Baked or Fried Mozzarella Onion Rings – Your New Favorite Appetizer

Crispy, golden, and stuffed with melty cheese, these mozzarella onion rings are the perfect hybrid of indulgent bar food and smart snacking. With just a handful of ingredients and a lighter baking method, this recipe delivers all the fun of your favorite fried treat—without the extra oil or guilt. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or game-day crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy Outside, Gooey Inside: The ultimate texture combo in every bite.
Oven-Baked or Air-Fried: No deep fryer needed—just smart cooking.
Fun to Make: A creative, hands-on recipe that’s surprisingly simple.
Snack-Worthy and Shareable: Great for entertaining or snacking with friends.

Ingredients

• 2 large yellow onions, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rings
• 6 mozzarella cheese sticks (light or part-skim), cut in half
• 1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs (or panko for extra crunch)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• Olive oil spray

Instructions

Prep the Onion Rings

• Slice the onions and separate into rings.
• Take one larger ring and fit a smaller ring inside it, then place half a mozzarella stick between the rings so it’s “sandwiched” in the onion.
• Repeat to create 12 stuffed rings. Freeze for 20 minutes to firm them up.

Set Up Breading Stations

• Place flour in one bowl.
• In a second bowl, beat the eggs.
• In a third bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Bread the Onion Rings

• Dip each ring first in flour, then egg, then breadcrumb mixture—press gently to coat well.
• Place coated rings on a parchment-lined baking tray or air fryer basket. Spray lightly with olive oil spray.

Cook Until Crispy

Oven:

• Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.
  Air Fryer:
• Air fry at 380°F (195°C) for 10–12 minutes until golden and crisp.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 160
• Carbs: 12g
• Protein: 9g
• Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g

Tips for Success

• Freeze Before Cooking: Helps the cheese stay inside and not melt too fast.
• Use Panko for Extra Crunch: A mix of panko and Parmesan gives a superior texture.
• Keep One Hand Dry: Designate one hand for wet ingredients and one for dry to avoid clumps.
• Serve with Dips: Pair with marinara, ranch, or even light buffalo sauce.

Why This Recipe Works

• Creative & Fun: Turns a classic snack into something new and exciting.
• Lightened Up: Baking instead of frying saves on oil and calories.
• Satisfying: Combines cheesy comfort with crunchy satisfaction.
• Great for Sharing: Easy to double for parties or game night spreads.

These Mozzarella Onion Rings are the ultimate fusion of flavor and crunch—crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and baked to perfection. They’re a fun, crowd-pleasing treat made with better-for-you ingredients, perfect for snack attacks or party platters. Once you try them, they’ll be on repeat!