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

Air fryers have become a kitchen staple, and for good reason. They're versatile, convenient, and can cook just about anything, including cheese crisps. Air-fried cheese crisps are a delicious, protein-packed snack with a satisfying crunch. They're also incredibly easy to make and only require a few simple ingredients. In this article, we'll walk you through the steps to make your own cheese crisps in an air fryer, as well as offer tips and tricks for achieving the perfect crisp.

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 the best option for high-quality, ultra-crunchy cheese crisps.

Parmesan, cheddar, and Gruyère are all excellent choices for achieving that sought-after crispiness. These cheeses have lower moisture content, which is key to getting that crunch. On the other hand, fresh cheeses like mozzarella, feta, or ricotta are too moist and won't give you the desired texture. Similarly, ultra-soft cheeses like brie or camembert become viscous when heated, making them perfect for dipping but not for crisps.

You can use either shredded or sliced cheese for your crisps. If you go for shredded cheese, arrange the shreds close together and lay them flat to avoid uneven cooking. Shredded cheese is thinner, so it may cook faster and require less time in the air fryer.

For a simple cheese crisp, a general guideline is to cook at around 375-400°F for about 5-8 minutes. However, it's important to keep an eye on your cheese crisps as cooking times can vary depending on the type of cheese and your air fryer.

Experiment with different cheeses and cooking times to find your perfect cheese crisp!

Preparing the air fryer

Before you start making your cheese crisps, you'll want to ensure your air fryer is ready to go. First, check that your air fryer is clean and free of any debris from previous cooking sessions. If necessary, give it a quick wipe down with a damp cloth to remove any residue.

Next, you'll want to line the air fryer basket with parchment paper. This step is crucial as it will help you avoid a sticky mess later on. Cut a sheet of parchment paper to roughly the size of your air fryer basket and lay it down inside. Parchment paper also makes it easier to remove the cheese crisps once they're done and prevents them from sticking to the basket.

If you don't have parchment paper, you can use a silicone baking mat (also known as a Silpat mat) instead. However, it is not recommended to skip this step altogether, as the cheese will melt and stick to the basket without a liner.

Once your air fryer basket is lined, you can move on to the next step of preparing your cheese.

Paragraph count: 5)

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for making cheese crisps in an air fryer can vary depending on the type of cheese used and the desired level of crispiness. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you achieve the perfect cheese crisp:

Firstly, it is important to note that different types of cheese will yield different results. For example, a firm, low-moisture cheese like Parmesan, Cheddar, or Gruyère is ideal for ultra-crunchy cheese crisps. On the other hand, fresh cheeses like mozzarella, feta, or ricotta, which contain more moisture, may not achieve the same level of crispness.

Now, let's get into the cooking instructions. Start by preheating your air fryer to a temperature between 350°F and 400°F. The higher the temperature, the crispier your cheese crisps will be. Place a slice of cheese or a small mound of grated cheese (about 1-2 tablespoons) on a piece of parchment paper inside the air fryer basket. If using grated cheese, press the cheese lightly to form a flat, thin layer, as this will promote even cooking and crispiness.

The cooking time will depend on the temperature you set. At 350°F, cook the cheese for about 5 minutes. At 400°F, cook for about 6-8 minutes. Keep a close eye on your cheese crisp, as it can go from perfectly browned to burnt quite quickly. The cheese crisp is ready when it is puffed up and well browned on top.

Once the desired level of crispiness is achieved, remove the cheese crisp from the air fryer using a small silicone or metal spatula. Be gentle, as the cheese crisp will be delicate. Allow the cheese crisp to cool down, as it will continue to harden as it cools.

If you prefer your cheese crisps on the thicker side, you can cook for a shorter duration, resulting in a crisp that has a chewy, melted cheese centre. Additionally, if you want to add some extra flavour to your cheese crisps, you can sprinkle on some seasonings, herbs, seeds, or nuts before placing them in the air fryer.

Adding toppings and seasonings

If you're looking for a pre-cooking seasoning, dried herbs and spices are a great option. Everything bagel seasoning, for example, can provide a bold, savoury dimension to your cheese crisp. Freshly cracked black pepper is another option for a kick of spice.

If you want to add toppings after cooking, you can pair your cheese crisp with dips like salsa, guacamole, spinach-artichoke dip, or marinara sauce. You can also crumble your cheese crisp over a salad or soup for a crunchy topping.

For a more indulgent treat, you can add a drizzle of honey to your cheese crisp. This combination of sweet and savoury is sure to be a hit.

When it comes to seasoning, the possibilities are endless. Experiment with different combinations of toppings and seasonings to find your favourite flavour profiles.

Storing and reheating

To reheat the cheese crisps, you can place them in the oven for a couple of minutes or in the microwave for about 30 seconds to regain their crispiness. However, it is not recommended to reheat the cheese crackers made in an air fryer. Instead, let them thaw at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator.

Frequently asked questions