Step one:

Cut the Applewood into evenly sized sticks.

Step two:

Place the flour into one shallow bowl. Beat the eggs in a second bowl. In a third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the smoked paprika, garlic granules, onion granules, salt and black pepper.

Step three:

Coat each cheese stick in the flour, followed by the beaten egg, then the seasoned breadcrumbs. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating once more to create a thick, even crust. This double coating helps prevent the cheese from leaking during frying.

Step four:

Arrange the coated cheese sticks on a baking paper-lined tray and freeze for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until completely firm.

Step five:

Heat the oil to 175–180°C. Fry 2–3 cheese sticks at a time for 90 seconds to 2 minutes, until crisp and deep golden. Avoid overcrowding the pan.

Step six:

Transfer to kitchen paper for 30–60 seconds before serving immediately with marinara sauce or spicy mayonnaise.