Air Fryer Chicken Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara Dip Recipe

These Air Fryer Chicken Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara Dip are a fun and healthier twist on a classic appetizer! Imagine crispy, golden brown chicken sticks filled with gooey mozzarella cheese, all cooked to perfection in your air fryer. This recipe is easy to make and delivers a delicious and satisfying snack that’s perfect for parties, game day gatherings, or any occasion where you want to serve a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful and Crispy: The combination of ground chicken, Italian seasoning, and a crispy breadcrumb coating creates a delicious and satisfying appetizer that’s bursting with flavor.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is simple to follow and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for beginner cooks or when you’re short on time. The air fryer makes cooking the chicken sticks a breeze.
• Healthier than Deep-Fried: Air frying is a healthier alternative to deep frying, as it uses less oil.
• Versatile: You can easily customize the filling with your favorite cheese or vegetables, or adjust the seasonings to your liking.

this Recipe

Ingredients

• Ground chicken: The base of the flavorful filling. Use lean ground chicken for a healthier option.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the chicken filling.
• Red pepper flakes: Adds a touch of heat (adjust to your preference).
• Italian seasoning: Adds a blend of classic Italian herbs to the chicken filling.
• Eggs: Used to bind the chicken filling and create an egg wash for the breading.
• Breadcrumbs: Italian breadcrumbs are used in the chicken filling and the breading for a crispy coating.
• Parsley: Chopped and adds a fresh herb flavor and a pop of color to the chicken filling.
• Garlic: Minced and adds a fragrant and savory punch to the chicken filling and the flour mixture.
• Mozzarella cheese sticks: Adds a cheesy and gooey filling.
• All-purpose flour: Used to dredge the chicken sticks and create a base for the breading.
• Garlic salt: Adds a subtle garlic flavor to the flour mixture.
• Heavy cream: Adds richness and helps the breading adhere to the chicken.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Japanese-style breadcrumbs that create a light and crispy crust.
• Marinara sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade marinara sauce for dipping.

Note: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara Dip

Step 1: Make the Chicken Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, salt, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, 1 egg, ½ cup of the Italian breadcrumbs, parsley, and minced garlic. Mix thoroughly until well combined.

Step 2: Fill and Shape the Chicken Sticks

Cut the mozzarella cheese sticks in half lengthwise. Lay a sheet of plastic wrap on a plate. Scoop out ¼ cup of the chicken mixture and place it on the plastic wrap. Lightly flatten the chicken mixture with a spoon and shape it into a rectangle, making it slightly longer than the cheese stick. Place a cheese stick in the center of the chicken rectangle and use the plastic wrap to tightly wrap the chicken around the cheese stick, twisting the ends of the plastic wrap to seal. Place the wrapped chicken stick on a baking sheet and repeat with the remaining chicken mixture and cheese sticks. Refrigerate the chicken sticks for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 3: Prepare the Breading Station

Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour and garlic salt, one with whisked eggs and heavy cream, and one with the remaining Italian breadcrumbs and panko breadcrumbs.

Step 4: Bread and Air Fry the Chicken Sticks

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Dredge each chilled chicken stick in the flour mixture, then dip in the egg wash, and finally roll in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere.

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray. Arrange the breaded chicken sticks in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they are not touching. Cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Serve

Remove the Air Fryer Chicken Mozzarella Sticks from the air fryer and serve hot with marinara sauce for dipping. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Chill the chicken sticks: Chilling the chicken sticks helps them hold their shape during cooking.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket: Overcrowding the basket will prevent the chicken sticks from crisping up properly. Cook in batches if needed.
• Adjust the spice level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes in the chicken filling to your liking, depending on how spicy you want the chicken sticks.
• Make ahead: You can prepare the chicken filling and assemble the chicken sticks ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before breading and air frying.

How to Serve

These Air Fryer Chicken Mozzarella Sticks are delicious with marinara sauce, but here are some other serving suggestions:

• Dipping Sauces: Serve with other dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, honey mustard, or your favorite dipping sauce.
• Side Dishes: Pair with other appetizers, such as chips and salsa, guacamole, or vegetable sticks.
• Party Platter: Arrange the chicken mozzarella sticks on a platter with other appetizers for a party or gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Air Fryer Chicken Mozzarella Sticks are best enjoyed fresh, but you can also prepare the chicken sticks ahead of time.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the air fryer or oven until warmed through and crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cheese for the filling?
Yes, you can! You can substitute the mozzarella cheese sticks with your favorite cheese, such as cheddar cheese sticks, string cheese, or even a vegan cheese stick alternative.

2. Can I make this recipe without the breadcrumbs?
While the breadcrumbs add a delicious crispy coating, you can omit them if you prefer. Simply coat the chicken sticks in the flour and egg mixture before air frying.

3. Can I bake these chicken mozzarella sticks instead of air frying them?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake the chicken mozzarella sticks for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

4. Can I add other seasonings to the chicken filling?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs.

This Air Fryer Chicken Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara Dip Recipe is a fun, flavorful, and easy way to enjoy a healthier version of a classic appetizer. With its simple preparation, versatile ingredients, and crowd-pleasing appeal, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

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