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Easy Homemade Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Homemade mozzarella sticks are easy and delicious! Melty cheese inside a crisp air-fried breading and a quick marinara dip make this snack irresistible.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 12 sticks
Calories 134 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Air fryer
  • 1 Mixing bowls various sizes
  • 1 Baking sheet lined with parchment
  • 1 Small saucepan

Ingredients
  

Mozzarella Sticks & Marinara Sauce

  • 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
  • ⅓ cup all purpose flour
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 Tablespoons milk
  • ¾ cup plain panko bread crumbs
  • 1 Tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Pinch crushed red pepper flakes optional
  • Vegetable or canola oil for frying
  • Marinara sauce for dipping
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1-2 cloves garlic minced
  • 8 ounces crushed tomatoes
  • 6 ounces tomato sauce
  • ¼ teaspoon dried basil
  • ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
  • Pinch crushed red pepper

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • Cut each mozzarella stick in half and freeze for at least 30 minutes.
  • In a bowl, mix flour, salt, and pepper. In another, whisk egg and milk. In a third, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, basil, oregano, parsley, thyme, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
  • Dip frozen cheese first in flour, then egg mix, then breadcrumb mix. Repeat egg and breadcrumb for extra crunch.
  • Place coated sticks on baking sheet and freeze for at least 1 hour.
  • Preheat air fryer to 390°F. Place sticks in single layer and cook 6–8 minutes until golden and crispy.
  • Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or the homemade marinara.
  • To make marinara: heat olive oil over medium-high heat, add garlic and sauté 1–2 minutes.
  • Add tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt. Simmer 10 minutes. Add red pepper and simmer 1 more minute.
  • Transfer sauce to a serving dish and serve immediately.
  • Marinara keeps in fridge up to 5 days in a sealed container.

Notes

Freeze the cheese sticks thoroughly before cooking to avoid cheese leaks. Serve hot for best results. Marinara sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge.