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Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe with Easy Homemade Marinara

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A quick and easy recipe for crispy mozzarella sticks made in the air fryer, paired with a tangy homemade marinara sauce. Perfect for a crowd-pleasing appetizer with less oil and mess.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 sticks mozzarella cheese, string cheese style (preferably whole milk mozzarella)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (125g)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten (room temperature)
  • 1 ½ cups Italian-style breadcrumbs (150g), preferably Panko
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (25g)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Olive oil spray
  • For the Homemade Marinara:
  • 1 can (14 oz/400g) crushed tomatoes, preferably San Marzano
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced fresh
  • 1 tsp dried basil (or fresh basil leaves for garnish)
  • A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp sugar (optional)

Instructions

  1. Unwrap the string cheese sticks and pat them dry with a paper towel.
  2. Set up three separate bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of Italian-style breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
  3. Roll each mozzarella stick in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating once more for extra crunch.
  4. Place the breaded sticks on a baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper and freeze for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours).
  5. While freezing, heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, pepper, and sugar. Simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning and keep warm.
  6. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
  7. Arrange frozen mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space for air circulation. Lightly spray with olive oil.
  8. Air fry for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through and spraying again. Watch closely in the last 2 minutes to avoid cheese leakage. Remove immediately once done.
  9. Serve the mozzarella sticks with warm homemade marinara sauce, garnished with fresh basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Freeze the coated mozzarella sticks before air frying to prevent cheese leakage. Double coating with egg and breadcrumbs creates extra crunch. Use Panko breadcrumbs for best texture. Spray olive oil before and halfway through cooking for a golden crust. If cheese leaks, freeze longer or double coat. Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in air fryer to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: mozzarella sticks, air fryer, crispy, homemade marinara, appetizer, easy recipe, snack, crowd-pleaser

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