Fried Caprese Bites

1. Add about 2 cups of fresh basil leaves to a blender or food processor. Then add 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tsp of lemon zest, the juice of half a lemon, 1/4 cup of olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Run that until a sauce forms and set it aside.
2. Slice the top off a cherry tomato and using a knife, carefully twist the inside to make room for the cheese ball. These are fresh pearl mozzarella pieces that fit perfectly. Place them on a tray and season with salt and pepper.
3. In a bowl combine 1 cup of AP flour with 1 tbsp of dried thyme, oregano and basil. In another bowl, combine 1 cup of beaten eggs, with 1 tbsp of Calabrian chili paste and in the 3rd bowl add 1 cup of Italian breadcrumbs.
4. Toss the stuffed tomato in the seasoned flour, then in the spicy egg wash, and finally in the Italian bread crumbs. Repeat for a double dredge!
5. Deep fry at 375°F for 3 minutes, or air fry at 300°F for 5 minutes.