Ingredients:

  • 12 oz (340g) pre-made mozzarella sticks (frozen)
  • 6 slices (150g) center-cut bacon
  • 2 tbsp (28g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) hot sauce
  • 1 tsp (2g) cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 tsp (1g) smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp (1g) garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp (1g) onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper

Instructions:

  1. Freeze the sticks. Place mozzarella sticks in the freezer for 30 minutes if they aren't frozen solid. Note: This prevents the cheese from leaking out too early.
  2. Prep the bacon. Cut bacon slices in half.
  3. Wrap the cheese. Wrap one half slice tightly around each mozzarella stick, ensuring the ends overlap slightly.
  4. Secure the wrap. Insert a toothpick through the center and the bacon ends to secure the wrap. Note: This keeps the bacon from shrinking away from the cheese.
  5. Mix the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
  6. Apply the heat. Use a pastry brush to generously apply the glaze over the bacon on each stick.
  7. Arrange the basket. Place the sticks on parchment paper in the air fryer basket.
  8. Cook the sticks. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway through, until the bacon is mahogany colored and crisp.
  9. Rest the cheese. Allow the sticks to rest for 2 minutes before serving to let the cheese set.