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Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe Easy Homemade Snack with Marinara Sauce

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Golden, crispy mozzarella sticks made in the air fryer with a triple coating for perfect crunch, served with a fresh homemade marinara sauce. A quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing snack perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Mozzarella cheese sticks (full-fat, string cheese sticks work perfectly)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (125g)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten, room temperature
  • 1 ½ cups Italian-style breadcrumbs (150g), preferably Panko
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (25g)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Olive oil spray
  • For the marinara sauce:
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 minced garlic cloves
  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes (240ml)
  • ½ tsp dried basil
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • Salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar

Instructions

  1. Freeze the mozzarella sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet for at least 1 hour to prevent cheese from leaking during cooking.
  2. Prepare three breading stations: one bowl with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Dredge each frozen mozzarella stick in flour, shaking off excess, dip into eggs, then coat thoroughly in breadcrumb mixture. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating for extra crunch. Place coated sticks on a plate or baking sheet.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Lightly spray the mozzarella sticks with olive oil spray on all sides. Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
  6. While sticks cook, heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add crushed tomatoes, dried basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar. Simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  7. Serve the crispy mozzarella sticks immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

Freeze mozzarella sticks before breading to prevent cheese leakage. Double coating with egg and breadcrumbs ensures extra crunch. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket for even cooking. Use olive oil spray for crispiness without deep frying. If cheese oozes out during cooking, gently press it back with tongs and continue cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: mozzarella sticks, air fryer, crispy, homemade snack, marinara sauce, easy recipe, cheesy, appetizer

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