Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

Ingredients
Mozzarella Sticks:
● 12 mozzarella sticks (string cheese)
● ½ cup flour
● 2 eggs + 1 tbsp hot sauce
● 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
● 1 cup panko
● ½ tsp smoked paprika, ¼ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp cayenne
● Salt & pepper
● Cooking oil or spray
Hot Oil Drizzle:
● ⅓ cup vegetable oil
● 1 tbsp cayenne, 1 tbsp brown sugar
● ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp paprika
● ¼ tsp chili powder, salt to taste
● Optional: splash pickle juice

Instructions
1. Freeze cheese sticks for 1 hour.
2. Set up breading: flour, egg + hot sauce, then breadcrumb mix.
3. Bread cheese: dip in flour → egg → breadcrumbs (twice for extra crunch). Freeze 15 min.
4. Cook:
○ Air fry at 400°F for 6–8 min
○ Bake at 425°F for 10–12 min
○ Fry at 350°F for 1–2 min
5. Hot Oil: Heat oil, stir in spices + sugar off heat. Add pickle juice if desired.
6. Serve: Drizzle or toss mozz sticks in hot oil. Serve warm with ranch or hot sauce