Mozzarella Onion Rings in Air Fryer

Ingredients:

• 1 large onion (yellow or white), sliced into rings
• 200g (7 oz) mozzarella cheese sticks, cut into thick pieces (or string cheese)
• 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs (panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
• Cooking spray or oil for greasing

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Onion Rings:
   • Peel and slice the onion into thick rings (about 1/2 inch thick).
   • Carefully remove the inner rings of the onion, leaving just the outer ones to stuff with the mozzarella.
2. Stuff with Mozzarella:
   • Cut the mozzarella sticks into pieces that fit inside the onion rings. Take one mozzarella piece and place it inside each onion ring. If needed, adjust the size of the mozzarella to ensure it fits snugly.
3. Set Up Breading Station:
   • In one shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika (optional), salt, and pepper.
   • In a second bowl, whisk the egg and milk together.
   • In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs.
4. Bread the Onion Rings:
   • First, dip each mozzarella-stuffed onion ring into the flour mixture, coating it evenly.
   • Next, dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
   • Finally, roll the onion ring in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to make sure the breadcrumbs stick well. Repeat with all the onion rings.
5. Preheat the Air Fryer:
   • Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for about 3-5 minutes.
6. Cook the Mozzarella Onion Rings:
   • Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with oil to prevent sticking.
   • Arrange the breaded onion rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Be sure they are not overcrowded so that they cook evenly.
   • Air fry the onion rings at 180°C (350°F) for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden and crispy.
7. Serve:
   • Once cooked, remove the mozzarella onion rings from the air fryer. Serve immediately with a dipping sauce like marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or your favorite sauce.

Notes:

• Mozzarella: You can also use other cheeses like cheddar or provolone if you prefer.
• Breadcrumbs: For a crispier texture, use panko breadcrumbs.
• Dipping Sauces: These onion rings go perfectly with marinara sauce, ranch, or even a spicy aioli.

Tips:

• Prevent Cheese Leakage: Make sure the mozzarella is securely inside the onion ring and coat it well with the breading to prevent cheese from oozing out during cooking.
• Frozen Option: You can freeze the breaded onion rings before air frying. Just freeze them on a baking sheet for about 1-2 hours and then transfer them to a bag. Air fry from frozen for an extra 2-3 minutes.