Air Fryer Cheese Curds: A Tasty, Healthy Treat?

Cheese curds are a delicacy found in parts of Canada and the United States, and they are especially popular in Wisconsin. They are made from soft pieces of unaged cheese, usually from cow's milk, and are often served as a snack or used to make poutine. Frying cheese curds is a popular way to prepare them, but this can be messy and unhealthy. Air fryers offer a convenient and healthier alternative to deep frying, but can you get the same delicious results?

How to make cheese curds in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Cheese curds
• All-purpose flour
• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs (gluten-free or panko)
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Salt
• Pepper
• Spices of your choice (e.g. garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper)

Method

• Prepare three separate bowls: one with flour, one with whisked eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. You can also add spices to the breadcrumbs for extra flavour.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This step is optional, as air fryers heat up very quickly, but some people prefer to do it.
• Coat the cheese curds in flour, then dip them in the egg, and finally, roll them in the breadcrumbs. Make sure they are fully coated each time.
• For an extra crispy coating, repeat step three, dipping the cheese curds back into the egg and then into the breadcrumbs again.
• Place the breaded cheese curds in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching. You may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
• Lightly spray the cheese curds with olive oil or cooking spray.
• Air fry at 350°F to 400°F for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
• Serve immediately with your favourite dipping sauce.

Tips

• You can freeze the cheese curds for 10-15 minutes before cooking to help them keep their shape, but this is optional.
• Keep the cheese curds that are stuck together, as smaller pieces may not fry as well.
• Double breading the curds will help prevent the cheese from leaking out during the frying process.
• If you want to spice up your cheese curds, you can add spices like smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or crushed red pepper to the breadcrumbs.

The benefits of using an air fryer

Yes, you can fry cheese curds in an air fryer! Here are some benefits of using an air fryer:

Quick and Safe Cooking:

Air fryers significantly reduce cooking time compared to traditional methods, making them ideal for busy households. They also eliminate the risk of hot oil splattering or burning, making them safer than deep-frying.

Healthy, Crunchy Meals:

Air fryers use hot air circulation to create crispy, crunchy textures without submerging food in oil. This means you can enjoy your favourite fried foods, like cheese curds, with significantly less fat and calories.

Easy to Use and Clean:

Air fryers are simple to operate and clean. Just add your food, adjust the temperature and cooking time, and press start. Most models have dishwasher-safe removable parts, making cleanup a breeze.

Versatile Cooking Options:

Air fryers can be used for a wide variety of dishes beyond just frying. You can cook classic fried foods, get creative with pizzas and desserts, reheat leftovers, or quickly roast vegetables.

Energy Efficiency:

Air fryers are more energy-efficient than traditional ovens and stovetops, helping you reduce your carbon footprint and save on electricity bills.

Delicious Results:

Air-fried food has a light and crispy texture similar to deep-fried dishes but without the extra fat. You can enjoy all the flavours of deep-fried food with a healthier twist.

So, whether you're frying cheese curds or cooking a variety of other dishes, an air fryer offers a fast, safe, and healthy cooking option with delicious results.

The best types of cheese curds to use

Cheese curds are a type of delicacy found in Canada and parts of the United States, especially Wisconsin and Quebec. They are soft pieces of unaged cheese made from cow's milk and traditionally produced from cheddar cheese.

When it comes to choosing the best type of cheese curds for air frying, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, it is important to look for cheese curds that are fresh and of good quality. Fresh cheese curds will have a softer texture and a more pronounced flavour, which will enhance the taste of your final dish.

Secondly, you can choose between different varieties of cheese curds, such as regular, flavoured, or even gluten-free options. Regular cheese curds are the most commonly available type and will give you a classic fried cheese curd experience. Flavoured cheese curds, on the other hand, can add an extra layer of taste to your dish. For example, you can find cheese curds flavoured with garlic, pepper, or various herbs. Gluten-free cheese curds are also available for those with dietary restrictions.

Lastly, consider the size of the cheese curds. For air frying, it is generally recommended to use smaller cheese curds or cut larger ones into smaller pieces. This ensures that the cheese melts evenly and creates a better texture when fried.

If you are unable to find cheese curds, you can use small cubes of mozzarella, fresh baby mozzarella, or mild cheddar as a substitute. However, keep in mind that the taste and texture may vary slightly from traditional cheese curds.

With these factors in mind, you can choose the best type of cheese curds to suit your preferences and create delicious, crispy, and gooey air-fried cheese curds.

How to prevent cheese curds from melting in an air fryer

Yes, you can fry cheese curds in an air fryer! However, to prevent cheese curds from melting in an air fryer, there are several steps you can take:

Firstly, it is important to note that you should not put cheese by itself into an air fryer, as it will melt and create a mess. Instead, coat the cheese curds with a batter or breading. This can be done by dipping the curds in a mixture of flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, followed by an egg wash, and finally rolling them in breadcrumbs. This will create a crispy coating that prevents the cheese from melting too quickly.

