates that just-fried texture. The high heat crisps the breadcrumb coating while gently warming the cheese centre to the perfect consistency. For more air fryer reheating tips, check out our comprehensive guide at airfryerrecipe.co.uk/recipes.
When reheating mozzarella sticks in an air fryer, you'll notice they come out nearly identical to freshly cooked ones. The key is avoiding overcrowding – give each stick space so hot air can circulate properly. Most standard air fryer baskets can comfortably fit 6-8 mozzarella sticks at once for optimal results. If you're working with particularly large sticks or a small air fryer model, you might need to reheat in batches.
Whether your mozzarella sticks are fresh from the fridge or frozen, proper preparation ensures even reheating. For refrigerated sticks, let them sit at room temperature for 5 minutes while your air fryer preheats. Frozen mozzarella sticks may need an extra minute or two in the air fryer – we'll cover frozen specifics later. Lightly spray or brush the sticks with oil if they appear dry, as this helps restore crispiness.
Set your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for reheating mozzarella sticks. This temperature provides the ideal balance between crisping the exterior and gently warming the cheese. Cook time typically ranges from 3-5 minutes depending on your air fryer model and the starting temperature of your sticks. Check at the 3-minute mark – they're ready when golden brown and the cheese starts to bubble at the ends.
Reheating mozzarella sticks from frozen requires slight adjustments. Increase the temperature to 190°C (375°F) and extend the cooking time to 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through. The higher temperature helps combat the chill from freezing while preventing the coating from burning before the centre thaws. Our frozen foods section has more tips for reheating various frozen snacks.
For mozzarella sticks that have been refrigerated overnight, you might notice some moisture loss. Sprinkling a few drops of water on the air fryer basket (not directly on the sticks) creates steam that prevents drying out. Alternatively, placing a small oven-safe dish of water in the air fryer drawer works similarly. This technique is particularly useful when reheating breaded foods multiple days after initial cooking.
If your mozzarella sticks consistently leak cheese during reheating, try reducing the temperature by 10°C and increasing the time slightly. The lower heat allows the interior to warm gradually while maintaining the coating's integrity. Also ensure your air fryer isn't overcrowded – proper spacing prevents sticks from pressing against each other and bursting open.
For mozzarella sticks that have gone slightly soft in storage, a light coating of oil or cooking spray before reheating works wonders. The fat helps reactivate the breadcrumb coating's crispness. Another trick is to place the sticks directly on the air fryer rack rather than in the basket, allowing maximum airflow around every surface. After reheating, let them rest for a minute – this helps the coating set for that perfect crunch.
Reheated mozzarella sticks make fantastic ingredients for other dishes. Try chopping them up to top a pizza or salad, or layer them in a sandwich with marinara sauce. The air fryer's ability to restore their texture means they're nearly as versatile as fresh-cooked sticks. For more inspiration, browse our air fryer conversion chart to adapt conventional oven recipes.
Pair your perfectly reheated mozzarella sticks with various dipping sauces beyond the classic marinara. Pesto, ranch dressing, or even a balsamic glaze make excellent alternatives. If you're feeling adventurous, drizzle with honey and sprinkle with chilli flakes for a sweet-spicy twist. The air fryer's consistent results mean you can experiment with flavours confidently.
