# 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
# How to Make It:
01 - Unwrap mozzarella sticks and cut each in half to create 24 bite-sized pieces. Place on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for at least 1 hour until completely firm.
02 - Arrange three shallow bowls in sequence: first with all-purpose flour, second with eggs whisked together with milk, and third with combined Italian-style breadcrumbs, panko, garlic powder, oregano, basil, black pepper, and salt.
03 - Working quickly, dredge each frozen mozzarella piece in flour, shake off excess, dip into egg mixture, then roll thoroughly in breadcrumb mixture. For enhanced crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating process a second time.
04 - Transfer breaded sticks to a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 30 minutes to stabilize the coating and prevent cheese leakage during air frying.
05 - Set air fryer to 400°F and preheat for 3 minutes.
06 - Arrange breaded mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overlapping. Lightly spray with cooking spray. Air fry for 6 to 8 minutes, turning basket halfway through cooking, until golden brown and crispy. Remove immediately and place on a paper towel-lined plate.
07 - Heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
08 - Arrange hot mozzarella sticks on a serving platter and present warm marinara dip in a small bowl alongside.
