Air Fryer Cheese: What You Need To Know

Air fryers are a game-changer for home cooks, cooking food quickly with less grease and oil. But can you put cheese in an air fryer? The short answer is no, you can't put cheese directly into an air fryer, as it will melt and make a mess. However, there are a few exceptions and things you can do to enjoy cheese with your air fryer.

Air Fryer Cheese Fries

Cheese fries are a great snack or side dish that can be made in an air fryer in less than 20 minutes. Here is a simple recipe for you to try:

Ingredients:

• Frozen French fries (any type)
• Shredded cheese (cheddar, pepper jack, Colby jack, or a mix of different spiced cheddars)
• Salt (optional)
• Other toppings of your choice (e.g. bacon, green onions, blue cheese, buffalo sauce, etc.)

Instructions:

• Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Add a single layer of frozen French fries to the air fryer basket. Do not pile them too high to ensure even cooking.
• Air fry for 8 minutes. Open the basket, shake the fries, and then air fry for another 5 minutes.
• Open the basket again, shake the fries, and sprinkle salt over them if desired.
• Add a layer of shredded cheese on top of the fries.
• Air fry for an additional 1-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted to your liking.
• Serve immediately.

Tips:

• It is important to note that not all cheeses are suitable for air frying. Cheeses with low melting points can ooze and stick to the appliance, making a mess. Choose cheeses with higher melting points, such as cheddar, pepper jack, or Colby jack.
• You can also add other toppings to your cheese fries, such as bacon, green onions, or blue cheese crumbs. Get creative and make loaded cheese fries!
• If you want to add some spice, try using pepper jack cheese or adding jalapeños as a topping.
• For a healthier option, consider making your own French fries from scratch instead of using frozen ones.

Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

Air fryers are a great way to cook food quickly, with less grease and oil, and many people claim that their air fryer makes food taste better. However, not all foods are suitable for cooking in an air fryer, and one of the most problematic is cheese.

Cheese has a low melting point, so it will begin to melt before it can get crispy. Putting cheese directly into an air fryer will result in a basket filled with sticky, gooey cheese that is difficult to clean. However, there are ways to cook cheese in an air fryer if you choose the right recipes. For example, you can make grilled cheese sandwiches in an air fryer.

• Heat the air fryer to 375-380ºF.
• Let the butter sit at room temperature until softened.
• Grate the cheese. Grating the cheese helps it melt faster and gives you a better cheese pull.
• Assemble the sandwiches. Spread the butter onto one side of each slice of bread. Place two slices of cheese on one slice of bread. Close the sandwich with the other slice of bread, butter-side up. Press the sandwich slightly to close.
• Place the sandwiches in the air fryer. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook the sandwiches one at a time.
• Air fry for 3 minutes.
• Flip the sandwiches and air fry for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
• If the bottom of the sandwich is not yet golden brown, flip it again and air fry for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.
• Serve immediately.

Tips:

• If your air fryer has a strong fan, the top slice of bread may fly off during cooking. To avoid this, secure each sandwich with a toothpick before air frying, then remove the toothpick before flipping.
• You can use mayonnaise instead of butter.
• For the cheese, a combination of flavorful cheese like sharp cheddar and a good melting cheese, like Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or low-moisture mozzarella, works well.

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Ingredients:

• Mozzarella cheese sticks
• Breadcrumbs (a combination of seasoned and Panko for flavour and crunch)
• Eggs
• Flour
• Oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Garlic powder

Optional:

• Parchment paper
• Non-stick spray
• Italian seasoning
• Marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping

Method:

• Cut the mozzarella cheese sticks in half.
• Whisk the eggs with a tablespoon of water in one bowl.
• In a separate bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, oil, garlic powder, and salt and pepper.
• Dip each mozzarella stick into the whisked egg, then the flour, then back into the egg, and finally into the breadcrumb mixture.
• Place the coated mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes (or up to six months).
• Preheat the air fryer to 390°F.
• Spray the mozzarella sticks with oil or cooking spray.
• Place the mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-7 minutes or until crisp.

Tips:

• It is important to freeze the mozzarella sticks before air-frying to prevent the cheese from melting and oozing out.
• Check the mozzarella sticks after 4 minutes to ensure they don't overcook or melt.
• If you want to freeze the mozzarella sticks for later, coat them according to the recipe, freeze them solid, then transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag. They will stay fresh for up to three months.

Variations:

• You can use olive oil or vegetable oil.
• You can add your own signature seasoning blend, such as taco seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or Italian seasoning.
• You can use string cheese or a block of mozzarella cut into rectangles.

Troubleshooting:

If your mozzarella sticks are exploding in the air fryer, make sure to double-coat them and freeze them before cooking.

Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls

While it is not recommended to put cheese directly into an air fryer, there are some exceptions to the rule. You can make dishes like mac and cheese balls in an air fryer as long as the cheese is contained and cannot ooze out into the appliance.

Ingredients:

• 1 (7.25 oz) package macaroni and cheese dinner mix (such as Kraft)
• 4 tablespoons of margarine
• ¾ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup seasoned breadcrumbs
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Non-stick cooking spray

Method:

• Boil a large pot of water over high heat. Add the macaroni pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender (around 7-8 minutes). Drain the water and return the pasta to the pot.
• Stir in the cheese sauce, milk, and margarine from the dinner package, and mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until well combined and melted.
• Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a bowl and refrigerate until firm (at least 4 hours or overnight).
• Scoop the chilled macaroni and cheese into 1 1/2-inch balls and place them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Freeze for about an hour.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350-375 degrees F (depending on your air fryer model). Spray the basket with non-stick cooking spray.
• Dip each frozen macaroni and cheese ball in the beaten eggs, then press them into the breadcrumb mixture to coat evenly.
• Place the coated balls into the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them. You may need to cook them in batches.
• Cook the mac and cheese balls in the air fryer for 6 to 10 minutes, turning them over halfway through, until they are golden brown.

Your Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls are now ready to be served! They are perfect as appetizers or finger food, and kids will surely love them!

Air Fryer Parmesan Crisps

Ingredients

• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
• Olive oil spray
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper or red pepper flakes (optional)

Method

• Prepare your pan by spraying a muffin tin or muffin pan with olive oil spray.
• Add 2-3 tablespoons of shredded Parmesan cheese to the pan.
• Place the pan in the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 400°F.
• Air fry for 4-5 minutes, until the cheese is golden brown and crispy.
• Remove the pan from the air fryer and allow it to cool for a couple of minutes.
• Use a thin spatula to remove the Parmesan crisps from the pan.
• Serve immediately with your favorite dip, such as marinara sauce, or store in an airtight container for later.

Tips

• Use a hard cheese such as Parmesan, cheddar, or gouda for the best results.
• Grate the cheese finely to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.
• Keep an eye on the crisps as they cook—they can go from golden to burnt very quickly!
• Allow the crisps to cool completely before removing them from the pan to ensure they are nice and crispy.

Variations

For a creative twist, try adding some spices or herbs to your Parmesan crisps:

• Cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Dried rosemary or thyme for an herby flavor.
• Sesame or chia seeds for a nutty crunch.

Frequently asked questions