Air Fryer Cheese Crackers: A Quick, Easy Snack

Air fryers are a great way to make your favourite snacks, and what's better than some good old cheese crackers? Here, we'll be looking at how to make some delicious cheese crackers in an air fryer. This recipe is perfect for those on a keto diet, and it only takes a few simple ingredients and a few minutes to make!

How to Make Cheese Crackers in an Air Fryer

Choosing the right ingredients

Cheese:

The type of cheese you choose will significantly impact the flavour and texture of your crackers. It is recommended to use a high-quality sharp cheddar cheese, as the sharper the cheese, the more pronounced the cheesy taste in your crackers. If you're feeling adventurous, you can experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gouda, Fontina, Colby Jack, or Gruyere. Just make sure to shred the cheese yourself, as pre-shredded cheese can have a coating that affects its melting properties and texture in the final product.

Flour:

All-purpose flour is typically used as the base for these crackers, providing structure and substance to the dough. However, if you're aiming for a gluten-free option, you can substitute it with a gluten-free flour blend, such as Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free flour, using a 1:1 ratio.

Butter:

Unsalted butter is the preferred choice for this recipe, as it gives the crackers a melt-in-your-mouth texture. It adds richness and flakiness to the dough, enhancing the overall mouthfeel of the crackers.

Seasonings:

Garlic powder and onion powder are commonly used to add depth of flavour to the crackers. Additionally, a light sprinkle of salt can boost the overall taste experience. If you want to get creative, you can experiment with various seasonings, such as taco seasoning, Everything Bagel seasoning, or even Ranch dressing mix.

Other Ingredients:

Water is essential to bring the dough together, and it should be added gradually, tablespoon by tablespoon, until the dough reaches the desired consistency. Additionally, if you want to add some colour and flavour to the crackers, you can use a combination of spices with different types of cheese. For example, pairing rosemary with Gouda or Monterey Jack with cumin.

Remember, the key to successful cheese crackers is in the ingredients you choose. By selecting high-quality, fresh ingredients and following the recipe instructions, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious, crispy cheese crackers in your air fryer.

Preparing the dough

To make the dough, you will need a food processor. Add 8 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese, 5 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, and a pinch of salt to the food processor. Pulse the ingredients together until they are well combined.

Next, slowly add 2 cups of all-purpose flour to the mixture. Then, add 2-3 tablespoons of cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough starts to form. Continue mixing until the dough is fully combined.

Once the dough is ready, divide it into three equal-sized pieces. Cover the dough and place it in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to chill. This step is important as it will make the dough easier to roll out and prevent it from puffing up too much during cooking.

After the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and flatten each dough ball on a floured surface. Cut the edges to form a square shape, then use a kitchen knife or a pizza cutter to cut the dough into small squares, about 1/2 to 1-inch in size.

Before placing the crackers in the air fryer, use a toothpick to poke a hole in the center of each cracker. This will help prevent them from puffing up too much during cooking, similar to the real Cheez-Its. You can also lightly sprinkle salt on top of the crackers at this point if desired.

Cutting the crackers

Start by dividing the dough into equal-sized pieces. The number of pieces will depend on the size of your dough and the desired size of your crackers. For most recipes, dividing the dough into 3 equal-sized pieces is recommended. Cover the dough pieces and place them in the refrigerator to chill. This step is important as it helps the dough firm up, making it easier to handle and roll out. The chilling time can vary, but it is typically around 2 to 3 hours, or even up to 1-2 hours.

Once the dough has chilled, remove one piece from the refrigerator at a time and place it on a floured surface. Lightly flour your rolling pin as well. Roll out the dough to an even thickness, aiming for about 1/16 inch. This ensures that your crackers will bake evenly. Next, use a knife or a pizza cutter to cut the dough into your desired cracker shape. Most recipes suggest cutting the dough into squares, with sizes ranging from 1/2 inch to 1 inch. If you prefer a different shape, such as circles or rectangles, feel free to get creative!

After cutting your crackers, it is time to add some finishing touches. Lightlysection and place them in the air fryer basket. Use a toothpick to punch a hole in the center of each cracker. This step is important as it helps prevent the crackers from puffing up too much during cooking. The hole allows steam to escape, resulting in a flatter and crispier cracker. You can also add some extra flavour by sprinkling sea salt or kosher salt on top of the crackers before placing them in the air fryer.

Now that your crackers are cut and seasoned, they are ready to be placed in the air fryer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook them in batches to ensure even cooking. Place the crackers in a single layer with a little space between each cracker. You can also lightly press them down with a spatula after placing them in the basket to prevent them from flying around due to the air fryer's fan. With these steps, you are now ready to air-fry your freshly cut cheese crackers!

Air-frying the crackers

Next, cut your chosen cheese into squares. You can use ultra-thin cheese slices, or grate your own block of cheese. Aim for a thickness of about 1/16 inch. Place the cheese squares into the air fryer, leaving some space around each one to allow the hot air to circulate.

Now, it's time to cook the crackers. Set your air fryer to 350-400°F (177-204°C) and cook for 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as the exact cooking time will depend on your air fryer model and the thickness of your crackers. You're looking for a nice golden colour.

Once they're done, remove the crackers from the air fryer with a pair of tongs and let them cool. They will harden as they dry, so be careful not to overcook them.

And that's it! You now have delicious, crispy cheese crackers, perfect for snacking.

Storing the crackers

Storing your cheese crackers is an important step to ensure they stay fresh and crispy. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store your homemade crackers:

Let Them Cool Down:

First, it's crucial to let your freshly cooked cheese crackers cool down completely before storing them. This will help prevent moisture buildup inside the container and keep your crackers crisp. Place them on a wire rack or a paper towel to cool down evenly.

Use an Airtight Container:

Once your crackers are cooled, transfer them to an airtight container. This could be a glass jar, a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid, or a resealable bag. Using an airtight container will help keep your crackers fresh and crispy, and it will also protect them from pests or absorbing any odours from the surrounding environment.

Store in the Refrigerator:

For optimal freshness, it's best to store your cheese crackers in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for at least 3 days, and possibly up to a week, when kept chilled. This is especially important if your crackers contain ingredients like cheese and butter, which are more perishable.

Freeze for Long-Term Storage:

If you've made a large batch of crackers and want to store them for longer, consider freezing them. First, let the crackers cool to room temperature, then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and put them in the freezer. Once they're frozen solid, transfer the crackers to a freezer bag or container. They will keep well in the freezer for 1 to 2 months.

Thawing and Serving:

When you're ready to enjoy your frozen crackers, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator overnight. It's best not to reheat the crackers, as this can affect their texture. Instead, allow them to come to room temperature and serve them as they are.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure your homemade cheese crackers stay fresh, crispy, and delicious!

Frequently asked questions