Air Fryer Cheese Chips: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Air fryers are a convenient and versatile kitchen appliance that can cook a variety of foods, including cheese chips. Air fryers are known for their speed and ability to produce crispy, golden brown food without the need for additional oil. When it comes to making cheese chips in an air fryer, the process is simple and can be done with various types of cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan. The chips can be made from scratch or using frozen chips, and the air fryer allows for even cooking and consistent texture and flavour.

Air fryer cheese chips recipe

Ingredients:

• 400g frozen chips of your choice (e.g. steak cut frozen chips, French fries, or triple-cooked chips)
• 30g finely grated cheddar cheese (or cheese of your choice)
• 10g parmesan or pecorino

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 180C.
• Place your chosen frozen chips into the air fryer basket.
• Air fry for 8 minutes.
• Shake the basket, increase the temperature to 200C, and air fry for a further 6 minutes.
• Sprinkle the grated cheddar and parmesan/pecorino over the chips.
• Air fry for a final 2 minutes, until the cheese is golden brown.
• Sprinkle with salt to taste and serve.

Tips:

• You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, Parmesan, or Cheddar.
• For extra flavour, try adding spices like paprika, onion powder, or garlic powder to the cheese before baking.
• If you want to avoid the cheese sticking to the parchment paper, try using cooking spray.

Air fryer cheese chips cooking time and temperature

Air fryers are a convenient way to cook food without the need for additional oil. They are also great for making crispy, golden brown food while cutting down on some calories.

When making cheese chips in an air fryer, the cooking time and temperature will depend on the type of cheese you are using. For example, fresh cheeses like mozzarella, feta, or ricotta, which contain more moisture, may not be suitable for achieving a proper crunch. Similarly, soft cheeses like brie or camembert are not ideal for this recipe.

A general guideline for cooking time and temperature for cheese crisps is about five minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). However, you can adjust the temperature and time depending on the desired crispness and the type of cheese used. For instance, if using a frozen variety of chips, you may need to increase the cooking time.

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to between 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (177 to 204 degrees Celsius).

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese

You can use shredded or sliced cheese for this recipe. If using shredded cheese, place about one tablespoon per chip on a piece of parchment paper, leaving space between each mound as they will spread while cooking. If using sliced cheese, you can cut the slices into your desired shape and place them on the parchment paper.

Step 3: Air Fry the Cheese

Place the parchment paper with the cheese into the air fryer basket and air fry for about 5 to 8 minutes. Keep an eye on the cheese to ensure it doesn't burn. The cheese is ready when it turns golden brown and crispy.

Step 4: Season and Serve

Once the cheese is done, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool. You can season the cheese chips with salt or other herbs and spices to taste. Serve as a snack or use as a topping for salads or soups.

It's important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the model and size of your air fryer, so you may need to adjust the temperature and timing accordingly. Additionally, different types of cheese will yield different results, so feel free to experiment with various cheeses to find your favorite.

What cheese works best for cheese chips?

Cheese chips can be made with almost any type of cheese, but some are better than others. Hard cheeses like Parmesan, Grana Padano, Romano, Gruyere, or Asiago tend to be less greasy. Parmesan is also a bit lower in cholesterol than softer cheeses. Cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, Colby-jack, Havarti, and Pepper jack can be used, but they tend to separate and become oily or greasy.

The best cheese for making cheese chips in an air fryer is shredded Mexican cheese. This blend of cheeses makes the crispiest cheese chips. However, if you don't want to buy a bag of shredded cheese, you can also use sliced or grated cheese. The thinner you make the mounds of grated cheese, the crispier the final snacks will be.

If you're using sliced cheese, you can also make taco shells, rolled shapes, or bowls by shaping the cheese while it's still warm.

How to store cheese chips

Cheese chips can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you've used Parmesan cheese, you can store the chips right on the counter. They can also be stored in the fridge, which is recommended. You can also freeze them in an airtight container for up to six months.

If you have leftovers, it's best to place them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge. They will soften when stored in the fridge, but you can re-crisp them in the oven for a couple of minutes or in the microwave for about 30 seconds.

What to serve with cheese chips

Cheese chips are a delicious snack, side dish, or appetizer. They can be served with a variety of dishes, depending on the occasion and your personal preferences. Here are some ideas on what to serve with cheese chips:

As a Snack or Appetizer:

• Salads: Try serving them as a crunchy topper on a salad, such as a Salmon Caesar Salad, or as a crouton substitute in a bowl of soup.
• Dips: Serve them with various dips such as onion soup mix dip, candied jalapeno ranch dip, or cottage cheese ranch.
• Nachos: Load them up with nacho cheese, roasted corn guacamole, and sour cream for a hearty snack.
• Tacos: Cheese chips can be shaped into taco shells or bowls (as long as the cheese remains warm). Fill them with sauteed mushrooms, your favorite taco toppings, or even a sweet treat like cottage cheese cookie dough.
• Toppings: Sprinkle on some herbs and spices, such as everything bagel seasoning or freshly cracked black pepper. You can also add some spice with jalapeno slices or candied jalapenos.

As a Side Dish:

• Chicken Wings: BBQ chicken wings, with their sweet and smoky flavor, bring a different flavor profile that pairs well with the creamy cheese chips.
• Chicken Nuggets: Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, chicken nuggets are perfect for dunking into the cheese chips.
• Air Fryer Dishes: If you're already using your air fryer for the cheese chips, consider making some air fryer chicken wings, vegan coleslaw, or air fryer chicken tikka to serve on the side.
• Burgers: Serve the cheese chips alongside juicy burgers, or take it up a notch by making queso-stuffed burgers.
• Pickles: For an unusual but delicious combination, try serving crispy, tangy fried pickles with the cheese chips.

These are just a few ideas, but feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavors and dishes to find your perfect pairing!

Frequently asked questions