Air Fryer Frozen Cheese Curds: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Making frozen cheese curds in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to create a tasty snack. Cheese curds are a delicacy found throughout Canada and parts of the US, and are usually associated with Wisconsin and Quebec. They are soft pieces of unaged cheese made from cow's milk and traditionally produced from cheddar cheese. They can be eaten as a snack or used to make poutine, a dish where they are served on top of French fries.

To make frozen cheese curds in an air fryer, first, preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F (175-204°C). Then, prepare three bowls: one with flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper; another with beaten eggs; and a third with breadcrumbs. Coat the curds in the flour mixture, dip them in the egg, and then roll them in the breadcrumbs. Place the breaded cheese curds in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Serve with your favourite dipping sauce, such as marinara, ranch, or honey mustard.

How to get the right consistency

Achieving the right consistency for your cheese curds is crucial to ensure they are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. Here are some tips to help you get that perfect consistency:

Preparing the Cheese Curds

It is best to use frozen cheese curds as they will melt slower and help achieve the desired consistency. If you are using fresh cheese curds, consider freezing them for about 30 minutes before cooking. This will allow the coating to crisp up before the cheese completely melts.

Breading the Cheese Curds

The breading process is essential to create a barrier that prevents the cheese from melting too quickly. For the best results, use a three-step breading process:

• Dredge the cheese curds in flour: This will help the subsequent layers adhere to the cheese curds.
• Dip them in beaten eggs: The eggs act as a binder, allowing the flour and breadcrumbs to stick to the cheese curds.
• Coat them with breadcrumbs: Use Italian or Panko breadcrumbs for the final crispy coating. You can also season the breadcrumbs with garlic powder, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning to add extra flavour.

Cooking the Cheese Curds

When cooking the breaded cheese curds in the air fryer, it is crucial to arrange them in a single layer with space between each curd to ensure even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches. Cook at 350°F to 400°F for 5 to 8 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Serving the Cheese Curds

Once the cheese curds are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool briefly, as they will be very hot. Serve them immediately with your favourite dipping sauces, such as marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or honey mustard.

How to get the right colour

Achieving the perfect colour on your cheese curds is a delicate process. The ideal cheese curd should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, with a soft and gooey centre. Here is a step-by-step guide to getting the right colour:

Preparation:

Before cooking, prepare your frozen cheese curds by lightly coating them with a spray oil or dipping them in a beaten egg, followed by rolling them in breadcrumbs. This will give the cheese curds a golden colour and a crispy texture. You can also season the breadcrumbs with spices like garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning to add extra flavour.

Cooking:

• Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 350°F to 400°F (or 175°C to 204°C). This step ensures even cooking from the start.
• Arrange the cheese curds: Place the frozen cheese curds in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure proper airflow and even cooking.
• Air fry: Cook the cheese curds for about 7 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Depending on your air fryer model and the desired level of crispiness, you may need to adjust the timing.
• Check for doneness: The cheese curds are ready when they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside, with a melted cheese centre. If they need more time, cook for an additional minute or two.

Serving:

Once your cheese curds are cooked to perfection, serve them with a variety of dipping sauces like marinara sauce, ranch dressing, hot sauce, or even spicy mustard. You can also garnish them with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives for added flavour and colour.

How to prevent cheese curds from sticking to the air fryer

To prevent cheese curds from sticking to your air fryer, there are a few things you can do. Firstly, ensure you arrange the cheese curds in a single layer, with space between them for even air circulation. This will help them cook evenly and prevent overcrowding.

You can also use a small amount of oil. Although air fryers often have non-stick coatings, a little oil can help prevent sticking and improve the crispiness of your cheese curds. Use a high smoke point oil, such as refined avocado oil, almond oil, corn oil, canola oil, grapeseed oil, peanut oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, or sunflower oil. Spray the air fryer basket lightly with your chosen oil or use a cooking spray.

Additionally, you can create a foil sling by folding a sheet of aluminum foil and placing it in the air fryer basket, pressing it up and into the sides. Then, place your cheese curds on top of the foil. This acts as a barrier and makes removing the food much easier.

How to prevent cheese curds from bursting

To prevent cheese curds from bursting in the air fryer, you can try the following:

Freeze the Cheese Curds: Before cooking the cheese curds, freeze them for 10-15 minutes. This helps to firm up the cheese and prevents it from melting too quickly. However, be careful not to leave them in the freezer for too long, as you still want the cheese to be soft and oozy when you bite into it.

Double Bread the Curds: A single layer of breading may not be sufficient to contain the cheese. After dipping the cheese curds in flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs, repeat the process a second time to ensure that every corner of the cheese is covered. This will help prevent the cheese from melting out of the breading during the frying process.

Don't Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Place the cheese curds in a single layer in the air fryer, leaving enough space between each curd. This allows for even air circulation and ensures that the cheese curds get crispy without bursting. If needed, cook the cheese curds in multiple batches.

Use Air Fryer Liners: Air fryer liners make cleanup easier and can help prevent cheese curds from sticking to the air fryer basket. This allows you to easily remove the cheese curds without disturbing the breading, reducing the risk of them bursting.

By following these tips, you can help prevent cheese curds from bursting in the air fryer and enjoy crispy, gooey, and delicious cheese curds as a snack or appetizer.

How to store cheese curds

Cheese curds are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To extend their shelf life, you can store them in the freezer. Here are some tips on how to store cheese curds:

Storing Cheese Curds in the Refrigerator

Leftover cheese curds can be stored in an airtight container and placed in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to two days.

Freezing Cheese Curds

To freeze cheese curds, first, toss them lightly in flour or cornstarch. This step will help absorb excess moisture and prevent the curds from sticking together. Next, place the cheese curds in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Label and date the bag, then place it in the coldest part of your freezer. Avoid placing heavy items on top of the bag to prevent the curds from getting squished.

Thawing Frozen Cheese Curds

When you're ready to enjoy your frozen cheese curds, take them out of the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator. This can take several hours or overnight. Do not thaw cheese curds at room temperature, as bacteria may grow. Once thawed, you can consume them as-is or use them in recipes. It's important to note that previously frozen cheese curds should not be refrozen.

Frequently asked questions