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

Cheese crisps are a delicious, crunchy and easy-to-make snack. They are perfect for those on a keto, low-carb, grain-free, or gluten-free diet. You can make them with just about any cheese, such as Parmesan, Cheddar, Asiago, or mozzarella. In this article, we will be discussing how to make cheese crisps in an air fryer.

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

Parmesan, cheddar, and Gruyère are great choices for a crisp that will shatter with a hint of pressure. Other recommended options include Asiago, Grana Padano, and Romano. These hard cheeses tend to be less greasy.

Mozzarella, feta, and ricotta are fresh cheeses with higher moisture content and may not be suitable for achieving a proper crunch. Ultra-soft cheeses like brie or camembert become viscous when heated, making them ideal for dipping but not for a crispy treat.

If you're making your cheese crisps from shredded cheese, the thinner you make the mounds, the crispier the final snacks will be. Shredded cheese also cooks faster, so you may need to reduce the cooking time to prevent burning.

You can also mix different cheeses together and see what combinations you like best!

Using parchment paper

Step 1: Cut the Parchment Paper

First, cut a sheet of parchment paper to roughly the size of your air fryer basket. This will provide a base for your cheese crisps and make it easier to remove them from the air fryer once they're done.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese

You can use any type of cheese you like, such as Cheddar, Parmesan, or mozzarella. Grate or shred the cheese into a bowl. If you're short on time, you can also use pre-shredded cheese, but avoid the bagged variety as it may contain flour, which can affect melting.

Step 3: Arrange the Cheese on the Parchment Paper

Place a generous amount of cheese in small heaps on the parchment paper. Leave some space between each heap as the cheese will spread out as it melts. You can also add seasonings like garlic salt, onion powder, or even Trader Joe's Everything But the Bagel seasoning to take your cheese crisps to the next level.

Step 4: Air Fry

Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F (177-204°C). Place the parchment paper with the cheese heaps into the air fryer basket. Cook for about 5-8 minutes, keeping a close eye on the cheese to avoid burning. The cheese crisps are ready when they are golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Remove and Cool

Once the cheese crisps are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool. They will harden as they cool, so be careful not to overcook them. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the cheese crisps on a paper towel to absorb any excess grease.

Storage

These cheese crisps are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They will soften over time, so it's best to reheat them in the oven or air fryer to regain their crispiness.

Timing and temperature

The timing 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 get the perfect cheese crisps:

Temperature:

It is recommended to set your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for making cheese crisps. This temperature allows the cheese to melt and crisp up without burning.

Timing:

The cooking time can range from 5 to 8 minutes, depending on the type of cheese and the desired crispness. For softer cheeses or if you prefer your cheese crisps on the softer side, aim for a shorter cooking time of around 5 minutes. For harder cheeses or a crispier texture, you can increase the cooking time to 7 or 8 minutes. It's important to keep an eye on the cheese while it's cooking, as it can go from perfectly crispy to burnt quite quickly.

Checking for Doneness:

To check if your cheese crisps are done, look for a lightly browned or golden colour. The edges should be lacy and light golden, and the centre should be deep golden brown. The cheese will also harden as it cools, so it's important to let it cool completely before removing it from the air fryer. If you prefer your cheese crisps on the softer side, you can remove them from the air fryer a little earlier, as they will continue to crisp up as they cool.

Tips for Consistent Results:

• Use parchment paper: Parchment paper is essential for this recipe to prevent the cheese from melting through the air fryer basket. Look for unbleached parchment paper.
• Avoid overcrowding: Do not crowd the air fryer basket. Leave some space around each crisp to allow hot air to circulate, ensuring even cooking and crispiness.
• Experiment with different cheeses: Different types of cheese will yield varying results. Harder cheeses like Parmesan, Cheddar, and Asiago tend to be less greasy and work well for crisps. Softer cheeses like mozzarella, Swiss, and Colby-Jack may separate and become oily, but they can still be used with a paper towel to absorb the excess grease.
• Seasonings: Enhance the flavour of your cheese crisps by adding seasonings such as garlic salt, onion powder, or Trader Joe's Everything But the Bagel seasoning.

Storing and freezing cheese crisps

Storing Cheese Crisps:

The best way to store cheese crisps is in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Avoid storing them in open containers or bags as exposure to air can cause them to become soft and lose their crunch. Properly sealed containers will help keep the crisps fresh and crispy for longer.

Store-bought cheese crisps often contain preservatives, which help extend their shelf life. Homemade cheese crisps, on the other hand, should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispiness. They can also be stored in the refrigerator, which may alter their texture slightly. When stored properly, homemade cheese crisps can last up to a week, but they are usually devoured much sooner!

Freezing Cheese Crisps:

If you want to store your cheese crisps for longer, freezing is a great option. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When stored in the freezer, cheese crisps can retain their quality for up to six months. However, it is recommended to check periodically to ensure they remain crispy and haven't become soggy.

To re-crisp cheese crisps that have become soft, place them on a baking sheet and heat them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes until they regain their desired crispness.

Seasoning ideas

There are many different ways to season your cheese crisps. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Everything bagel seasoning: This is a great option if you're looking for a savoury and salty flavour.
• Freshly cracked black pepper: Adding some freshly cracked black pepper to your cheese crisps will give them a little bit of spice and warmth.
• Trader Joe's Everything But the Bagel: This seasoning will give your cheese crisps a variety of flavours.
• Garlic salt: For a savoury, garlicky kick, sprinkle some garlic salt onto your cheese crisps.
• Onion powder: Onion powder will add a subtle onion flavour to your cheese crisps.
• Lawry's Seasoning: This seasoning will give your cheese crisps a unique flavour.
• Paprika: Paprika will give your cheese crisps a slightly smoky flavour and a hint of spice.
• Onion powder: If you're looking for a more savoury flavour, onion powder can be added to your cheese crisps.
• Garlic powder: For an extra kick of garlic, add some garlic powder to your cheese crisps.
• Chilli powder: A great option if you like your food spicy, chilli powder will add a kick to your cheese crisps.
• Taco seasoning: Taco seasoning will give your cheese crisps a Mexican-inspired flavour.
• Italian seasoning: This blend of herbs and spices will add an Italian twist to your cheese crisps.

Frequently asked questions