Air Fryer Queso Panela: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Frying cheese can be tricky as most types of cheese melt when exposed to high heat. However, some cheeses are better suited for frying because they have a higher melting point. To fry cheese without melting it, use a cheese that can withstand high temperatures, such as queso de freír, queso blanco, queso fresco, queso panela, or halloumi.

A popular Mexican dish, queso frito, or fried cheese, is also common in many Spanish-speaking countries, including Colombia, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico. It can be served as an appetizer, game-day snack, or even breakfast.

To make fried queso panela cheese in an air fryer, first, place the sliced cheese on a paper towel to remove any moisture. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for three minutes, then brush the cheese with oil on both sides and add it to the air fryer for 7-9 minutes. Serve hot.

Choosing the right cheese

When making fried queso panela cheese in an air fryer, it is important to choose a cheese that is suitable for frying. Not all cheeses are created equal when it comes to frying, and using the wrong type of cheese can result in a melted mess.

The key characteristic to look for when selecting a cheese for frying is a high melting point. Cheeses with a high melting point will retain their shape better when exposed to high heat, resulting in a crispy exterior without turning into a gooey mess. Some examples of cheeses with high melting points include:

• Queso panela
• Queso blanco
• Halloumi
• Paneer
• Provolone
• Parmesan
• Cheddar
• Swiss
• Gruyere

These cheeses will hold their shape relatively well when fried, giving you a crispy, golden-brown exterior without sacrificing the interior texture.

In addition to the melting point, it is also important to consider the flavour and texture of the cheese. For example, while queso panela and queso blanco have high melting points, they are relatively mild in flavour. If you prefer a stronger flavour, you might opt for cheddar or Swiss cheese. On the other hand, if you want a milder taste, provolone or mozzarella could be better choices.

When preparing the cheese for frying, it is recommended to cut it into thin slices or cubes. This ensures even cooking and allows for a crispy exterior. You can also coat the cheese in a light dusting of flour or corn starch before frying, which will help to create an even crispier texture.

By choosing the right type of cheese and preparing it properly, you can ensure that your fried queso panela cheese turns out perfectly crispy and delicious every time.

Preparing the cheese

Selecting the Right Cheese:

Choose a cheese with a high melting point that can withstand high temperatures without melting. Queso panela, also known as queso fresco or queso blanco, is an excellent choice. It is a fresh-tasting Mexican farmer's cheese that holds its shape well when fried. You can also use other Mexican cheeses like queso asadero (grilling cheese) or queso de freír, specifically made for frying. If you want to explore other options, halloumi, a Greek cheese, is similar and can be a great alternative.

Slicing the Cheese:

The shape and thickness of the slices will depend on your preference. You can cut the cheese into cubes, rectangles, or thin slices. For finger food or easy-to-eat snacks, cut the cheese into sticks or slices approximately 1/4 to 5/8 inch thick. If you're making cubes, remember that you'll need to cook each side. Rectangles or thin slices might be easier to handle and may result in a better texture.

Place the sliced cheese on a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture. This step is crucial to ensuring that the cheese becomes golden brown and crispy when fried. Brush the cheese slices or cubes liberally with oil on both sides. You can use avocado oil, olive oil, or any neutral oil such as canola or vegetable oil.

Air Frying the Cheese:

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the oiled cheese into the air fryer and set the timer for 7-9 minutes. Keep an eye on the cheese to ensure it doesn't crisp up too much, as you want the inside to remain gooey and warm. Serve the fried cheese hot, and consider pairing it with a salsa or tomato sauce for extra flavor.

Remember, the key to successful fried queso panela is choosing the right cheese, preparing it properly, and controlling the cooking process to achieve the perfect texture and taste. Enjoy your delicious and crispy fried queso panela!

Heating the air fryer

Firstly, preheating your air fryer is essential. Set the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and let it run for about 3 minutes with nothing inside. This ensures the air fryer reaches the desired temperature and cooks the cheese evenly. While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare the cheese slices. It is important to note that you should use a cheese specifically designed for frying, such as queso panela, which has a high melting point and can withstand higher temperatures without melting.

The next step is to brush the cheese slices with oil on both sides. Avocado oil, canola oil, or any neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, are ideal choices. Oiling the cheese helps achieve that signature golden crispy exterior without drying out the inside. Once the air fryer is preheated, carefully place the oiled cheese slices inside. Set the air fryer to the same temperature, 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and cook the cheese for 7 to 9 minutes. Keep a close eye on the cheese to avoid overcooking, as this can lead to dry and crispy cheese instead of the desired gooey and warm interior.

Finally, serve the fried queso panela cheese immediately while it's hot and gooey. You can enjoy it as a delicious appetizer or side dish. It pairs well with various dishes, such as a classic Dominican Mofonogo or alongside Habichuelas and Chicharron de Pollo. You can also dip it in salsa or enjoy it with fruit preserves for extra flavor.

Cooking the cheese

The key to successfully frying your queso panela is to ensure that your cheese doesn't melt. To do this, you need to select a cheese with a high melting point, such as queso de freír, queso fresco, queso blanco, queso panela, queso paisa, or queso asadero. These cheeses are specifically made for frying and will hold their shape when exposed to high heat.

Once you have selected your cheese, cut it into slices or cubes. If you are using queso fresco, slices of around 1/4 inch thick are recommended, while for queso panela, slightly thicker slices of 1/4 to 5/8 inch are suggested.

Next, you'll need to heat some oil in a skillet or pan. You can use olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, or any neutral oil such as canola or vegetable oil. Heat the oil on medium-high or high heat until it reaches its smoke point.

Now it's time to add the cheese to the hot oil. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this will affect the cooking process. Fry the cheese for 1-3 minutes on each side, until a golden-brown crust forms. If you are cooking cubes, you will need to cook each side. Use a spatula to turn the cheese, as it can be delicate.

Once your cheese is golden and crispy, remove it from the pan and place it on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil. This step is important, as it will help to reduce the greasiness of the final product.

Finally, serve your fried queso panela immediately. It is best enjoyed warm, and you can serve it with salsa, tomato sauce, or fruit preserves for extra flavour.

Serving suggestions

Fried queso panela cheese made in an air fryer can be served as an appetizer or side dish. It is a great snack to serve at parties or get-togethers. Here are some specific serving suggestions:

• Serve it as a snack with salsa, tomato sauce, or fresh pico de gallo.
• For a more substantial meal, pair it with rice, beans, and tortillas.
• Use it as a vegetarian protein option in tacos, along with lettuce, avocado, onion, cilantro, and lime.
• For a heartier dish, stuff a roasted poblano pepper with the fried cheese and fry it until crispy.
• Create a delicious side dish by serving it with a classic Dominican Mofonogo or a plate of Habichuelas and Chicharron de Pollo.
• For a simple yet tasty option, serve it with a slice of bread.
• If you're following a keto diet, use low-carb breading or coating, such as almond flour or pork rinds, for a delicious and satisfying snack.

Frequently asked questions