Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

These air fryer mozzarella sticks offer the perfect combination of a crunchy, golden exterior and a gooey, melted center, providing all the satisfaction of the classic appetizer without the need for deep frying. Paired with a zesty, homemade marinara dip, this dish is a lighter take on a beloved favorite that is sure to be a hit at your next party or game day gathering.

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The key to achieving the perfect mozzarella stick is all in the preparation. By using a combination of Italian-style and panko breadcrumbs, you get a nuanced flavor profile and a superior crunch. Freezing the cheese sticks before breading and once more before cooking is the secret to keeping the cheese inside the coating until you take that first delicious bite.

Ingredients

• Cheese: 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
• Breading: 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Coating: 2 large eggs, 2 tablespoons milk, 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• Marinara Dip: 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes, 1 clove garlic (minced), 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional), salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Cheese

Unwrap the mozzarella sticks and cut each in half to make 24 shorter pieces (optional for bite-size). Freeze the cheese sticks for at least 1 hour until firm.

Step 2: Prepare Coating Station

Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with eggs whisked with milk, and one with combined breadcrumbs, panko, garlic powder, oregano, basil, pepper, and salt.

Step 3: Bread the Sticks

Working quickly, coat each frozen mozzarella stick in flour, then dip in egg mixture, then roll in breadcrumb mixture. For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps once more.

Step 4: Second Freeze

Place breaded sticks on a parchment-lined tray and freeze again for 30 minutes to prevent cheese leakage during cooking.

Step 5: Preheat Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.

Step 6: Air Fry

Arrange the mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray lightly with cooking spray. Air fry for 6–8 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crisp. Remove immediately.

Step 7: Prepare Marinara Dip

While the sticks cook, heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds), then add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes; season with salt and pepper.

Step 8: Serve

Serve mozzarella sticks hot with warm marinara dip.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the best results, do not skip the freezing steps; this prevents the mozzarella from melting too quickly and oozing out of the breading. When air frying, ensure the sticks are not touching to allow the hot air to circulate freely for an even, crispy finish.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For an extra savory kick, try mixing a few tablespoons of freshly grated Parmesan cheese into your breadcrumb mixture. If you enjoy spice, you can increase the red pepper flakes in the marinara or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the flour coating.

Serviervorschläge

These mozzarella sticks are best served immediately while the cheese is hot and stretchy. They pair wonderfully with a crisp Italian white wine or a sparkling mineral water with lemon. Arrange them on a platter with the warm marinara dip in the center for a beautiful presentation.

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Enjoy these delicious, homemade air fryer mozzarella sticks as a guilt-free snack or an impressive starter. With their perfect crunch and savory dip, they bring the taste of a classic Italian-American bistro right into your home kitchen.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I prevent the cheese from leaking during cooking?

Freeze the coated mozzarella sticks for at least 30 minutes before air frying to help maintain their shape and prevent cheese leakage.

→ Can I make the breadcrumb coating extra crispy?

Yes, double-coat the sticks by repeating the egg and breadcrumb dipping steps for an extra crunchy texture.

→ What type of cheese is best for this dish?

String mozzarella cheese works best as it melts evenly and provides the classic stretch and texture.

→ How do I make the marinara dip flavorful and balanced?

Sauté fresh garlic in olive oil before adding crushed tomatoes and herbs, then simmer with seasonings to develop a rich and zesty dip.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can freeze the breaded sticks for later use, then air fry them straight from frozen for convenience without losing crispiness.