Description
Deliciously crispy Dill Pickle Chip Mozza Sticks featuring gooey melted mozzarella cheese wrapped with tangy dill pickle chips, coated in a seasoned breadcrumb crust, and cooked to perfection using either an air fryer or oven. Perfectly paired with marinara or ranch dipping sauce, this appetizer combines savory, tangy, and cheesy flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Pickle and Cheese
- 10-12 Dill pickle chips, drained and patted dry
- 1 package Mozzarella sticks (or mozzarella cheese cut into sticks)
Breading
- 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
Other
- 1 cup Buttermilk (optional, for extra crispy coating)
- Olive oil spray (for air frying or baking)
- Marinara or ranch dressing, for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) or your oven to 400°F (200°C). If baking, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the breading station. Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and the third with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Assemble the mozzarella sticks. Take one mozzarella stick and sandwich it between two dill pickle chips, gently pressing them so the pickles adhere to the cheese stick.
- Coat the sticks. Dip each pickle-wrapped mozzarella stick first into the flour, ensuring full coverage. Then, dip into the beaten eggs. Finally, coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure the coating sticks well.
- Prepare for cooking. If baking, arrange the coated sticks on the prepared baking sheet and lightly spray them with olive oil. If using an air fryer, place the sticks in a single layer in the basket and spray lightly with olive oil.
- Cook. Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes or air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even crispiness. Cook until the coating is golden and the cheese inside is melted and gooey.
- Serve. Serve the dill pickle chip mozza sticks immediately with your choice of marinara or ranch dressing for dipping.
Notes
- Use fresh mozzarella sticks or cut your own to ensure proper melting.
- Pat the dill pickle chips dry to prevent sogginess in the coating.
- Buttermilk is optional but helps create a crispier crust.
- Spraying with olive oil helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior whether baking or air frying.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Serve immediately for the best texture—leftovers may lose crispiness.
