Looking for a way to spice up your snack routine? Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are the perfect balance of crispy, gooey, and fiery hot! Inspired by the famous Nashville hot chicken, these mozzarella sticks pack a spicy punch that will satisfy your cravings for both heat and flavor. The crispy breadcrumb coating surrounds a melty core of mozzarella cheese, while a homemade Nashville hot sauce adds the perfect amount of heat and tang to take your snack experience to the next level.
The beauty of these mozzarella sticks is in their versatility. Whether you’re hosting a party, craving something indulgent, or looking to impress your friends with a fun twist on a classic appetizer, Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are sure to be a hit. The air fryer gives them that perfect crunch without excess oil, making them a lighter yet equally satisfying alternative to deep-fried options.
Plus, these spicy mozzarella sticks are incredibly easy to make! With a few simple ingredients like mozzarella, breadcrumbs, and a hot sauce made from cayenne pepper, paprika, and brown sugar, you can create a batch of these mouthwatering treats in under 30 minutes. Whether served as an appetizer with a side of ranch or paired with your favorite dipping sauce, these hot mozzarella sticks are guaranteed to spice up your day!
Why You Will Love Making This Recipe
If you’re a fan of bold flavors and crispy snacks, Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks will quickly become your new favorite recipe. These mozzarella sticks bring the heat in the most delicious way, with the perfect combination of crunch, cheese, and spice. They’re not just your typical mozzarella sticks – they are an elevated, fiery version that adds a kick to any meal or snack time.
What makes these Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks even more irresistible is the flavor-packed Nashville hot sauce. The hot sauce is made with cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and brown sugar, giving you a balance of spicy, smoky, and sweet flavors that coat each mozzarella stick. This sauce adds just the right amount of heat, so it’s perfect for those who love a bit of spice but don’t want it to be overwhelming.
The crispy coating on the mozzarella sticks is another highlight. By using breadcrumbs and a light coating of oil in the air fryer, the mozzarella sticks cook up golden brown and crunchy, without the need for deep frying. The air fryer method makes them quick and easy to prepare while ensuring they retain that perfect crispiness on the outside, with a gooey, melted cheese interior.
You’ll love how easy these Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are to make. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, they come together in just about 30 minutes, making them an ideal snack or appetizer for any occasion. Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or just looking for a fun twist on a classic, these mozzarella sticks will have you coming back for more.
Ingredients:
- 12 mozzarella sticks (or string cheese)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crunch)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Olive oil spray or cooking spray
Equipment Used
- Air Fryer: The air fryer is essential for achieving that crispy, golden texture without deep frying. It ensures the mozzarella sticks cook evenly and remain crispy.
- Shallow Bowls: Used for setting up the breading stations – one for flour, one for beaten eggs, and one for the breadcrumb mixture.
- Baking Sheet: A baking sheet or plate is useful for freezing the breaded mozzarella sticks before cooking, which helps keep the cheese inside.
- Cooking Spray or Basting Brush: To lightly coat the mozzarella sticks with oil before air frying, helping them get that crispy finish.
- Tongs or Fork: For flipping the mozzarella sticks halfway through the air frying process to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.
- Small Bowl: For mixing the homemade Nashville hot sauce, including butter, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, and other spices.
- Serving Plate: To serve your hot, crispy mozzarella sticks with dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese.
Directions & Instructions
- Prepare the Mozzarella Sticks: Start by cutting the mozzarella sticks in half if you prefer smaller portions. Arrange them on a plate and set aside.
- Set Up the Breading Stations: In three shallow bowls, set up the breading stations. Place the flour in the first bowl, the beaten eggs in the second, and the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in the third bowl. Mix the breadcrumb mixture to evenly distribute the spices.
- Bread the Mozzarella Sticks: Coat each mozzarella stick in flour first, then dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Finally, roll the mozzarella stick in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the crumbs adhere well.
- Freeze the Mozzarella Sticks: To help the cheese stay inside while cooking, freeze the breaded mozzarella sticks for at least 15 minutes.
- Prepare the Nashville Hot Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, paprika, and garlic powder. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and fully combined.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Air Fry the Mozzarella Sticks: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Arrange the mozzarella sticks in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch. Lightly spray the tops of the sticks with oil for an extra crispy finish. Air fry at 375°F for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Coat with Nashville Hot Sauce: Once the mozzarella sticks are cooked, immediately toss them in the prepared Nashville hot sauce, ensuring they are fully coated with the spicy sauce.
