# What You’ll Need:
→ Cheese
01 - 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
→ Breading
02 - 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
03 - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
04 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
06 - 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
07 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Coating
09 - 2 large eggs
10 - 2 tablespoons milk
11 - 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
→ Marinara Dip
12 - 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
13 - 1 clove garlic, minced
14 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
15 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
16 - 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
17 - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
18 - Salt and pepper to taste
# Step-by-Step:
01 - Unwrap mozzarella sticks and freeze for at least 1 hour until completely firm. Optionally cut each stick in half to create 24 bite-sized pieces.
02 - Arrange three shallow bowls: fill first with flour, second with eggs whisked together with milk, and third with combined breadcrumbs, panko, garlic powder, oregano, basil, pepper, and salt.
03 - Working quickly, coat each frozen mozzarella stick in flour, dip in egg mixture, then roll in breadcrumb mixture. For enhanced crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating steps a second time.
04 - Place breaded sticks on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 30 minutes to prevent cheese leakage during air frying.
05 - Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
06 - Arrange mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with cooking spray. Air fry for 6 to 8 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy. Remove immediately upon completion.
07 - While sticks cook, heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant (approximately 30 seconds), then add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes and season with salt and pepper to taste.
08 - Transfer hot mozzarella sticks to a serving platter and serve immediately with warm marinara dip.
