Air fried mozzarella sticks with marinara sauce are a delicious and healthier alternative to the traditional fried version. These crispy, gooey sticks are perfect as a party snack, appetizer, or even a fun weeknight dinner. Using an air fryer reduces the amount of oil needed, resulting in a lighter dish without sacrificing any of the flavor. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these irresistible mozzarella sticks that are sure to please everyone.
Ingredients for Air Fried Mozzarella Sticks With Marinara:
- 1 (16-ounce) block of mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Cooking spray
- Marinara sauce, for serving
How to Make Air Fried Mozzarella Sticks With Marinara:
- Cut the mozzarella cheese into sticks, about 1/2 inch thick and 3 inches long.
- Place the flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt in three separate shallow bowls.
- Dredge each mozzarella stick in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the flour-coated mozzarella stick into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Coat the mozzarella stick in the panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs.
- Place the coated mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Repeat the process with the remaining mozzarella sticks.
- Freeze the mozzarella sticks for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly coat the mozzarella sticks with cooking spray.
- Place the mozzarella sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching.
- Air fry the mozzarella sticks for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through cooking.
- Remove the mozzarella sticks from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the air fried mozzarella sticks with marinara sauce for dipping.
About the Main Ingredients:
- Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella cheese is the star of this dish, providing the gooey, melty center of the mozzarella sticks. Use a block of mozzarella and cut it into sticks for best results.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are used to coat the mozzarella sticks, giving them a crispy, crunchy texture. Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs, making them ideal for air frying.
- Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese is mixed with the panko breadcrumbs to add flavor and enhance the crispy coating of the mozzarella sticks.
- Eggs: Beaten eggs are used to help the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the mozzarella sticks.
- Marinara Sauce: Marinara sauce is a classic dipping sauce for mozzarella sticks, adding a savory and tangy flavor that complements the cheesy sticks perfectly.
Enjoy these air fried mozzarella sticks with marinara sauce as a delicious and healthier alternative to the traditional fried version. They’re sure to be a hit with everyone!
