Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks

 

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie works best)
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to spice preference)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 8–10 mozzarella sticks (string cheese), cut in half
• 1 cup all-purpose  flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1–1.5 cups  breadcrumbs (panko gives extra crunch)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
• 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
• Cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Make the filling

Mix together:

• shredded chicken
• buffalo sauce
• cream cheese
• mozzarella cheese

Stir until thick and well combined. Chill for 10–15 minutes (this makes shaping easier).

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2. Assemble the sticks

• Take a halved mozzarella stick
• Flatten a spoonful of buffalo chicken mixture around it
• Shape into a log (like a thick stick)
• Repeat for all pieces

Place formed sticks in the freezer for 20–30 minutes (important so they don’t melt too fast).

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3. Bread them

Set up 3 bowls:

1. Flour
2. Beaten eggs
3. Breadcrumbs + garlic powder + paprika

Coat each stick:

• Flour → egg → breadcrumbs
• For extra crunch: repeat egg + breadcrumbs again

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4. Air fry

• Preheat air fryer to 190°C (375°F)
• Spray sticks lightly with oil
• Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway
• Cook until golden and crispy

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5. Serve

Let cool 2–3 minutes, then serve with:

• ranch
• extra buffalo sauce
• blue cheese dip (classic combo)

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If you want, I can also give you:

•  a spicier version
•  a low-carb/keto version
• or  a version that doesn’t require freezing time