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

Air fryers are a convenient and versatile kitchen appliance, and they can be used to make a variety of dishes, including cheese chips. Cheese chips are a tasty snack that can be made with just a few simple ingredients and an air fryer. The process is simple: cut the cheese into the desired shape, place it in the air fryer basket, and cook until crispy. The result is a protein-packed snack with a satisfying crunch.

Choosing the right cheese

The cheese you choose for your air fryer cheese chips will determine the flavour, texture, and overall vibe of the dish. For ultra-crunchy cheese chips, opt for a firm, low-moisture cheese. Parmesan, cheddar, and Gruyère are great choices and will give you that desirable crunch.

Some cheeses are not suitable for this dish as they will not crisp up. Fresh, soft, and creamy cheeses like mozzarella, feta, ricotta, brie, and camembert are best avoided as they will not achieve the desired texture. Instead, they are better suited for dipping.

For the perfect melt, a combination of mozzarella and cheddar is recommended. The mozzarella provides the cheese pull, while the cheddar adds flavour. If you are making a vegan version, simply swap the cheese for dairy-free alternatives.

If you are using grated cheese, the thinner you make the mounds, the crispier the final result will be. You can also add herbs and spices, such as everything bagel seasoning, black pepper, rosemary or thyme, for an extra flavour kick.

Air fryer settings

Preheating:

Firstly, it is important to note that not all air fryers require preheating. Check the instructions for your specific air fryer model to determine if preheating is necessary. If your air fryer does require preheating, turn it on and set it to the desired temperature before adding the cheese chips. This will ensure that the cooking process is more even and efficient.

Temperature and Timing:

The ideal temperature for cooking cheese chips in an air fryer is around 350°F to 400°F. The higher temperature will result in crispier chips, but it's important to monitor them closely to avoid burning. The cooking time will vary depending on the type of cheese and the desired level of crispness. On average, it should take about 5 to 7 minutes for the cheese to melt and brown. However, it's important to keep an eye on the chips and adjust the timing as needed.

Air Circulation:

One of the advantages of using an air fryer is the even circulation of hot air, which ensures consistent cooking. To maximize this benefit, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Leave some space between each chip to allow hot air to circulate, promoting even browning and crispness.

Parchment Paper:

Using parchment paper is essential when making cheese chips in an air fryer. It prevents the cheese from melting through the basket and creates a non-stick surface for easy removal. Cut the parchment paper to fit the size of your air fryer basket, and place it inside before adding the cheese.

Cheese Type and Preparation:

The type of cheese you use will impact the flavour, texture, and overall success of your cheese chips. It is recommended to use a firm, low-moisture cheese such as Parmesan, cheddar, or Gruyère for ultra-crunchy results. Shredded cheese or thin slices are ideal, as they cook more evenly and promote crispness. If using shredded cheese, arrange the shreds closely together in flat mounds, avoiding stacking them too heavily. For sliced cheese, cut the slices into your desired shape and place them in a single layer on the parchment paper.

Seasonings:

While cheese chips are delicious on their own, you can enhance their flavour by adding various seasonings. Try experimenting with herbs such as rosemary and thyme, or spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or chilli powder. You can also add seeds or nuts for added texture and flavour.

Checking for Doneness:

Since air fryers can vary in terms of cooking speed and temperature distribution, it's important to keep a close eye on your cheese chips to prevent overcooking or burning. Open the air fryer basket and perform a quick visual inspection. The cheese chips should be lightly browned and crispy. If they are not done yet, continue cooking in short intervals and check again until they reach the desired level of crispness.

Cooling and Storage:

Once the cheese chips are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool completely. The chips will harden as they cool, so be careful not to overcook them. Store the cheese chips in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for up to three days.

How to serve

As a snack

These cheese chips are perfect as a snack on their own. They are also great for anyone on a keto, low-carb, grain-free, or gluten-free diet.

With dips

They go well with dips such as salsa, guacamole, spinach-artichoke dip, marinara sauce, buffalo dip, ranch, or even a cheese dip.

As a salad topping

Crumble the cheese chips over a salad for some extra crunch.

As a soup topping

Use them as a crouton alternative for soup.

As nachos

Load them up with nacho cheese, roasted corn guacamole, and sour cream.

With a meal

They are a great side to chicken wings or nuggets, or turkey or beef burgers. Load them with beef, turkey, or vegan chilli, guacamole, and sour cream for a delicious meal.

Storage

Once your cheese chips are ready, it's important to let them cool down completely before storing them. You can store them in an airtight container for up to three days. If you've used Parmesan cheese, you can store the chips at room temperature, but it's recommended to store them in the fridge. You can also freeze them in an airtight container for up to six months.

Troubleshooting

• If your cheese chips are soft, they likely didn't cook for long enough or at a high enough temperature. Try putting them back in for a little longer, or rotating the tray to get more even browning.
• If you are using a type of cheese that is high in moisture, like mozzarella, feta, or ricotta, you may find that it doesn't crisp up as much as you would like. Try using a firmer, low-moisture cheese such as Parmesan, cheddar, or Gruyère for ultra-crunchy cheese chips.
• If you are using shredded cheese, try to avoid stacking it too heavily so that it cooks evenly. Shredded cheese is thinner and may cook faster, so you may need to reduce the cooking time to prevent burning.
• If you are using an air fryer liner, your chips may take longer to crisp up.
• If your cheese chips are sticking to the parchment paper, try using cooking spray.
• If your cheese chips are chewy rather than crispy, try using a different type of cheese. Some types of cheese will result in crispier chips than others.
• If you are making your own chips, cook them until they are crisp as they may soften when the cheese melts on them.
• If you are using pre-grated cheese, be aware that it may be coated in cellulose, which can inhibit melting.

Frequently asked questions