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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 mozzarella sticks cooked in an air fryer, served with a homemade marinara sauce. Perfect for a comforting snack with a crunchy exterior and gooey cheese inside.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Frozen mozzarella sticks (small or standard-sized)
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour (60g)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten, room temperature
  • 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs (100g)
  • ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese (30g)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup marinara sauce (240ml)
  • Optional: fresh parsley, chopped
  • Optional: red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Prepare your breading station: Set out three shallow bowls. In the first, place ½ cup all-purpose flour. In the second, whisk together 2 large eggs until smooth. In the third, combine 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper.
  2. Coat the mozzarella sticks: Dredge each frozen mozzarella stick in the flour, shaking off excess. Then dip into the beaten eggs, letting excess drip off. Roll in the breadcrumb mixture to coat thoroughly. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps once more for extra crunch. Place the breaded sticks on a plate or baking sheet.
  3. Freeze the breaded mozzarella sticks for 15-20 minutes to prevent cheese leakage during cooking.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
  5. Arrange the sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each. Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through with tongs, until golden brown and crispy.
  6. Warm the marinara sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave until warm but not boiling.
  7. Serve immediately: Transfer mozzarella sticks to a serving plate, sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot with the warmed marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

Double breading and freezing before cooking are key to preventing cheese leakage and achieving a crispy coating. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary. Preheat the air fryer for best results. Serve immediately for optimal crispiness and gooey cheese pull.

Nutrition

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

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