Print

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

crispy air fryer mozzarella sticks - featured image
Print Recipe

These crispy air fryer mozzarella sticks are a quick, cheesy, and satisfying snack with a perfect crunchy coating and gooey center, served with a tangy marinara dip.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese)
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour (60 grams)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten, room temperature
  • 1 ½ cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs (150 grams), preferably Panko style
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (25 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Pinch of black pepper
  • Cooking spray or olive oil spray
  • 1 cup marinara sauce (240 ml)

Instructions

  1. Unwrap the mozzarella sticks and cut each in half if you prefer smaller bites. Place them in the freezer for at least 30 minutes before breading.
  2. Set up three separate bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumb mixture (combine Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper).
  3. Remove mozzarella sticks from freezer. Dredge each stick in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into egg, letting excess drip off. Press firmly into breadcrumb mixture to coat evenly. Repeat egg and breadcrumb step once more for extra crunch.
  4. Place breaded sticks on a plate and freeze again for 10 minutes to help set the breading.
  5. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
  6. Spray air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray. Arrange sticks in a single layer without touching; cook in batches if needed. Lightly spray tops of sticks with cooking spray.
  7. Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
  8. Transfer mozzarella sticks to a serving plate and serve immediately with marinara dip.

Notes

Freeze mozzarella sticks before breading and again after breading to prevent cheese from leaking. Double coat with breadcrumbs for extra crunch. Do not overcrowd air fryer basket to ensure crispiness. Let sticks rest a minute after cooking before serving. For gluten-free, substitute flour and breadcrumbs with almond flour and gluten-free panko. For dairy-free, use plant-based mozzarella sticks.

Nutrition

Keywords: mozzarella sticks, air fryer, crispy snack, homemade appetizer, marinara dip, cheesy snack, quick snack

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