Mozzarella stuffed onion rings (Printable Version)

# What You'll Need:

→ Main Components

01 - 1 large onion, sliced into thick rings
02 - 8 mozzarella cheese sticks
03 - 1 cup whole milk
04 - 1 large egg, beaten
05 - 2 cups cooking oil
06 - Toothpicks for securing

→ Dry Ingredients

07 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
08 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
09 - 1 teaspoon fine salt
10 - 1 cup Panko bread crumbs

# How to Make It:

01 - Pair one larger onion ring with a smaller ring, placing the smaller inside the larger leaving space between. Slice mozzarella sticks to fit the opening and secure the cheese within rings using toothpicks.
02 - In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Dredge the assembled onion rings in this mixture and arrange them on a wire rack.
03 - Whisk milk and beaten egg together until smooth, then add to the remaining dry ingredients and stir gently to create a batter.
04 - Dip the onion rings into the batter, allowing excess to drip off. Immediately coat them with Panko bread crumbs and return to the wire rack.
05 - Heat oil in a deep cooking pot over medium-high heat. Fry onion rings in batches, turning once, until golden brown on both sides, about 3 to 4 minutes per batch. Remove and drain on paper towels.
06 - Remove toothpicks gently before serving. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.

# Additional Tips:

01 - For optimal crispiness, double-coat the onion rings with flour mixture, batter, and Panko breadcrumbs.
02 - Securing mozzarella between onion rings with toothpicks prevents cheese leakage during frying.
03 - Serve immediately while hot to enjoy the melty cheese and crunchy texture.