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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 homemade snack featuring a golden crust and gooey cheese inside, served with a flavorful marinara sauce. Perfect for any occasion, they offer a healthier alternative to deep-fried versions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese or block mozzarella cut into sticks, about 3 inches long and ½ inch thick)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (can substitute with gluten-free flour blend)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten, room temperature
  • 1 ½ cups Italian-style panko breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Cooking spray or olive oil mist
  • Marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)

Instructions

  1. Cut block mozzarella into sticks about 3 inches long and ½ inch thick if not using string cheese. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  2. Set up three shallow bowls: Bowl 1 with all-purpose flour, Bowl 2 with beaten eggs, Bowl 3 with breadcrumb mix (panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper).
  3. Dredge each cheese stick first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into beaten eggs, and coat thoroughly with breadcrumb mixture. For extra crispiness, double-dip by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps.
  4. Lay coated sticks on a plate or baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes to prevent melting during cooking.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
  6. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange sticks in a single layer without touching.
  7. Cook for 4-5 minutes, flip carefully with tongs, then cook another 4-5 minutes until golden and crispy. Watch closely the last 2 minutes to avoid cheese oozing out.
  8. While sticks cook, warm marinara sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat (optional).
  9. Serve mozzarella sticks hot with a generous side of marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

Freeze coated sticks for at least 30 minutes before cooking to prevent cheese leakage. Double coating with egg and breadcrumbs creates a thicker, crispier crust. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even crispiness. Spray sticks lightly with cooking spray before air frying for a golden crust without deep frying. If baking, use a convection oven at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes on a wire rack, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

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

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