Reheat Mozzarella Sticks to Melty Perfection

Mozzarella sticks are a classic appetizer or side dish that can be enjoyed hot and melty straight from the oven or freezer. However, like many fried foods, mozzarella sticks don’t retain their ideal texture for long after cooking. Luckily, with the right technique, you can easily reheat mozzarella sticks and bring back that hot, gooey cheese pull. This article will provide instructions for reheating mozzarella sticks using a microwave, oven, toaster oven, air fryer and on the stovetop.

Microwave Method

The microwave provides the quickest and easiest way to reheat mozzarella sticks.

Instructions:

1. Arrange the mozzarella sticks on a microwave-safe plate, leaving space between each stick.
2. Microwave on HIGH for 45 seconds to 1 minute. The exact time will depend on the amount you are reheating.
3. Check the sticks and microwave in 15 second intervals until the cheese is melted inside.
4. Be careful not to over microwave, as the breading can become rubbery.

Oven Method

The oven allows you to reheat a larger batch of mozzarella sticks evenly.

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Place frozen mozzarella sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet.
3. Bake for 6-8 minutes until hot and crisp. For a larger batch, flip halfway through baking.
4. Check frequently to prevent overbaking.

Toaster Oven Method

A toaster oven is great for reheating a smaller portion of mozzarella sticks.

Instructions:

1. Place mozzarella sticks on the toaster oven rack.
2. Set toaster oven to 375°F and toast for 4-5 minutes, until hot and cheese is melted.
3. Check frequently and remove once cheese is fully melted.

Stovetop Method

You can use a frying pan on the stovetop to reheat and recrisp mozzarella sticks.

Instructions:

1. Add just enough oil to lightly coat the bottom of a skillet. Heat over medium.
2. Carefully add mozzarella sticks to the pan in a single layer.
3. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until browned and crispy on the outside.
4. Remove from pan once cheese is melted.

Air Fryer Method

An air fryer is the perfect way to reheat mozzarella sticks so they become crispy on the outside while the cheese melts inside.

Instructions:

1. Place mozzarella sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each.
2. Set air fryer to 375°F and cook for 4-6 minutes, shaking basket halfway through.
3. Check frequently until mozzarella is fully melted. Add 1-2 minutes more if needed.

Griller Method

You can easily reheat mozzarella sticks on an indoor grill or panini press.

Instructions:

1. Lightly oil grill plates.
2. Place mozzarella sticks on grill in a single layer.
3. Close grill and cook for 2-3 minutes until breading is crispy and cheese is melted inside.
4. Carefully flip and cook other side for 1-2 minutes more.

Tips

• Always reheat mozzarella sticks from refrigerated or frozen. Room temperature sticks will become soggy.
• Baking, grilling or air frying will recrisp the outside better than a microwave.
• Check frequently and stop reheating as soon as cheese melts to prevent overcooking.
• Flat mozzarella sticks reheat better than large, thick sticks.
• For best results, use sticks that were initially baked or fried, not pre-cooked.
• Always start with frozen or refrigerated mozzarella sticks. Letting them sit out at room temperature will make the breading soggy.
• Reheat mozzarella sticks in a single layer with space between each stick to allow for even crisping.
• Use a lower heat and reheating method that allows the cheese to melt before overbrowning the breading. Aim for 375°F in the oven or air fryer.
• Bake, air fry or pan fry instead of microwaving for the crispiest results. The microwave makes the cheese melt faster than the breading crisps.
• Coat the sticks lightly in oil or cooking spray before reheating in the oven or air fryer for extra crispness.
• Preheat the oven, air fryer, or other appliance fully before adding the mozzarella sticks.
• Flip or shake the mozzarella sticks halfway through reheating for even coverage.
• Check the sticks frequently and remove them as soon as the cheese is fully melted to avoid overcooking.
• Let mozzarella sticks cool for 1-2 minutes before serving for optimal temperature and texture.

Common Questions

How long do you reheat mozzarella sticks in the air fryer?

Air fry mozzarella sticks at 375°F for 4-6 minutes, shaking halfway through, until cheese is melted.

