Air-Fried Mozzarella Cheese Bites with Spicy Marinara Sauce

These mozzarella sticks are coated in Italian-seasoned bread crumbs, cooked until crispy in the air fryer, and served with a zesty marinara dipping sauce.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 20 mins
• Calories: 183 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• cooking spray
• 6 mozzarella cheese sticks, cut in half, crosswise
• 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.75 cup panko bread crumbs
• 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 0.75 cup marinara sauce

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Whisk egg and water together in a shallow dish. Stir flour, salt, and Italian seasoning together in another shallow dish. Place bread crumbs in a third shallow dish.

Step 2

Dip cheese sticks into egg mixture, then coat with flour mixture. Dip again into egg mixture, then into bread crumbs until coated. Place on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, about 1 hour.

Step 3

Preheat an air fryer to 360 degrees F (180 degrees C). Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray.

Step 4

Place frozen cheese bites in a single layer in the air fryer, working in batches if necessary, being careful not to crowd.

Step 5

Cook in the preheated air fryer until golden brown and cheese just begins to melt, 4 to 6 minutes. Repeat with remaining bites.

Step 6

Meanwhile, stir together marinara sauce and crushed red pepper.

Step 7

Serve mozzarella bites with marinara sauce.