Air-Fryer Cheese Curds: A Tasty, Healthy Treat?

Cheese curds are a delicacy in Canada and parts of the United States, and they are often associated with Wisconsin and Quebec. They are typically made from cow's milk and traditionally produced from cheddar cheese. While they can be eaten as a snack or used to make poutine, a popular Canadian dish, frying them is considered one of the best ways to enjoy cheese curds. Frying cheese curds in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep frying, and it results in a crispy, crunchy, and gooey snack.

How to make cheese curds in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Cheese curds
• All-purpose flour
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Eggs
• Bread crumbs
• Cooking spray

Optional Ingredients

• Olive oil spray
• Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Parsley
• Cayenne pepper
• Hot sauce

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
• In a small bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• In a second bowl, whisk the eggs until well combined.
• In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs. If you're using Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and parsley, mix them with the breadcrumbs now.
• Coat each cheese curd with the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
• Dip the floured curd into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
• Roll the curd in the breadcrumbs until fully coated, shaking off any extra. Set aside on a plate and repeat with the remaining 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, making sure 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 them brown.
• Cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the cheese curds are golden brown and crispy. Halfway through the cooking time, gently shake the basket or use tongs to turn the cheese curds to ensure even cooking.
• Once done, carefully remove the cheese curds from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute or two. They will be very hot.
• Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara, ranch dressing, or a gluten-free spicy mayo.

Tips

• If you have time, freeze the cheese curds for about 30 minutes after breading them. This will allow the coating to crisp up before the cheese melts.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer. Leave enough space between each cheese curd to ensure they get crispy.
• Use air fryer liners for easy cleanup.

The benefits of using an air fryer

Yes, you can put cheese curds in an air fryer. In fact, air-frying is considered a healthier alternative to deep-frying cheese curds.

Healthy cooking

Air fryers allow you to enjoy the taste and texture of deep-fried foods with minimal oil. Traditional deep-frying involves submerging food in oil, adding unnecessary fat and calories to your meal. With an air fryer, you can achieve a crispy texture with just a light coating of oil or cooking spray, reducing the amount of fat and calories in your food.

Juicy and crispy food

Air fryers circulate hot air around your food at high heat, creating a golden brown and crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and juicy. This technique works well for a variety of foods, including chicken, potatoes, shrimp, and even desserts like cookies and fruit crisps.

Quick and convenient

Air fryers heat up and cook food faster than a conventional oven. They are easy to use, requiring just a few simple steps: put in your food, add a touch of oil or spray, set the timer, and you're done! Air fryers also heat up quickly, so you can have a meal ready in minutes, making them ideal for busy weeknights.

Easy cleanup

Air fryer baskets are easy to clean, just like any other pot or pan. You can wash them with soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge. Some air fryer baskets are even dishwasher-safe. Additionally, you can use parchment paper or silicone liners to make cleanup even easier.

Energy-efficient

Air fryers are more energy-efficient than traditional ovens and stovetops, reducing your carbon footprint and saving you money on your electricity bill. They also don't require preheating, so you can start cooking immediately.

Versatile

Air fryers are incredibly versatile and can be used for a wide range of dishes beyond just frying. They can bake, broil, grill, roast, and heat up leftovers. You can also cook a variety of foods, including vegetables, chicken, fish, and desserts. Many air fryers come with accessories like baking pans or grill grates, expanding your cooking options even further.

How to prevent cheese curds from sticking together

To prevent cheese curds from sticking together when air frying, there are a few steps you can take:

Firstly, be sure to shake off any excess coating before placing the curds in the air fryer. This will help to ensure that the cheese curds don't clump together and will also allow the coating to crisp up evenly. It is also important to place the cheese curds in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each curd to allow for even air circulation. You may need to cook the cheese curds in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Additionally, freezing the cheese curds for a short period before air frying can help to prevent sticking. Freezing the curds for around 30 minutes will help them keep their shape and prevent them from melting too quickly. This will give the coating a chance to crisp up before the cheese starts to melt.

Another tip is to double-bread the cheese curds. After coating the cheese curds in flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs, repeat the process by dipping them in the egg wash and breadcrumbs again. This will help to ensure that every corner of the cheese is covered, reducing the chances of the cheese melting out during the frying process.

Finally, using an air fryer liner or cooking spray can also help to prevent sticking. An air fryer liner will catch any excess oil and make cleanup easier, while cooking spray will help to achieve a golden colour and prevent sticking.

How to prevent cheese curds from melting in the air fryer

Yes, you can cook cheese curds in an air fryer! But there are a few things to keep in mind if you want to prevent them from melting.

Firstly, it's important to note that most cheeses have a low melting point, so they will start to melt before they get crispy. To prevent this, you can freeze the cheese curds before air-frying. Freezing them will help them keep their shape and solidify the coating, acting as a barrier so that the cheese doesn't melt and ooze everywhere. It's recommended to freeze them for about 30 minutes to an hour after you've coated them with batter.

Another tip is to use the right type of cheese. Some cheeses, like halloumi, feta, and ricotta, have higher melting points, so they won't melt as easily. If you're using cheese curds, look for ones made from cheddar or Colby cheese, as these have a higher melting point than some other varieties.

When preparing your cheese curds for the air fryer, coat them in a batter made of flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. This will create a barrier between the cheese and the hot air, helping to prevent melting. Make sure to coat the curds thoroughly and evenly.

Finally, it's important to cook the cheese curds at the right temperature and for the right amount of time. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the curds for 6-8 minutes. Keep an eye on them while they're cooking, as you may need to adjust the temperature or cooking time depending on your particular air fryer.

By following these tips, you can help prevent your cheese curds from melting in the air fryer and enjoy a delicious, crispy snack!

Dipping sauces for air-fried cheese curds

Air-fried cheese curds are a delicious snack, but the right dipping sauce can take them to the next level. Here are some mouth-watering options to try:

Marinara Sauce

A traditional tomato-based sauce, marinara is an excellent choice for fried cheese curds. Its tangy, savoury flavour pairs perfectly with the creamy, salty cheese, creating a delightful contrast.

Ranch Dressing

Ranch is a classic American dressing made from a creamy base, often buttermilk, and seasoned with herbs like thyme, dill, or parsley, and black pepper. It's a popular choice for cooling down spicy foods, but it also goes well with fried cheese curds, adding a pleasant creaminess to balance the crispy texture.

Honey Mustard

Honey mustard is a sweet and spicy sauce made by combining honey, mustard, vinegar, spices, and sometimes lemon or lime juice. The sharp, spicy flavour of the mustard is an unexpected but delightful contrast to the crispy, salty, and creamy cheese curds.

Blue Cheese Dressing

Blue cheese dressing is a chunky, pungent sauce made with blue cheese, mayonnaise or sour cream, and lemon juice. The bright, earthy flavour of blue cheese adds a unique bite to the fried cheese curds, creating a delicious cheesy duo.

Hot Sauce

For those who like it spicy, hot sauce is a great option. Drizzle it over the crunchy shell of the curd or dip the curds directly into the sauce for a more intense heat experience. Alternating bites with blue cheese or ranch dressing provides a mind-bending spicy and cool contrast.

Horseradish Cream

Horseradish cream is a love-it-or-hate-it option. It's made by mixing horseradish with sour cream, yogurt, herbs, and citrus, creating a zippy, cooling sensation that pairs well with the salty and fatty cheese curds.

These are just a few ideas to get you started, but feel free to experiment with other sauces and condiments to find your perfect pairing!

Frequently asked questions