Crispy Pickle Cheese Bites

Ingredients
1 cup dill pickle chips or spears (patted very dry)
8 oz mozzarella or cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
¼ tsp black pepper
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
Optional dipping sauces: ranch, spicy mayo, honey mustard
Instructions
Prep the pickles
Pat pickles completely dry with paper towels (this is key for crispiness).
Assemble
Place a cheese cube on top of each pickle piece.
Press gently so the cheese sticks.
Breading station
Bowl 1: flour
Bowl 2: beaten eggs
Bowl 3: panko mixed with garlic powder, paprika, and pepper
Coat
Dip each pickle-cheese bite into flour → egg → seasoned panko.
For extra crispiness, repeat the egg + panko step.
Chill
Freeze for 20–30 minutes (prevents cheese blow-out).
Fry
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
Fry in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden brown.
Drain on paper towels.
Air Fryer Option
Spray bites lightly with oil
Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 7–9 minutes, flipping halfway
Pro Tips
✔ Use panko, not regular breadcrumbs
✔ Dry pickles = crispy coating
✔ Freezing is the secret to perfect melty centers