Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings with Garlic Butter

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Large onions (yellow or sweet onions work best)

• Mozzarella cheese sticks (or mozzarella blocks cut into sticks)

• All-purpose flour

• Eggs (for the egg wash)

• Panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)

• Garlic powder

• Butter (for the garlic butter)

• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

• Salt and pepper

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Sharp knife

• Cutting board

• Shallow bowls for dredging

• Baking sheet

• Parchment paper

• Air fryer or deep fryer (oven works too!)

How to Make Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings with Garlic Butter

1. Prepare the Onion Rings:
   Peel and slice onions into thick rings. Carefully separate the rings and match similar-sized pairs.

2. Stuff the Rings:
   Place a mozzarella stick between two onion rings (one slightly smaller, fitted inside the larger one). Press gently so they hold together.

3. Set Up Your Dredging Station:
   Place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and seasoned panko breadcrumbs in a third.

4. Coat the Rings:
   Dredge each stuffed ring first in flour, then in egg, then in panko. For an extra crispy coating, you can repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps.

5. Freeze Briefly:
   Place coated rings on a baking sheet and freeze for about 30 minutes. This helps the cheese stay inside during cooking.

6. Cook the Rings:

   • Air Fryer: Preheat to 375°F and cook rings for 8–10 minutes until golden and crispy.

   • Deep Fryer: Heat oil to 350°F and fry for about 2–3 minutes until golden brown.

   • Oven: Bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through.

7. Make the Garlic Butter:
   Melt butter and stir in garlic powder. Brush over hot onion rings right before serving.

8. Garnish and Serve:
   Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired and dive in!

Recipe Tips and Variations

• Cheese Alternatives:
  Try stuffing them with pepper jack for a spicy kick or provolone for a milder flavor.

• Make It Spicier:
  Add cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture or a dash of hot sauce to the egg wash.

• Gluten-Free Version:
  Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.

• Freezer-Friendly:
  You can freeze the stuffed, breaded rings and cook directly from frozen — just add a few extra minutes to the cook time.