Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks : Spicy, Crispy, and Irresistible
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!
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!
Notes
To make these Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks even more delicious, try adding extra spices like smoked paprika or a pinch of cumin to the breadcrumb mixture for added flavor depth. You can also drizzle a bit of honey over the sticks after coating them in the hot sauce for a sweet and spicy contrast. For a creamier dipping sauce, mix ranch with a bit of hot sauce for a tangy, cool complement to the heat!