Description
Crispy onion rings filled with gooey mozzarella and brushed with rich garlic butter for an irresistible appetizer.
Ingredients
For the Onion Rings:
2 large sweet onions
8 oz mozzarella cheese (cut into sticks to fit onion rings)
1 cup all-purpose flour
3 large eggs, beaten
2 cups panko breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Garlic Butter:
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
Slice onions into 1/2-inch thick rings and separate them. Pair rings so that a smaller ring fits inside a larger ring, leaving a gap between them.
Insert a mozzarella stick piece between each ring pair, pressing gently to secure. Freeze for 20–30 minutes to help them hold their shape.
Prepare a dredging station: flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs mixed with paprika, salt, and pepper in a third.
Coat each stuffed ring in flour, dip in egg, then coat with breadcrumbs. For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps.
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pan or fryer. Fry onion rings in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Melt butter in a small pan, add garlic, and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in parsley if using.
Drizzle garlic butter over the hot onion rings before serving.
Notes
Freezing before frying helps prevent cheese from leaking out.
Use smoked mozzarella for extra flavor.
Serve with marinara sauce or ranch for dipping.
Can be made in an air fryer for a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus freezing)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Deep-Fried (or Air-Fried)
- Cuisine: Deep-Fried (or Air-Fried)
