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

crispy air fryer mozzarella sticks - featured image
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These crispy air fryer mozzarella sticks are a quick and easy snack with a crunchy breadcrumb coating and gooey melted cheese inside, served with tangy marinara sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese), full-fat recommended
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour (can substitute gluten-free flour)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten with 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 ½ cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional but recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooking spray or olive oil mist
  • Marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

  1. Remove mozzarella sticks from wrappers and pat dry with paper towels. Cut each stick in half if smaller bites are preferred.
  2. Set up breading stations: place flour in one bowl; beat eggs with water in a second bowl; combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper in a third bowl.
  3. Roll each mozzarella stick in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into egg wash, then coat thoroughly in breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Repeat egg and breadcrumb coating once more for extra crunch.
  4. Place coated sticks on a baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper and freeze for at least 30 minutes to prevent cheese from oozing during cooking.
  5. Preheat air fryer to 390°F for 3-5 minutes and lightly spray the basket with cooking spray.
  6. Arrange mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Lightly spray tops with cooking spray.
  7. Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. Watch carefully to avoid burning and cheese leakage.
  8. Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

Freezing the breaded sticks before air frying is crucial to prevent cheese from leaking out. Double coating with egg and breadcrumbs adds extra crunch. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even crisping. Reheat leftovers in the air fryer to maintain crispiness; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

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

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