Description
These Dill Pickle Chip Mozza Sticks are the perfect combination of tangy pickles and melty mozzarella cheese, all wrapped in a crispy, golden breadcrumb coating. A fun twist on traditional mozzarella sticks, they make for a unique and irresistible appetizer or snack. Perfect for pickle lovers and cheese enthusiasts alike!
Ingredients
Scale
- 10–12 Dill pickle chips, drained and patted dry
- 1 package Mozzarella sticks (or mozzarella cheese cut into sticks)
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 2 large Eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 1/2 tsp Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Ground black pepper
- 1 cup Buttermilk (optional, for extra crispy coating)
- Olive oil spray (for air frying or baking)
- Marinara or ranch dressing, for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) or preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper if baking.
- Prepare your breading station: Place the flour in one shallow bowl, the beaten eggs in another, and combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a third bowl.
- Take a mozzarella stick and place a dill pickle chip on either side of the cheese stick. Press gently to secure the pickle slices in place.
- Dip the pickle-wrapped mozzarella stick in the flour, making sure it is fully coated, then dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.
- If baking, place the coated sticks on the prepared baking sheet and spray with olive oil. If using an air fryer, arrange the sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket and spray lightly with olive oil.
- Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes or air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the coating is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted inside.
- Serve immediately with marinara or ranch dressing for dipping.
Notes
- Be sure to dry the pickle chips well to prevent excess moisture, which could affect the coating.
- If you prefer extra crispy sticks, freeze the assembled sticks for 15-20 minutes before cooking.
- For a spicier kick, add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
- These sticks can also be deep-fried if you prefer that method, heating oil to 350°F (175°C) and frying for 2-3 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-12 minutes (depending on method)
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Air frying, Baking, or Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 sticks
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 35mg