- Serve: Serve the spicy mozzarella sticks with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, and enjoy the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and spicy!
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 180 per mozzarella stick (without dipping sauce)
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 9g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
These Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are an indulgent treat, but they still pack in a good amount of protein thanks to the mozzarella cheese. The homemade hot sauce adds an extra layer of flavor with its spicy and sweet profile. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, consider using reduced-fat mozzarella and minimizing the amount of butter in the sauce to lighten things up.
Variations
- Spicy Level Adjustment: Adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the cayenne pepper or hot sauce to suit your spice tolerance.
- Cheese Options: For a fun twist, you can use other types of cheese such as pepper jack or cheddar for a different flavor.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice cereal for a gluten-free option.
- Extra Crispy: For even more crunch, use Panko breadcrumbs, which will give your mozzarella sticks a lighter, airier texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these mozzarella sticks in advance?
Yes, you can prepare and bread the mozzarella sticks ahead of time. Simply freeze them until you’re ready to cook them. When you’re ready, just air fry them and coat with the Nashville hot sauce.
Can I bake these mozzarella sticks instead of using an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake them at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. They may not be as crispy as when air fried, but they will still be delicious.
What can I serve with these mozzarella sticks?
Serve these Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks with ranch, blue cheese, or your favorite dipping sauce. Pair them with a side salad or a plate of crispy fries for a complete meal.
Can I use pre-made hot sauce for the Nashville sauce?
Yes, you can use a store-bought Nashville hot chicken sauce if you prefer. Just make sure it has the right balance of heat and sweetness to complement the cheese sticks.
Pro Tips By Emma
- Freeze the Sticks: Freezing the mozzarella sticks after breading is crucial to prevent the cheese from leaking out during the cooking process.
- Double Coat for Extra Crunch: For an extra crispy texture, double-coat the mozzarella sticks by dipping them in the egg and breadcrumbs twice before freezing.
- Control the Spice: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and hot sauce in the Nashville sauce to match your heat preference.
Serving Suggestions
These Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are perfect for serving at parties or as a spicy snack during movie night. Pair them with a refreshing cucumber salad or crispy French fries for a complete meal. You can also serve them with a variety of dipping sauces such as ranch, blue cheese, or a creamy garlic dip for extra flavor.
Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks : Spicy, Crispy, and Irresistible
Equipment
- Air Fryer: The air fryer is essential for achieving that crispy, golden texture without deep frying. It ensures the mozzarella sticks cook evenly and remain crispy.
- Shallow Bowls: Used for setting up the breading stations – one for flour, one for beaten eggs, and one for the breadcrumb mixture.
- Baking Sheet: A baking sheet or plate is useful for freezing the breaded mozzarella sticks before cooking, which helps keep the cheese inside.
- Cooking Spray or Basting Brush: To lightly coat the mozzarella sticks with oil before air frying, helping them get that crispy finish.
- Tongs or Fork: For flipping the mozzarella sticks halfway through the air frying process to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.
- Small Bowl: For mixing the homemade Nashville hot sauce, including butter, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, and other spices.
- Serving Plate: To serve your hot, crispy mozzarella sticks with dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese.
Ingredients
- 12 mozzarella sticks or string cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs Panko for extra crunch
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce such as Frank’s RedHot
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Olive oil spray or cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare the Mozzarella Sticks: Start by cutting the mozzarella sticks in half if you prefer smaller portions. Arrange them on a plate and set aside.
- Set Up the Breading Stations: In three shallow bowls, set up the breading stations. Place the flour in the first bowl, the beaten eggs in the second, and the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in the third bowl. Mix the breadcrumb mixture to evenly distribute the spices.
- Bread the Mozzarella Sticks: Coat each mozzarella stick in flour first, then dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Finally, roll the mozzarella stick in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the crumbs adhere well.
- Freeze the Mozzarella Sticks: To help the cheese stay inside while cooking, freeze the breaded mozzarella sticks for at least 15 minutes.
- Prepare the Nashville Hot Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, paprika, and garlic powder. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and fully combined.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Air Fry the Mozzarella Sticks: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Arrange the mozzarella sticks in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch. Lightly spray the tops of the sticks with oil for an extra crispy finish. Air fry at 375°F for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Coat with Nashville Hot Sauce: Once the mozzarella sticks are cooked, immediately toss them in the prepared Nashville hot sauce, ensuring they are fully coated with the spicy sauce.
- Serve: Serve the spicy mozzarella sticks with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, and enjoy the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and spicy!