the Breville Test Kitchen

Classic Mozzarella Sticks

Name: Classic Mozzarella Sticks
Cook time: 900 s
Total time: 1800 s
Yield: Makes 8
Ingredients: 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 sauce - warmed, to serve

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 sauce
warmed, 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.