Print

Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe with Spicy San Marzano Marinara

crispy air fryer mozzarella sticks - featured image
Print Recipe

These crispy air fryer mozzarella sticks with spicy San Marzano marinara offer a quick, easy, and healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried snacks, delivering a perfect crunch and melty cheese with a flavorful, spicy dipping sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Mozzarella cheese sticks (preferably low-moisture)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 1/2 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs (panko-style recommended)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Olive oil spray
  • For the spicy San Marzano marinara sauce:
  • 1 (28-ounce) can San Marzano tomatoes (crushed or whole peeled)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 fresh garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
  • A pinch of sugar (optional)

Instructions

  1. Lay out mozzarella sticks on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for at least 30 minutes to prevent cheese from oozing during cooking.
  2. In a bowl, combine Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper; mix well.
  3. Set up three bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with the breadcrumb mixture.
  4. Working one at a time, roll each frozen mozzarella stick in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly with breadcrumb mixture. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating once more for extra crispiness.
  5. Place the double-coated sticks back on the parchment-lined tray and freeze for another 15-20 minutes to help keep cheese intact during air frying.
  6. To make the spicy San Marzano marinara sauce, heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute). Add canned San Marzano tomatoes, crushing them if whole. Simmer gently for 20 minutes, seasoning with salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar if needed. Stir occasionally and finish with torn fresh basil leaves just before serving.
  7. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with olive oil spray.
  8. Arrange mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them. Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding.
  9. Serve immediately with a bowl of spicy San Marzano marinara sauce for dipping. Garnish with extra basil or Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Freeze mozzarella sticks before and after breading to prevent cheese from leaking during cooking. Double coat with egg and breadcrumbs for extra crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to maintain crispness. Adjust red pepper flakes in the marinara sauce to control heat. Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to retain crispiness. Gluten-free and dairy-free substitutions are possible but may affect texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: mozzarella sticks, air fryer, crispy snack, San Marzano marinara, spicy dipping sauce, quick snack, easy appetizer

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/crispy-air-fryer-mozzarella-sticks-recipe-with-spicy-san-marzano-marinara/