Air Fryer Cheese Curds

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Air Fryer Cheese Curds are crispy, gooey, healthy, and super delicious. With a handful of simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can enjoy this dish in 10 minutes. Your whole family will love to eat these fresh and melt-in-mouth air-fried cheese curds.

You can follow my simple recipe to air fry cheese curds with perfection in your home kitchen. These fried cheese curds are full of flavors and surely will impress your taste buds. They are highly versatile and can be served on any occasion or day of the weak.

Here, we will explore how to make cheese curds in air fryer, bonus recipe tips, serving ideas, variations, and much more.

Why You'll Love Air Fryer Cheese Curds

They are crunchy on the outside and wonderfully gooey on the inside, which creates a delightful contrast with every bite.
Making Air Fryer Cheese Curds is a breeze. With minimal prep and cooking time, you can whip up a batch in no time.
Air Fryer Cheese Curds are excellent party snacks or appetizers. They are easy to share and are sure to be a hit among both kids and adults.
Air Fryer Cheese Curds pair well with a variety of dipping sauces like classic marinara, zesty salsa, or creamy ranch.
Unlike traditional deep-fried cheese curds, the air fryer method significantly reduces the amount of oil used in the cooking process. So you can enjoy your homemade cheese curds without any guilt.

Ingredients

Cheese Curds - 1 pound
All-Purpose Flour - 1 cup
Eggs (large) - 2
Panko Breadcrumbs - 1 cup
Garlic Powder- 1 teaspoon
Salt and Pepper - to taste

Equipment

Air Fryer
Mixing Bowls
Whisk or Fork
Baking Sheet or Plate
Cooking Spray
Tongs

How To Cook Air Fryer Cheese Curds

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to ensure that the air fryer is hot and ready for cooking.

Prepare the Breading Station

In one mixing bowl, place the all-purpose flour. In another bowl, beat the eggs to create an egg wash.
In a third bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful coating mixture.

Coat the Cheese Curds

Take a cheese curd, coat it first with flour, and shake off any excess.

After that, dip it into the egg wash and let any extra runoff. Roll the curd in the seasoned Panko breadcrumb mixture and press gently to ensure the coating adheres well. Place the breaded curds on a baking sheet or plate.

Spray with Cooking Oil

Lightly spray the breaded cheese curds with cooking spray. This helps cheese curds to achieve a golden brown and crispy texture.

Air Fry the Cheese Curds

Carefully place the breaded cheese curds in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket or tray. Avoid overcrowding to allow proper air circulation.

Cook the curds at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes and turn them halfway through the cooking time for even crispiness. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking.

Check for Crispiness

After 8-10 minutes, check the cheese curds for crispiness. They should be golden brown and have a crunchy texture on the outside while remaining gooey inside.

If needed, air fry for an additional 1-2 minutes for extra crispiness.

Serve Immediately

Once the cheese curds are crispy and golden, remove them from the air fryer. Serve immediately while they are hot and gooey inside.
Enjoy your homemade Air Fryer Cheese Curds as a delightful snack or appetizer!

Related Air Fryer Cheese Recipes

Bonus Recipe Tips

Traditional cheddar cheese curds are classic options, but you can experiment with different cheese varieties. Mozzarella, pepper jack, or any of your favorite varieties with various seasonings can add unique flavors and textures to your dish.
For a firmer texture, place the cheese curds in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes before breading. Chilled cheese curds hold their shape better during the breading process and ensure a gooey center surrounded by a crispy coating.
Elevate your Air Fryer Cheese Curds by serving them with a variety of dipping sauces. Classic marinara, spicy sriracha mayo, tangy ranch, or sweet honey mustard are excellent choices.
If you enjoy spicy food, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the seasoning mix.

Serving Ideas

Serve the crispy cheese curds as an appetizer with a variety of dipping sauces such as marinara, ranch, and spicy aioli. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a visually appealing presentation.
Toss warm cheese curds into a fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and your favorite vinaigrette.
Fill soft corn or flour tortillas with crispy cheese curds, shredded lettuce, salsa, and a drizzle of spicy mayo or crema. Top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a flavorful taco experience, and serve.
For a unique serving style, serve warm cheese curds with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.

Recipe Variations

Toss the warm cheese curds in a mixture of buffalo sauce and melted butter for a spicy kick. Serve with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for a classic buffalo wing-inspired snack.
Add minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb coating mixture. The garlic offers a savory flavor, while the Parmesan adds a salty, nutty taste. This cheese curds recipe variation is perfect for garlic bread lovers.
Wrap each cheese curd with a strip of bacon before breading them. Air fry until the bacon is crispy and the cheese curds are gooey. This variation combines the smoky flavor of bacon with the creamy texture of cheese curds.
Mix ranch seasoning powder into the breadcrumb coating for a tangy and herby flavor. Serve these curds with additional ranch dressing for dipping, creating a delicious ranch-infused experience.

How To Store & Reheat Leftovers

Place the leftover cheese curds in an airtight container. Store the airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
When needed, air fry the leftovers for 3-5 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Check the curds frequently to avoid overcooking.

More Air Fryer Recipes

Is It Safe To Air Fry Cheese?

Yes, it is safe to air fry cheese, including cheese curds. Air frying provides a crispy texture without excessive oil and makes it a healthier alternative to deep frying.

Should Cheese Curds Be Frozen Before Frying?

Freezing cheese curds before frying is not necessary, but it can help them retain their shape better during the breading and frying process. Freezing for about 15-20 minutes can firm up the curds and make them easier to handle.

How Long To Cook Frozen Cheese Curds?

When cooking frozen cheese curds in the air fryer, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Cook them at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they are heated through and crispy.

Do Cheese Curds Melt Easily?

Cheese curds have a lower moisture content and a higher melting point than other types of cheese. While they become gooey when heated, they don't melt as quickly as softer cheeses, which allows them to maintain their shape and texture when cooked.

How Do I Make Gluten-Free Air Fryer Cheese Curds?

Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for coating. Ensure all seasonings and sauces used are also gluten-free to accommodate a gluten-free diet.