Air Fryer Mozzarella Stuffed Onion Rings – Crispy & Cheesy Perfection
When my husband tried these Air Fryer Mozzarella Stuffed Onion Rings, he immediately asked for the recipe! Golden, crunchy on the outside with gooey, melty cheese on the inside—these onion rings are the ultimate snack, appetizer, or party food. Best of all, they’re healthier than deep-fried onion rings because they’re cooked in the air fryer with just a light spray of oil.
Perfect for game nights, family gatherings, or when you just want a fun, cheesy snack!
Ingredients
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2 large onions – cut into ½-inch thick rings
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8 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into strips (or mozzarella sticks)
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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2 large eggs, whisked
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1 cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko for extra crunch)
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp paprika
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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Cooking spray
Step-by-Step Preparation
1. Prep the Onion Rings
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Slice onions into ½-inch thick rings.
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Separate the rings carefully.
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Place a mozzarella strip inside a medium onion ring, then close it with a larger ring around it, creating a “cheese sandwich.”
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Repeat until all rings are filled with cheese.
2. Set Up the Breading Station
Prepare three bowls:
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Bowl 1: Flour
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Bowl 2: Whisked eggs
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Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper
3. Bread the Onion Rings
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Coat each stuffed onion ring in flour, shaking off excess.
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Dip into egg mixture until fully covered.
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Roll in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so it sticks well.
4. Air Fry the Onion Rings
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Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
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Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray.
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Place the coated onion rings in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
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Spray the tops with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
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Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
5. Serve & Enjoy
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Let the onion rings cool for 2 minutes before serving (cheese will be very hot!).
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Serve with marinara sauce, ranch, or your favorite dip.
Tips & Variations
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Extra Crispy: Use panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier bite.
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Cheese Swap: Try provolone, pepper jack, or cheddar sticks for different flavors.
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Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
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Kid-Friendly: Skip paprika or add fun dipping sauces like honey mustard or BBQ.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the breadcrumb mix.
Storage & Reheating
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Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
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Reheat: Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 4–5 minutes to bring back the crispiness.
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Freezer-Friendly: Freeze breaded (uncooked) onion rings on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Air fry directly from frozen at 400°F for 12–15 minutes.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)
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Calories: ~210
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Protein: 9 g
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Carbs: 18 g
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Fat: 11 g
Values vary by cheese and breadcrumbs used.