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### **Instructions**
#### **Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling**
Start by combining the shredded or chopped cooked chicken with buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese in a bowl. Mix everything until well combined, and if you want an extra creamy and tangy flavor, add a tablespoon of ranch or blue cheese dressing. This creamy chicken mixture will serve as the flavorful filling for your mozzarella sticks.
#### **Step 2: Shape the Mozzarella Sticks**
Now it’s time to shape your sticks! Take about a tablespoon of the buffalo chicken mixture and mold it into a log shape. Place a mozzarella string cheese stick inside the chicken mixture and carefully press the chicken around it to fully enclose the cheese. Repeat the process until all the mozzarella sticks are wrapped in the buffalo chicken mixture.
#### **Step 3: Coat the Sticks**
Set up your breading station: in one shallow dish, place the flour. In another shallow dish, beat the eggs. In the third dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Carefully roll each buffalo chicken mozzarella stick in the flour, making sure it’s evenly coated. Dip it into the beaten eggs, and then roll it in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick well to the chicken. Repeat for all the sticks.
#### **Step 4: Air Fry the Sticks**
Preheat your air fryer to **375°F (190°C)** for about 3-5 minutes. Arrange the prepared mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t touching to ensure even cooking. Lightly spray them with cooking spray to help them crisp up.
Air fry the sticks for **7-9 minutes**, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Keep an eye on them towards the end of cooking, as air fryer models can vary in cooking time. The cheese should be melty and gooey, and the buffalo chicken coating should be crispy and golden.
#### **Step 5: Serve and Enjoy**
Once your buffalo chicken mozzarella sticks are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Drizzle them with a little extra buffalo sauce for an added kick. Serve them with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping.
### **Why Air Frying Works Perfectly for These Sticks**
Air frying is a game-changer when it comes to creating crispy, golden foods without all the oil. With just a light spray of cooking oil, your mozzarella sticks will come out crisp on the outside while staying perfectly gooey on the inside. The air fryer cooks them quickly and evenly, so you get that delightful crunch and melted cheese with minimal mess.
### **Tips and Variations**
– **Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to suit your spice tolerance. If you want a milder flavor, use a less spicy buffalo sauce or mix it with a bit of ranch dressing.
– **Cheese Options:** While mozzarella sticks are traditional, feel free to experiment with other cheeses such as cheddar or pepper jack for a unique flavor profile.
– **Make Ahead:** You can prepare these buffalo chicken mozzarella sticks ahead of time by assembling and breading them, then freezing them for up to a month. When ready to cook, just place them in the air fryer straight from the freezer—no need to thaw!
– **Add Vegetables:** If you want to add a veggie component to these sticks, finely chop spinach or green onions and mix them into the buffalo chicken filling for an extra burst of flavor.
### **Serving Suggestions**
These Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks are a perfect appetizer, but they can also be paired with other tasty dishes to make a complete meal:
– **Celery and Carrots:** Serve with crispy celery and carrots for a classic buffalo wing side dish.
– **Salads:** Pair these mozzarella sticks with a crisp garden salad or a Caesar salad to balance out the richness.
– **Fries:** For the ultimate comfort food experience, serve alongside some crispy air fryer fries or sweet potato fries.
### **Conclusion**
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks are the ultimate combination of cheesy, spicy, and crispy in every bite. With the help of the air fryer, you can enjoy this delicious appetizer with a fraction of the oil and hassle of traditional frying. Whether you’re hosting a party, watching the big game, or just craving a snack, these buffalo chicken mozzarella sticks are sure to be a hit. So fire up your air fryer and indulge in this crispy, creamy, and flavorful treat today!
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