Air Fryer Fried Cheese Curds: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Air fryers are a great way to make fried cheese curds that are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. This method is healthier than deep-frying as it uses little to no oil. The key to getting the right texture is to coat the cheese curds in a batter of flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, and to preheat the air fryer to around 350–400°F. You can also add spices like garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in making fried cheese curds. It ensures that your curds will cook evenly and become perfectly crispy. The ideal temperature to preheat your air fryer to is 350°F (175°C).

Before preheating, it is recommended that you prepare your air fryer basket by using an air fryer liner or spraying it with cooking spray to prevent the cheese curds from sticking. This step will also help you achieve a golden, crispy finish.

Once your air fryer is preheated, you can proceed with the next steps of the recipe, which include coating the cheese curds in a flour mixture, dipping them in egg, and rolling them in breadcrumbs.

Preheating your air fryer to the correct temperature is essential for achieving the desired crispiness and ensuring even cooking of your fried cheese curds.

Prepare the coating

Set out three bowls for the coating. In the first bowl, combine the dry ingredients for the initial coating. This typically includes all-purpose flour, and seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also add spices like smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning to this mixture for extra flavour. Give the ingredients a good mix so that your cheese curds are evenly coated.

In the second bowl, you'll need to crack and whisk some eggs. The eggs act as a binder, helping the flour and breadcrumbs adhere to the curds. If you're avoiding eggs, you can use a milk wash or an egg replacement product.

The third bowl will contain the final coating. Pour your breadcrumbs of choice into this bowl. You can use regular breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, or gluten-free breadcrumbs. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also add grated Parmesan cheese to this mixture for an extra cheesy kick. Give the ingredients a good mix to ensure they're well combined.

Now that your coating station is all set up, it's time to start dipping those cheese curds!

Bread the cheese curds

Breading the cheese curds is a crucial step in achieving that desirable crispy texture and ensuring the cheese doesn't leak out during frying. Here's a detailed guide on how to bread your cheese curds:

Prepare three separate shallow bowls for the dry and wet mixtures. In the first bowl, combine all-purpose flour with seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. The flour mixture will serve as the initial coating, adding flavour and helping the subsequent layers adhere to the cheese curds. You can also use gluten-free flour if preferred.

In the second bowl, whisk one or two eggs until they are uniformly mixed. The egg wash acts as a binder, helping the flour coating and breadcrumbs stick together to create a solid breading. If you're avoiding eggs, you can use a milk wash or an egg replacement product.

The third bowl will contain the final coating. For the crunchiest results, use Panko breadcrumbs. You can also use regular breadcrumbs or gluten-free alternatives. For extra flavour, add some grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, or spices like smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or crushed red pepper to the breadcrumbs.

Now, it's time to coat the cheese curds. First, thoroughly coat the curds in the flour mixture, tapping off any excess. Then, dip each cheese curd into the egg wash, letting the excess drip off. Finally, roll the curds in the breadcrumbs until they are evenly coated. Set the breaded curds on a plate and repeat the process with the remaining curds. For an even thicker coating, you can double-dip the curds by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps.

Once all the curds are breaded, place them in the refrigerator for a while, or even freeze them, to firm up before frying. This helps prevent the cheese from melting too quickly and leaking out during frying.

Arrange the curds in the air fryer

When arranging the cheese curds in the air fryer, it's important to ensure they are not overcrowded. Place the curds in a single layer, leaving space between them to allow for even air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the curds in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Before placing the curds in the air fryer, it is recommended to spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or line it with an air fryer parchment liner. This will prevent the cheese curds from sticking to the basket and help achieve a crispy texture.

Once the basket is prepared, carefully arrange the coated cheese curds in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch each other. If needed, use tongs or a fork to gently place the curds in the basket, especially if they have already been sprayed with cooking spray.

After arranging the curds, you may lightly spray them with cooking spray to help achieve an even golden colour. This step is optional but will enhance the appearance and texture of the fried cheese curds.

By arranging the cheese curds in a single layer and ensuring adequate space for air circulation, you will achieve the best results in terms of texture and even cooking. This step is crucial in the process of making delicious and crispy fried cheese curds in your air fryer.

Cook the curds

Now that you have your cheese curds coated in the breading of your choice, it's time to cook them!

First, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial to ensuring your curds cook evenly and become perfectly crispy. You can also use this time to prepare the air fryer basket by lining it with a liner or spraying it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Next, arrange the breaded cheese curds in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them for even air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the curds in batches to avoid overcrowding. Lightly spray the tops of the curds with cooking spray to help them brown evenly.

Now, it's time to fry! Cook the curds for 6-8 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. To ensure even cooking, open the air fryer halfway through the cooking time and gently shake the basket or use tongs to turn the curds.

Once they're done, carefully remove the cheese curds from the air fryer and place them on paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Allow them to cool briefly, as they will be very hot.

Your fried cheese curds are now ready to serve! Enjoy their gooey, melty goodness with your favourite dipping sauce.

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