Air Fryer Hack: Crispy Cheese, Done Right!

Air fryers are a great way to make crispy cheese. The process is simple: cut a sheet of parchment paper to the size of your air fryer basket, lay it down, add a handful of shredded cheese, and air fry at 400°F for around 5-8 minutes. The cheese will melt and crisp up, creating a tasty, crunchy snack. You can use any cheese, but harder cheeses like Parmesan, Cheddar, and Swiss tend to be less greasy. These cheese crisps are perfect for those on a keto, low-carb, or gluten-free diet, and can be enjoyed as a snack or an appetizer.

Choosing the right cheese

When making crispy cheese in an air fryer, you can use almost any type of cheese. However, some cheeses will yield crispier results than others. Harder cheeses, such as Parmesan, Grana Padano, Romano, Gruyere, and Asiago, tend to be less greasy and are therefore ideal for making cheese crisps. Other suitable options include Cheddar, Mozzarella, Swiss, Colby-Jack, Havarti, and Pepper Jack.

If you want to avoid greasiness, it is best to stay away from softer cheeses such as Cheddar, Mozzarella, Swiss, Colby-Jack, Havarti, and Pepper Jack, as these tend to separate and become oily during the cooking process. However, they can still be used to make delicious crispy cheese, and any grease can simply be wiped off with a paper towel after cooking.

For the best results, it is recommended to use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese, as bagged cheese is often coated in cellulose, which can inhibit melting.

When it comes to the amount of cheese to use, a light handful or a thick slice should be enough to create a crispy cheese snack. You can also experiment with different shapes and sizes to find your preferred portion.

In terms of flavour, feel free to use a plain cheese or one that is already seasoned or flavoured, such as smoked cheese. You can also add your own seasonings like garlic salt, onion powder, or even Trader Joe's Everything But the Bagel seasoning.

Additionally, you can get creative and mix different types of cheese together to find unique flavour combinations that suit your taste.

Lastly, while shredded cheese is the most common form used for crispy cheese in an air fryer, you can also use sliced or deli cheese. Simply place the slice in the air fryer and follow the same cooking instructions.

Using parchment paper

How to Make Crispy Cheese in an Air Fryer Using Parchment Paper

Making crispy cheese in an air fryer is a simple process that can be done in a few easy steps. Here is a detailed guide on how to make crispy cheese in an air fryer using parchment paper:

Step 1: Prepare the Parchment Paper and Cheese

Cut a sheet of parchment paper to roughly the size of your air fryer basket. Place the parchment paper in the basket. You can use any type of cheese you like, such as Cheddar, Parmesan, or Mozzarella. For ultra-thin cheese slices, cut them into squares—one piece of cheese will give you four crackers. If you're using shredded cheese, place about one tablespoon per chip on the parchment paper. Make sure to leave enough space between the cheese piles as they will spread out while cooking.

Step 2: Air Fry the Cheese

Set your air fryer to 350-400°F. Place the basket in the air fryer and cook for about 5-8 minutes. The cheese is ready when it is lightly browned and crispy. Every air fryer is different, so keep an eye on the cheese to avoid overcooking.

Step 3: Remove and Cool

Once the cheese is lightly browned, remove the basket from the air fryer. Let the cheese cool down. It will harden and become crispier as it cools. You can also place the cheese on paper towels to absorb any excess grease.

Tips and Tricks:

• Parchment paper is necessary to prevent the cheese from melting through the air fryer basket.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation and even crisping.
• The thinner you make the cheese piles, the crispier the final result will be.
• You can add various seasonings to your cheese, such as garlic salt, onion powder, or Trader Joe's Everything But the Bagel seasoning.
• Store your crispy cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to three days.

Enjoy your crispy cheese as a snack or use it as a topping for soups, salads, or appetizers!

Timing and temperature

The timing and temperature for making crispy cheese in an air fryer depend on the type and amount of cheese used. For shredded cheese, preheat the air fryer to 350° F and cook for about 5 minutes. For sliced cheese, preheat the air fryer to 400° F and cook for about 6-8 minutes. It is important to keep an eye on the cheese while it cooks, as the timing may vary depending on the air fryer and the desired crispness. The cheese is ready when it is lightly browned and has formed bubbles. It will harden as it cools, so be careful not to overcook it.

Seasoning options

While some people may be happy with the salty, savoury flavour of the cheese crisps, others may want to add some extra seasoning to their crisps. Here are some seasoning options to try:

• Everything bagel seasoning
• Freshly cracked black pepper
• Trader Joe's Everything But the Bagel
• Garlic salt
• Onion powder
• Lawry's Seasoning
• Paprika
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Chili powder
• Taco seasoning
• Italian seasoning

You can also try matching your dip style with your seasoning preference. For example, if you plan to dip your cheese crisps in salsa or guacamole, you could season them with taco seasoning. Or, if you plan to dip them in marinara sauce, you could season them with Italian seasoning.

Storing and freezing

Storing Crispy Cheese:

• Let the crispy cheese cool completely before storing.
• Use an airtight container for storage. This will help keep the cheese crisp and fresh.
• Store the container in the refrigerator. The cold temperature will extend the shelf life of the crispy cheese.
• Consume within three days for best results. While the cheese can be stored for longer, it may start to soften and lose its crispness.

Freezing Crispy Cheese:

• Place the cooled crispy cheese in a single layer on a baking sheet or tray.
• Put the tray in the freezer until the cheese is completely frozen.
• Transfer the frozen cheese to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Label the container with the date and return it to the freezer.
• Crispy cheese can be frozen for up to six months.

By following these steps, you can enjoy your crispy cheese snacks for longer and preserve their delicious taste and texture!

Frequently asked questions