Air-Fried Mozzarella Cheese Bites with Spicy Marinara Sauce

If you're a fan of crispy, gooey, and downright delicious appetizers, then you're going to love these Air-Fried Mozzarella Cheese Bites with Spicy Marinara Sauce. This irresistible dish takes the classic mozzarella stick to a whole new level by using an air fryer to achieve that perfect golden-brown crunch without all the excess oil. The result is a bite-sized snack that's crispy on the outside, and oozing with melted mozzarella cheese on the inside – an absolute crowd-pleaser for any gathering or party.

Air-Fried Mozzarella Cheese Bites with Spicy Marinara Sauce
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Prep Time:

10 mins

Cook Time:

10 mins

Additional Time:

1 hr

Total Time:

1 hr 20 mins

Servings:

6

Yield:

12 cheese bites

Ingredients

Air-Fried Mozzarella Cheese Bites with Spicy Marinara Sauce
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon water
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
¾ cup panko bread crumbs
6 mozzarella cheese sticks, cut in half, crosswise
cooking spray
¾ cup marinara sauce
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper (Optional)

Directions

Air-Fried Mozzarella Cheese Bites with Spicy Marinara Sauce

Step 1

Whisk egg and water together in a shallow dish. Stir flour, salt, and Italian seasoning together in another shallow dish. Place bread crumbs in a third shallow dish.

Step 2

Dip cheese sticks into egg mixture, then coat with flour mixture. Dip again into egg mixture, then into bread crumbs until coated. Place on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, about 1 hour.

Step 3

Preheat an air fryer to 360 degrees F (180 degrees C). Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray.

Step 4

Place frozen cheese bites in a single layer in the air fryer, working in batches if necessary, being careful not to crowd.

Step 5

Cook in the preheated air fryer until golden brown and cheese just begins to melt, 4 to 6 minutes. Repeat with remaining bites.

Step 6

Meanwhile, stir together marinara sauce and crushed red pepper.

Step 7

Serve mozzarella bites with marinara sauce.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

183

Calories

7g

Fat

23g

Carbs

11g

Protein

Complement

The spicy marinara sauce adds a kick of flavor to these cheesy bites, making them even more irresistible. The combination of the tangy and zesty marinara with the creamy and melty mozzarella creates a burst of flavor in every bite. Whether you're serving these as an appetizer, a game-day snack, or even as a fun and indulgent side dish, these Air-Fried Mozzarella Cheese Bites with Spicy Marinara Sauce are sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them. And the best part? They're so easy to make, you'll want to whip them up for every occasion.