Description
Dill Pickle Chip Mozza Sticks are a delicious and crunchy appetizer featuring mozzarella cheese sticks wrapped with tangy dill pickle chips, coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture, and cooked to golden perfection. Perfectly crispy on the outside with melty cheese inside, these are ideal for dipping in marinara or ranch dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 10–12 Dill pickle chips, drained and patted dry
- 1 package Mozzarella sticks (or mozzarella cheese cut into sticks)
Breading Station
- 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
Additional
- 1 cup Buttermilk (optional, for extra crispy coating)
- Olive oil spray (for air frying or baking)
- Marinara or ranch dressing, for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat Cooking Appliance: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) or preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). If using the oven, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Breading Station: Set up three shallow bowls: one filled with all-purpose flour, the second with beaten eggs, and the third with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Assemble Mozza Sticks: Take a mozzarella stick and press a dill pickle chip on each side, gently securing the pickle slices around the cheese stick to create a double-sided pickle wrap.
- Coat the Sticks: Dip the pickle-wrapped mozzarella stick first in the flour, ensuring full coverage, then into the beaten eggs, and finally roll thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture to coat evenly.
- Prepare for Cooking: If baking, place the coated sticks on the prepared baking sheet and spray them lightly with olive oil for a crispy finish. For air frying, arrange the sticks in a single layer inside the air fryer basket and spray lightly with olive oil as well.
- Cook until Crispy: Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes or air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping the sticks halfway through the cooking time. Cook until the coating turns golden brown and crispy, and the mozzarella inside is melted.
- Serve: Remove from the oven or air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite marinara or ranch dressing for dipping.
Notes
- Ensure the dill pickle chips are well-drained and patted dry to avoid soggy breading.
- Using buttermilk is optional but delivers an extra crispy coating.
- If making your own mozzarella sticks, freeze cut cheese sticks for at least 1 hour before breading to prevent cheese from melting too quickly.
- For a spicier twist, add cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Air frying results in a crispier exterior with less oil compared to baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
