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Air Fryer Chicken Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara Dip Recipe

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  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 18 chicken mozzarella sticks (8 servings) 1x
  • Category: Appetizer, Snack
  • Method: Air Fryer, Oven
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Air Fryer Chicken Mozzarella Sticks are a healthier and more flavorful twist on a classic appetizer! Juicy chicken and gooey mozzarella cheese are coated in a crispy breadcrumb mixture and air-fried to perfection. Served with a marinara dipping sauce, they’re perfect for a party, game day, or a fun snack.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 pounds ground chicken
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 4 large eggs, divided
  • 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs, divided
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic (approx. 4 cloves)
  • 9 mozzarella cheese sticks
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons garlic salt
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Chicken Mixture: Combine ground chicken, salt, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, 1 egg, ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs, parsley, and minced garlic in a bowl. Mix thoroughly.
  2. Fill and Shape: Cut cheese sticks in half lengthwise. Place ¼ cup chicken mixture on plastic wrap and flatten into a rectangle. Place a cheese stick half on top and use the plastic wrap to wrap the chicken around the cheese, forming a log. Twist the ends of the plastic wrap to seal and shape. Repeat with remaining chicken and cheese.
  3. Bread Chicken Sticks: 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 remaining breadcrumbs and panko.
  4. Air Fry: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Dredge each chicken stick in flour, then egg mixture, then coat in breadcrumbs. Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  5. Serve: Serve hot with marinara sauce for dipping. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Notes

  • Use chilled ground chicken for easier handling.
  • Ensure the chicken mixture completely encloses the cheese stick to prevent cheese from leaking out during cooking.
  • Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
  • If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken mozzarella sticks in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 chicken mozzarella sticks
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg

Find it online: https://emilyquickdinners.com/air-fryer-chicken-mozzarella-sticks-with-marinara-dip-recipe/