Air Fryer Cheese Curds
These crispy and golden Air Fryer Cheese Curds are the ultimate snack or appetizer! Perfect for game days, movie nights, or anytime you crave a crunchy, cheesy bite. Made with minimal oil, they’re a healthier alternative to deep-fried cheese curds without sacrificing that irresistible crunch.
Ingredients
- 8 oz fresh Wisconsin cheese curds
- ½ cup all-purpose flour or almond flour for keto
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 eggs beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds for keto
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Cooking spray or oil mist
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Curds: Pat cheese curds dry with paper towels and freeze for 10-15 minutes to help with breading adhesion.
- Set Up Breading Station: In separate bowls, place:
- Bowl 1: Flour, garlic powder, and paprika
- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs
- Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese
- Coat the Cheese Curds:
- Dredge cheese curds in flour mixture.
- Dip into the beaten eggs.
- Coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently.
- For an extra crispy coating, repeat the egg and breadcrumb step.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set air fryer to 370°F (188°C) for 3 minutes.
- Air Fry: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the cheese curds in a single layer. Lightly mist the tops with oil.
- Cook: Air fry at 370°F (188°C) for 4-5 minutes, shaking halfway through. Cheese curds should be golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately with dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or spicy sriracha mayo.
Notes
- Prevent Cheese Leaks: Freezing the cheese curds before breading helps prevent the cheese from oozing out.
- Best Breading for Keto: Use crushed pork rinds and almond flour instead of breadcrumbs and flour.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to maintain crispiness.