Secondly, use an air fryer liner or parchment paper to line the air fryer basket. This will not only make cleanup easier but also help to achieve a crispy finish on the cheese curds.

Thirdly, arrange the cheese curds in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for even air circulation. This is crucial, as overcrowding the air fryer can lead to uneven cooking and prevent the curds from getting crispy.

Additionally, cook the cheese curds in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Lightly spray the curds with cooking spray or olive oil to help them brown and get a nice golden color.

Lastly, keep an eye on the cheese curds while they are cooking. Fry them for 6-8 minutes at 350°F (175°C) or 400°F, flipping or shaking the basket halfway through, to ensure they do not overcook or melt too much.

By following these steps, you can enjoy crispy, gooey, and delicious cheese curds from your air fryer without worrying about them melting too much or creating a mess.

Dipping sauces for cheese curds

Marinara Sauce

A traditional tomato-based sauce with a creamy texture and herbaceous spices like thyme, dill, parsley, onion, garlic, and black pepper. It is a classic pairing that balances the crispy, salty fried cheese curds with its cool, creamy sauce.

Hot Pepper Jelly

Sweet and spicy, this jelly combines fruit and berry jellies with hot peppers to create bursts of flavour. The sweetness, acidity, and heat from the jelly complement the salt, fat, and creaminess of the cheese curds.

Honey Mustard

A sweet and spicy sauce made by combining honey, mustard, vinegar, spices, and sometimes lemon or lime juice. The honey and sharp mustard deliver a surprising taste sensation, with the vinegar adding a briny tang that complements the crunchy outer layer and molten cheese centre of the curds.

Pesto

A bright, herbal sauce made from basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice. Pesto provides a soothing, cool contrast to the salty, fatty cheese curds, and its bright green colour looks appealing against the golden fried coating.

Blue Cheese Dressing

A funky, chunky sauce with a pungent, earthy flavour. It is made from blue cheese, a creamy base like mayo or sour cream, and lemon juice. The bright, tangy dressing adds a unique twist to the cheese curds, offering a different flavour profile.

Hot Sauce

Drizzling or dipping fried cheese curds in hot sauce adds a slight to intense kick, depending on your preference. The heat from the hot sauce contrasts beautifully with the salty, creamy, and crunchy cheese curds.

Horseradish Cream

A love-it-or-hate-it ingredient, horseradish has a unique, nippy spice. When mixed with sour cream, yogurt, herbs, and citrus, it becomes a cooling, creamy sauce with a zippy tang. This sauce provides a unique, refreshing sensation when paired with the salty and fatty cheese curds.

Pomegranate Molasses

A thick, sticky syrup common in Middle Eastern cuisine, pomegranate molasses has a rich, slightly sweet, and tangy flavour with a hint of musk and citrus. It is a unique and aesthetically pleasing dip or drizzle for fried cheese curds, offering a tasty contrast to the salty, crunchy curds.

Chimichurri

South America's answer to pesto, chimichurri is a bright, herbaceous sauce traditionally made with parsley, onions, garlic, vinegar, olive oil, and salt and pepper. It provides a clean, refreshing, and slightly peppery contrast to the fried cheese curds, making it a great option for a dipping sauce flight.

Hoisin Sauce

A sweet, salty, and umami-rich sauce commonly used in Asian cuisine. Hoisin sauce has a complex blend of ingredients, including black bean paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, and fish sauce. The salty-sweet sauce is a magical pairing with the crispy fried shell of the cheese curds, creating a strange and delightful flavour combination.

Barbecue Sauce

Sweet, smoky, or vinegary barbecue sauces, such as Kansas City-style, North Carolina gold, or Texas sauce, pair well with the crispy, salty, and creamy cheese curds. The tanginess and sweetness of the sauce create a tasty contrast with the fried cheese.

Balsamic Glaze

A reduction of pure balsamic vinegar, balsamic glaze is rich, sweet, tangy, and fruit-forward. It beautifully complements the salty, creamy, and fatty cheese curds, and its syrupy consistency helps it cling to the fried coating better than pure balsamic vinegar.

Spicy Mayo

Spicy mayonnaise is a popular condiment in many places, even served with sushi. It offers a cooling, spicy kick when paired with the crunchy, creamy, and salty cheese curds.

Calabrian Chili Paste

A smoky, spicy, and salty paste made with Italian Calabrian chile peppers, garlic, salt, and olive oil. The fresh, hot flavour of Calabrian chiles makes this paste a great choice for adding heat to the fried cheese curds, and its slightly thicker consistency is worth the textural challenge.

Frequently asked questions