Description
Crispy and gooey Dill Pickle Chip Mozza Sticks combine the tangy crunch of dill pickles with melted mozzarella cheese coated in a seasoned breadcrumb crust. Perfect as a fun appetizer or snack, these sticks are baked or air fried to golden perfection and served with your choice of marinara or ranch dipping sauce.
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 the Cooking Appliance: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) or preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). If baking, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Breading Station: Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, another with beaten eggs, and the last with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Assemble Mozza Sticks: Take one mozzarella stick and sandwich it between two dill pickle chips, pressing gently to secure the pickles on each side of the cheese.
- Bread the Sticks: If using buttermilk, dip the pickle-wrapped mozzarella stick in it first. Then coat thoroughly in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and finally cover completely with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Prepare for Cooking: For baking, place breaded sticks on the prepared baking sheet and lightly spray with olive oil. For air frying, arrange the sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket and spray with olive oil.
- Cook: Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes or air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time, until the coating is crisp and golden and the cheese inside is melted.
- Serve: Remove the sticks immediately and serve hot with marinara or ranch dressing for dipping.
Notes
- Draining and patting dry the dill pickle chips helps prevent sogginess during cooking.
- Use buttermilk for an extra crispy coating if desired.
- Flipping halfway during cooking ensures even browning and melting.
- You can cut your own mozzarella sticks from a block of cheese if pre-cut sticks are unavailable.
- The dip choice can be adjusted to suit your taste – ranch or marinara both complement the flavors well.
