the Breville Test Kitchen
Classic Mozzarella Sticks
Ooey-gooey mozzarella sticks, coated in an epic combo of secret spices and crunchy crumbs with not a deep fryer in sight! These irresistible bites are air fried to golden, crispy perfection. We’ve paired them with a classic marinara sauce, but they’re just as delicious dipped in your favorite zesty salsa, creamy ranch, or fresh, vibrant pesto.
30 mins total time
15 mins active time
Easy
Makes 8
Ingredients
Measurements:
½ cup (1 oz) panko breadcrumbs
1 tsp olive oil
2 large eggs
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp celery seeds
¼ tsp kosher salt
2 tbsp cornstarch
8 x 1 oz low moisture mozzarella string cheese sticks
Marinara saucewarmed, to serve
Instructions
- 1Insert the oven rack into position 2 Down. Set the oven to Bake & Roast, Super Convection, 350°F, for 5 minutes and press Start to preheat. Meanwhile, continue to the next step.
- 2Combine the breadcrumbs and oil in a bowl and rub together. Spread evenly in the roasting pan.
- 3Place the eggs and flour in a medium bowl and whisk to combine, transfer to a shallow dish.
- 4Once preheated, place the pan in the oven and bake for 5 minutes. Halfway through cooking, stir the crumbs. Meanwhile, continue to the next step.
- 5Combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano and celery seeds in a small bowl.
- 6The crumbs should be golden brown. If not, press A Bit More. Tip: It may need a little more or a little less extra cooking time, best to keep an eye on it.
- 7Transfer the crumbs to a shallow dish. Add 1 tablespoon of the spice mixture and salt and stir to combine. Wipe out the roasting pan. Move the oven rack to position 3 Down and place the roasting pan on the rack to catch drips during cooking. Adjust the oven to Air Fry, Super Convection, 300°F, for 6 minutes and press Start. Meanwhile, continue to the next step.
- 8Place the cornstarch in a shallow dish with the remaining spice mix and stir to combine.
- 9Roll the mozzarella sticks in the cornstarch mixture to coat. Dip in the egg mixture then roll in the spiced crumbs. Place in the air fry basket, evenly spaced apart.
- 10Place the basket into position 1 and air fry for 6 minutes. When the oven signals halfway through cooking, rotate the basket and continue cooking.
- 11The sticks should be crisp on the outside and gooey in the center. If not, press A Bit More. Tip: It may need a little more or a little less extra cooking time, best to keep an eye on it.
- 12Allow the mozzarella sticks to cool for a few minutes to firm up. Serve with warm marinara sauce.
