If you are in a hurry for your favorite cheese snack, you may have wondered, can you cook mozzarella sticks in the microwave?
If so, how long does it take, and at what temperature?
Does it matter if the mozzarella sticks are frozen?
How can you make sure they are still crispy and don’t go soggy?
Should you cover them with anything at all?
Let’s check out the secret to microwaving mozzarella sticks!
Mozzarella sticks can be microwaved, but some precautions need to be taken, and they may not retain their crispy coating. Place them on a microwave-safe plate, but do not cover the mozzarella sticks, as this will encourage them to cook in their own steam. This added moisture content will make the breadcrumbs go soggy. Ensure they are spaced apart and not touching to ensure an even cooking time. An initial period of 30 seconds is recommended before turning the mozzarella sticks and microwaving them for a further 30 seconds. Check that the cheese has melted sufficiently, but be aware that the sticks will get very hot.
Is It Possible to Microwave Mozzarella Sticks?
Although mozzarella sticks don’t take too long in the oven, microwaving them would be even quicker.
So, what are the potential downfalls, will it even work?
Thankfully, yes, it’s perfectly possible to microwave mozzarella sticks, but there are some things you need to be aware of.
First of all, it’s unlikely that the mozzarella sticks will have the same crispy breadcrumb coating that we love.
You definitely shouldn’t cover them when in the microwave, as this will encourage steam.
The extra moisture from the steam will make the breadcrumbs go soggy.
Of course, for safety reasons, always use a microwave-safe plate.
Try not to microwave too many mozzarella sticks at the same time, you need to space them out on the plate so they all cook evenly.
Start with an initial burst of just 30 seconds, then turn them over.
Microwave the sticks for another 30 seconds before checking if they are cooked.
Obviously, you want the mozzarella to have melted and become gooey and stringy.
Do be careful, as the cheese will be very hot.
As the mozzarella sticks will cool quite quickly, the cheese will become somewhat rubbery.
So, eat them as soon as possible after microwaving them.
How Do You Cook Frozen Mozzarella Sticks?
Typically, when you buy mozzarella sticks, they are actually frozen.
The instructions will no doubt say that they are to be cooked in the oven.
This takes around 10 minutes and ensures the sticks retain their tasty, crispy topping.
And while this may give the best results, there are other ways of cooking mozzarella sticks.
First of all, the instructions and advice above, as regards microwaving mozzarella sticks, apply equally, whether they are fresh or frozen.
So, you can get satisfactory results from microwaving frozen mozzarella sticks.
The next option you may not have considered is to use your air fryer.
Not only is this quicker and more economical than using your oven, but they will also retain their crispy crumb, unlike microwaving.
It typically takes five to seven minutes to cook mozzarella sticks in an air fryer, and you don’t need to thaw them first.
Spread them in a single layer, and turn them once during cooking time.
Another method is to cook the mozzarella sticks in a skillet.
This works well, but you will need to add oil to the pan, which could make them greasy.
How to Microwave Cheese Sticks
Final Thoughts
Mozzarella sticks can be cooked in the microwave, but they will not be as crispy.
Don’t cover them with anything while cooking, as this will create more moisture and make the breadcrumbs too soggy.
The mozzarella sticks will take as little as 60 seconds to cook in the microwave.
Other than the traditional baking method, mozzarella sticks can also be cooked in an air fryer or in a skillet.
All of these methods are suitable for frozen mozzarella sticks.
No matter how you cook your favorite cheese snack, I am sure you will enjoy it!
Don’t forget the sauce!
If you enjoy this method of cooking, please read my article on how to microwave halloumi.