Air Fryer Cheese Crisps: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a versatile kitchen appliance that can cook a variety of foods, from salmon to tofu and even orange slices. They have become increasingly popular due to their convenience and ability to cook food twice as fast as conventional ovens. One popular snack that can be made in an air fryer is cheese crisps. Cheese crisps are a crunchy, savoury snack that can be made with a variety of cheeses, such as Parmesan, Cheddar, Gruyère, or mozzarella. The process is simple: line the air fryer basket with parchment paper, cut the cheese into the desired shape, and air fry until crunchy. The heated circulation in air fryers ensures even cooking, resulting in consistent texture and flavour.

Choosing the right cheese

The cheese you choose will determine the flavour, texture, and overall vibe of your cheese crisps. A firm, low-moisture cheese is your best bet for high-quality cheese crisps.

Recommended cheeses

Parmesan, cheddar, and Gruyère are great choices for ultra-crunchy cheese crisps. These cheeses are hard and tend to be less greasy. You can also use Asiago, which is a bit like Parmesan but with a lower cholesterol content.

Cheeses to avoid

Some cheeses are not suitable for making cheese crisps as they contain more moisture and won't achieve the desired crunch. These include fresh cheeses like mozzarella, feta, and ricotta. Ultra-soft cheeses like brie or camembert become viscous when heated, making them ideal for dipping but not for crispy treats.

Grated or sliced cheese?

Whether you use grated or sliced cheese is up to you. If you opt for grated cheese, arrange the shreds closely together and lay them flat to prevent uneven cooking. Grated cheese is thinner and may cook faster, so you may need to reduce the cooking time to prevent burning.

Customising your cheese crisps

You can add herbs and spices, such as everything bagel seasoning or freshly cracked black pepper, to your cheese crisps for extra flavour. You can also add nuts or seeds, such as sunflower seeds, slivered almonds, or pine nuts, for added texture and nutty flavours.

How to prepare the air fryer

To prepare your air fryer for use, start by removing any packaging materials and cleaning all parts and accessories. Place the air fryer on a level, flat, dry surface, ensuring there is enough clearance around it. Refer to your owner's manual for specific setup instructions.

Before cooking with your air fryer, spritz or brush your chosen protein or vegetables with a light coat of oil and add your desired seasoning. You can also lightly coat the basket of your air fryer with an oil spray to prevent sticking. Then, distribute your food in a single even layer across the bottom of the basket for an even bake.

Avoid air frying foods with wet batters, like beer-battered fish, or more delicate leafy greens, as these may end up swirling around the basket.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking temperature and time for making cheese crisps in an air fryer depend on the type of cheese used. For instance, shredded cheese is thinner and cooks faster, so it may require a shorter cooking time. Similarly, the cooking time may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave. It is recommended to cook at a temperature of around 350-400°F for 5-8 minutes.

When cooking with shredded cheese, arrange the shreds in small, flat, closely-packed heaps to avoid uneven cooking. For sliced cheese, place the slices directly on the air fryer basket floor or a parchment-lined tray.

It is important to keep an eye on the cheese crisps while they are cooking, as they can burn easily. Check on them regularly and remove them from the heat once they are lightly browned. Additionally, different air fryers may have different cooking times and temperatures, so it is essential to experiment and adjust accordingly.

For those who enjoy adding seasonings, herbs, seeds, or nuts to their cheese crisps, it is recommended to use dried herbs and spices to avoid burning.

Adding flavour

Garden-fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme impart an aromatic flair to the crunchy snacks, while adding everything bagel seasoning can provide a bold, savoury dimension to the rich cheese crisps. For a more well-rounded flavour profile, consider adding some texture and nutty flavours with sunflower seeds, slivered almonds, or pine nuts.

If you're feeling creative, you can also experiment with different combinations of herbs and spices. Just remember to use dried herbs and spices to avoid burning. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Everything bagel seasoning
• Freshly cracked black pepper
• Trader Joe's Everything But the Bagel
• Garlic salt
• Onion powder
• Lawry's Seasoning

Storing and freezing cheese crisps

Storing cheese crisps correctly is crucial to maintaining their freshness and crunchiness. The appropriate method depends on the length of time you plan to store them.

Short-Term Storage

For short-term storage, keep your cheese crisps in an airtight container to protect them from moisture and other contaminants. Place them in a cool, dry location, away from direct sunlight. The refrigerator is ideal for short-term storage as it provides a consistent temperature and safeguards the crisps from becoming stale. They can be stored this way for up to one week.

Long-Term Storage

If you want to store your cheese crisps for an extended period, the freezer is the best option. Place them in an airtight container or a sealed bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When stored in the freezer, cheese crisps can retain their quality for several months, up to six months.

Tips for Maintaining Crispness

• Store cheese crisps in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Use airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags to minimize moisture exposure.
• Add a desiccant packet to the container to absorb excess moisture.
• Parchment paper or paper towels can be placed in the container to absorb excess oil or moisture.
• If crisps lose their crispiness, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes.

Cheese crisps are best enjoyed fresh, as they tend to soften when stored in the refrigerator. However, with proper storage, they can maintain their crispness for up to a week. If you have leftovers, you can re-crisp them in the oven for a couple of minutes or in the microwave for about 30 seconds.

Frequently asked questions