How do you reheat frozen mozzarella sticks in the oven?

Place frozen mozzarella sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 375°F for 6-8 minutes until hot, flipping halfway through.

Can you reheat mozzarella sticks in the microwave?

Yes, microwave mozzarella sticks on HIGH in 45 second to 1 minute intervals until cheese is melted. Watch carefully to avoid overcooking.

How do you keep mozzarella sticks crispy after reheating?

Baking, air frying or pan frying will keep the breading crisper than microwaving. Letting sticks cool slightly before serving also helps.

Recipes

Baked Mozzarella Sticks

Ingredients:

• 1 lb prepared mozzarella sticks, frozen or refrigerated
• 1 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Lightly brush mozzarella sticks with olive oil or cooking spray.
3. Arrange in a single layer on baking sheet, leaving space between sticks.
4. Bake for 8-10 minutes until hot and golden brown, flipping halfway through.
5. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Ingredients:

• 12 oz prepared mozzarella sticks, frozen
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Toss frozen mozzarella sticks with olive oil in a bowl.
2. Arrange in a single layer in air fryer basket, leaving space between.
3. Air fry at 375°F for 5-6 minutes until hot and crispy.
4. Shake basket halfway through cooking.
5. Serve immediately with tomato sauce for dipping.

Skillet Mozzarella Sticks

Ingredients:

• 8 oz refrigerated mozzarella sticks
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add mozzarella sticks in a single layer and cook 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese is melted. Work in batches if needed.
3. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate before serving hot with warm marinara sauce.

Product Recommendations

Microwave:

1. Panasonic NN-SN966S – 1.6 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology
2. Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor, Easy Clean Interior, ECO Mode and Sound On/Off, 1.2 Cu.ft, Black Stainless Steel
3. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, 0.7 Cu.Ft, Black
4. COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu.Ft/700W With 6 Pre-Set Menu Buttons, Easy Clean, ETL Certified, Black
5. Galanz G80F10NDSL10 1.0 cu.ft. 1000W Digital Stainless Steel Countertop Microwave Oven, Mirror Finish

Oven:

1. Oster TSSTTVDGXL-SHP Extra Large Digital Countertop Oven, Stainless Steel
2. BLACK+DECKER 6-Slice Digital Convection Countertop Toaster Oven, Silver, TO3280SSD
3. Breville the Compact Smart Oven BOV650XL 1800 Watt Convection Oven with Element IQ
4. Cuisinart Chef’s Convection Toaster Oven Airfryer, Silver, TOA-65
5. Hamilton Beach (31126) Toaster Oven , Convection Function, Temperature Settings, Toast 6 Slices, Bake, Broil & Keep Warm, Nonstick Interior, Large Capacity, Black

Air Fryer:

1. Ninja AF101 Air Fryer with 4 Quart Capacity, Black/gray
2. Instant Vortex Air Fryer Oven Combo, 10 Quart Capacity, Rotisserie & Dehydrate, 1500W Power, Digital Touchscreen, 8 Cook Presets, Matte Black
3. COSORI Air Fryer Oven Combo (5.8 QT Electric Hot Air Fryers Oven) Roaster Toaster 30 Minuten, 13 Cooking Functions, Preheat & Shake Reminder, 100 Original Recipes, LED Digital Touchscreen,1700W, Nonstick Baking Pan & Crumb Tray, ETL Listed / FDA Certified, Black Stainless Steel
4. Ultrean Air Fryer, 4.2 Quart (4 Liter) Electric Hot Air Fryers Oven Oilless Cooker with LCD Digital Screen and Nonstick Frying Pot, ETL/UL Certified, BPA-Free, 1500W, Recipe Book Included, Black
5. Ninja Foodi 12-in-1 8-quart XL Pressure Cooker Air Fryer Steamer & More, Blender Compatible, Stainless Finish

With any of these reheating methods, you can easily revive mozzarella sticks to be hot and melty again. Crisp up the outside in the oven, air fryer or skillet, while ensuring the cheese is fully melted inside. In just minutes, you can enjoy the irresistible taste of warm, gooey mozzarella sticks.