# 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 for bite-size pieces if desired. Freeze for at least 1 hour until completely firm.
02 - Set up three shallow bowls with flour in the first, eggs whisked with milk in the second, and combined breadcrumbs, panko, garlic powder, oregano, basil, pepper, and salt in the third.
03 - Working quickly, coat each frozen mozzarella stick in flour, then dip in egg mixture, then roll in breadcrumb mixture. For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating steps.
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 air fryer basket. Spray lightly with cooking spray. Air fry for 6 to 8 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crisp. Remove immediately.
07 - Heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes and season with salt and pepper to taste.
08 - Serve hot mozzarella sticks with warm marinara dip.
