Air-Fryer Homemade Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
Prep Time:
4 hours, 20 minutes
Cook Time:
40 minutes
Servings:
6 Servings
Ingredients
  • 1 (12-ounce) block whole milk mozzarella cheese
  • ¾ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup yellow cornmeal
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Directions
  1. Line a small baking sheet or plate with parchment paper. Set aside.
  2. Unwrap mozzarella block and cut in half horizontally, then into even rectangles.
  3. Mix to combine breadcrumbs, cornmeal, garlic powder, and salt in a rimmed plate or bowl.
  4. Place flour into another rimmed plate or bowl, and beat eggs in an additional bowl.
  5. Working with one piece of cheese at a time, dip into flour to coat, then eggs, then breadcrumb mixture.
  6. Repeat twice, then transfer to prepared baking sheet. Repeat the process with remaining mozzarella.
  7. Wrap tightly and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  8. Prepare the marinara: In a small saucepan, heat oil over low to medium heat until shimmering.
  9. Add onions and cook, stirring, until translucent.
  10. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  11. Add crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, oregano, and sugar.
  12. Simmer partially covered over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 12 minutes.
  13. Stir in basil. Transfer to a serving bowl or store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
  14. Depending on the size of your air fryer, spray to coat 5 to 6 mozzarella sticks with cooking spray (or brush with olive oil) on all sides. Keep remaining sticks frozen until ready to use.
  15. Set into air fryer basket, and air-fry for 8 minutes at 390 F until golden brown.
  16. Transfer to a serving platter and repeat with remaining mozzarella sticks.
  17. Serve hot with marinara.