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

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These crispy air fryer mozzarella sticks are a quick and easy snack with a perfectly crunchy crust and melty cheese inside, served with a homemade tangy marinara sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese, full-fat recommended)
  • 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten with a splash of water
  • 1 ½ cups (150g) Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, parsley blend)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • Olive oil spray
  • For the marinara sauce:
  • 1 cup (240ml) canned crushed tomatoes (San Marzano if available)
  • 2 minced garlic cloves
  • 1 tsp chopped fresh basil or ½ tsp dried Italian herbs
  • Salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar to balance acidity
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Unwrap the mozzarella sticks and slice each in half if desired for smaller bites. Place on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs and water, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan, garlic powder, dried herbs, salt, and pepper.
  3. Dredge each frozen mozzarella stick in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into egg wash, allowing excess to drip off, and roll in breadcrumb mixture pressing gently to adhere.
  4. Repeat the egg wash and breadcrumb coating once more for a double coat.
  5. Place coated sticks back on tray and freeze for another 30 minutes.
  6. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
  7. Spray air fryer basket lightly with olive oil. Arrange sticks in a single layer without touching. Spray tops lightly with olive oil.
  8. Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
  9. While sticks cook, heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
  10. Add crushed tomatoes, basil or dried herbs, salt, pepper, and sugar. Simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  11. Remove mozzarella sticks carefully with tongs and let cool a minute before serving with warm marinara sauce.

Notes

Freeze mozzarella sticks before and after coating to prevent cheese from leaking. Double coating with breadcrumbs ensures extra crunch. Spray olive oil lightly on basket and sticks to mimic frying without excess oil. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Flip sticks halfway through cooking for even browning. If cheese leaks, lower temperature by 10°F and increase cooking time slightly.

Nutrition

Keywords: mozzarella sticks, air fryer, crispy snack, homemade marinara, easy snack, party food, quick recipe

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