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Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe with Easy Homemade Marinara Dip

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These crispy air fryer mozzarella sticks feature a golden, crunchy crust and gooey cheese center, paired with a fresh, tangy homemade marinara dip. A quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing snack perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Mozzarella cheese sticks (full-length string cheese, cut in half)
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 ½ cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
  • ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Cooking spray or a light drizzle of olive oil
  • For the marinara dip:
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 fresh garlic cloves, minced
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • Fresh basil leaves, torn
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • A pinch of sugar (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cut each mozzarella string cheese stick in half and set aside on a parchment-lined tray.
  2. Set up breading stations: place flour in one shallow bowl, beaten eggs in a second bowl, and combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper in a third bowl.
  3. Dredge each cheese stick first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the egg mixture, and roll in the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a double coating.
  4. Place the breaded sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes to set the coating and prevent cheese leakage.
  5. While sticks freeze, heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  6. Add crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a pinch of sugar if sauce is too acidic. Finish with fresh basil leaves.
  7. Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray.
  8. Arrange frozen mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each.
  9. Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. Watch closely to avoid burning or cheese leakage.
  10. Serve immediately with the homemade marinara dip.

Notes

Double coating the sticks and freezing them before air frying are key to preventing cheese leakage and achieving a crispy crust. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket for even cooking. If your air fryer runs hot, check sticks at 6 minutes to prevent burning. Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy coating.

Nutrition

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

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