Step-by-Step Instructions
Getting the Onions Ready
Cut your onion into thick slices, maybe half an inch or so, then separate all the rings. You're going to pair them up with a bigger ring on the outside and a smaller one that fits inside with some space between them. This space is where your cheese is going to live.
Cheese Sandwich Assembly
Take your mozzarella sticks and cut them to fit in that gap between your onion rings. Put the cheese in there and stick a toothpick through the whole thing to hold it together. This part is a little fiddly, but it's what makes these special instead of just regular onion rings.
First Coating Round
Mix up flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl and roll each assembled ring in this mixture. Set them on a wire rack while you make the batter because they need to sit for a minute to help the coating stick better.
Batter Time
Beat together milk and egg, then mix that into your leftover flour mixture until you get a smooth batter. It should be thick enough to stick to the onions but not so thick that it's like paste.
Final Coating
Dip each floured ring into your batter, let the extra drip off, then roll them in panko breadcrumbs. Press the crumbs on gently so they stick well. This triple coating is what gives you that amazing crunch.
Frying Process
Heat your oil to 350 degrees and carefully drop in a few rings at a time. Don't crowd them or they won't cook evenly. Fry until one side is golden brown, flip them over, and do the other side. The cheese inside will be perfectly melted by the time the outside is crispy.
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