Air Fryer Fried Cheese Curds: A Tasty Treat

Cheese curds are a delicacy in Canada and parts of the US, and they're even better when they're fried. But frying things isn't always ideal, which is where air fryers come in. It is possible to make fried cheese curds in an air fryer, and it's a healthier alternative to deep-frying them in oil. The key to success is to make sure the curds are properly coated and to freeze them before cooking, so the cheese doesn't melt too fast.

The best temperature to cook cheese curds in an air fryer

Air-fried cheese curds are a delicious, crunchy, and gooey snack that can be made in minutes. They are a healthier alternative to deep-fried cheese curds, and can be made in an air fryer with just a few simple ingredients.

Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Curds

Start by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for even cooking and to ensure your cheese curds get perfectly crispy. It is recommended to use an air fryer liner for easier cleanup.

Step 2: Create the Batter

In a small mixing bowl, combine your dry ingredients: flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This will be your initial coating that adds flavour and helps the subsequent layers adhere to the cheese curds. You can also add spices like Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, or ranch seasoning to this mixture for extra flavour.

Step 3: Coat the Cheese Curds

Take each cheese curd and coat it thoroughly in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, dip the floured curd into a bowl of beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, roll the curd in a separate bowl of breadcrumbs until fully coated, and set aside on a plate.

Step 4: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or line it with an air fryer parchment liner to prevent the cheese curds from sticking. This step will also help achieve a crispy finish.

Step 5: Arrange and Cook the Cheese Curds

Place the breaded cheese curds in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. You may need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding. Lightly spray the tops of the cheese curds with cooking spray to help them brown.

Air fry your cheese curds at 350°F (175°C) for 6-8 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Halfway through the cooking time, gently shake the basket or use tongs to turn the cheese curds, ensuring even cooking.

For cheese curds cooked at 400°F, cook for 5-7 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to ensure they do not overcook.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once done, carefully remove the cheese curds from the air fryer and let them cool briefly, as they will be very hot. Serve immediately with your favourite dipping sauce, such as marinara, ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, honey mustard, or blue cheese.

There you have it! The perfect air-fried cheese curds, crispy and golden on the outside, and gooey and melty on the inside, all cooked at the ideal temperature in your air fryer. Enjoy!

How to prevent cheese curds from melting in the air fryer

To prevent cheese curds from melting in the air fryer, it is recommended to freeze the curds for about 30 minutes after breading them. This allows the coating to crisp up before the cheese completely melts. The cheese curds should not be left in the freezer for hours, as they should still be soft and oozy when bitten into.

Additionally, it is important to not overcrowd the air fryer. Place the curds in a single layer and work in batches if necessary. This ensures even air circulation and allows the curds to get as crunchy as possible.

Another tip is to use air fryer liners, which can help achieve a crispy finish and make cleanup easier.

By following these steps, you can enjoy crispy, gooey, and melty cheese curds from the comfort of your air fryer!

How to make gluten-free cheese curds in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Cheese curds
• Gluten-free all-purpose flour
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Eggs
• Gluten-free breadcrumbs
• Cooking spray
• Dipping sauce of your choice (optional)

Steps:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
• Prepare three separate bowls for the coating process.
• In the first bowl, mix gluten-free flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• In the second bowl, whisk the eggs until well combined.
• In the third bowl, pour the gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Take each cheese curd and coat it with the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
• Dip the floured cheese curd into the beaten egg, letting the excess drip off.
• Finally, roll the cheese curd in the breadcrumbs until fully coated, and set it aside on a plate. Repeat this process for all cheese curds.
• Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
• Place the breaded cheese curds in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. You may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
• Lightly spray the tops of the cheese curds with cooking spray to help achieve a golden color.
• Cook the cheese curds for 6-8 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. For even cooking, gently shake the basket or use tongs to turn the cheese curds halfway through the cooking time.
• Once done, carefully remove the cheese curds from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute or two as they will be very hot.
• Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara, ranch dressing, or a gluten-free spicy mayo.

Tips:

• You can freeze the cheese curds before and after breading to prevent them from melting too quickly during cooking.
• Use an air fryer liner for easier cleanup.
• Be creative with the seasonings in the breading—you can add garlic salt, Italian seasoning, or other spices of your choice.
• Any part of the cheese curd that looks floury can be sprayed with cooking spray to help it brown nicely.
• Store any leftover cheese curds in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days and reheat in the air fryer when needed.

The best oils to use for air-frying cheese curds

Air-fried cheese curds are a delicious, healthier alternative to deep-fried cheese curds. To make them, you'll need to use a cooking spray or oil spray with a high smoke point to prevent the cheese curds from sticking to the air fryer basket and to help achieve a golden colour. Here are some of the best oils to use:

• Avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point, making it ideal for air frying. It has a neutral flavour and is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats.
• Canola oil: Canola oil is another excellent choice for air frying due to its high smoke point and neutral flavour. It's widely available and relatively inexpensive.
• Olive oil: While olive oil has a lower smoke point than avocado or canola oil, it can still be used for air frying cheese curds if you're careful not to heat it above its smoke point. Olive oil adds a rich flavour to your dish and is a good source of monounsaturated fats.
• Coconut oil: Coconut oil is a healthy option that adds a subtle sweetness to your dish. It has a high smoke point, but it can be more expensive than other options.

When using any of these oils for air frying, it's important to spray them onto the air fryer basket or use a cooking spray designed for high-heat cooking. This will ensure that the oil is distributed evenly and prevents the cheese curds from sticking.

How to prevent cheese curds from sticking to the air fryer

Yes, you can make fried cheese curds in an air fryer! Here are some tips to prevent cheese curds from sticking to the air fryer:

Firstly, pre-seasoning the air fryer basket or tray is essential. This involves applying a thin layer of oil to create a non-stick coating. You can use a paper towel or brush to spread the oil evenly. This not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup easier. Additionally, always grease the air fryer basket or tray before each use. You can use cooking spray or lightly brush a small amount of oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or vegetable oil, onto the surface.

Secondly, avoid overcrowding the air fryer. This is a common mistake that can lead to food sticking together or to the basket. Leave sufficient space between each cheese curd to ensure proper air circulation. It's better to cook in multiple batches to achieve the desired crispiness without sticking issues.

Thirdly, during the cooking process, periodically flip or shake the cheese curds. This prevents one side from becoming overly crisp while the other remains undercooked and helps break any adhesion to the cooking surface.

Another tip is to use parchment paper or silicone liners. Cut them to fit the bottom of your basket or tray to create a protective layer, preventing direct contact between the cheese curds and the cooking surface. Just ensure that the liners don't obstruct the air vents.

Lastly, always preheat your air fryer before adding the cheese curds. This helps create a non-stick surface, similar to preheating a traditional oven. Allow it to reach the desired temperature and then add your cheese curds.

Frequently asked questions