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

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A quick and easy recipe for crispy, cheesy mozzarella sticks made in the air fryer, served with a tangy marinara sauce. Perfect for a fuss-free, crowd-pleasing snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese), about 1 ounce (28g) each, chilled or slightly frozen
  • ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten with 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 ½ cups (150g) Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup (25g) finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme mix)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Olive oil spray or cooking spray
  • About 1 cup (240ml) marinara sauce for dipping

Instructions

  1. If your string cheese is at room temperature, freeze for 15-20 minutes to firm up.
  2. Set up breading station: place flour in one bowl; whisk eggs and water in second bowl; mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper in third bowl.
  3. Roll each mozzarella stick in flour, shaking off excess, then dip in egg wash, and roll in breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently.
  4. Repeat the egg wash and breadcrumb coating for a double dip for extra crispiness.
  5. Place breaded sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes.
  6. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
  7. Spray air fryer basket lightly with olive oil spray. Arrange mozzarella sticks in a single layer with space between each.
  8. Spray tops lightly with cooking spray and air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
  9. Serve immediately warm with marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

Freeze mozzarella sticks before and after breading to prevent cheese leakage. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure crispiness. Spray sticks lightly with cooking spray for a golden crust. Watch cooking time closely to avoid bursting cheese. Reheat leftovers in air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/crispy-air-fryer-mozzarella-sticks-recipe-easy-homemade-snack-with-marinara-sauce/