Making Moon Cheese In An Air Fryer: Easy Steps

Moon cheese is a popular keto snack that can be made at home using an air fryer. The process is simple: cut your chosen cheese into cubes or slices, dry it out in a fridge or oven, and then air fry or bake. The result is a crispy, crunchy, and addictive snack.

The key to making moon cheese is to ensure the cheese is dehydrated before cooking, otherwise, it will melt. The drying process can be done in a fridge or an oven, and the cooking can be done in an air fryer or an oven. The cheese options are varied, but a hard or semi-hard cheese with a low moisture content is recommended.

Moon cheese is a great keto snack option and can also be used as a salad topping or crouton replacement.

Choosing the right cheese

The type of cheese you use is crucial to the success of your moon cheese. You should opt for a hard or semi-hard cheese with a low moisture content. Soft cheeses like mozzarella or fontina are not suitable as they will not dehydrate or pop properly.

Some good options for moon cheese include:

• Cheddar (mild, medium, sharp, or jalapeno)
• Gouda (smoked or non-smoked)
• Parmesan
• Monterey Jack (Pepper Jack gives a delicious kick)
• Colby
• White cheddar
• Comte
• Emmental
• Gruyere
• Asiago
• Manchego
• Parano
• Provolone
• Swiss
• Colby-Jack
• Pepper Jack

You can also use a mixture of cheeses to create your own unique flavour combinations.

When choosing your cheese, it is best to opt for a block of cheese rather than pre-shredded cheese. This is because pre-shredded cheese often contains starch, which can affect the final product.

It is also important to consider the size and thickness of the cheese cubes. They should be cut into evenly-sized cubes, with the thinner cubes drying out faster. The recommended size is 0.5" or 1 cm, but you can also cut the cheese into slices and then into squares.

Preparing the cheese

Step 1: Choosing the Cheese

The first step is to select an appropriate type of cheese. It is recommended to use a hard or semi-hard cheese with a low moisture content. Some good options include cheddar (mild, medium, or sharp), gouda (smoked or non-smoked), parmesan, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack. It is best to avoid soft cheeses like mozzarella or fontina, as they have a high moisture content and may not dehydrate properly.

Step 2: Cutting the Cheese

Once you have selected your cheese, cut it into small, evenly-sized cubes or bits. The recommended size is around 0.5 inches or 1 cm. You can also crumble the cheese into pieces that are about 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch in size. This step ensures that the cheese pieces are uniform in size, promoting even dehydration.

Step 3: Preparing the Baking Tray

Line a baking tray with parchment paper. This step is crucial, as it prevents the cheese from sticking to the tray and makes cleanup easier. Place the cut cheese pieces on the parchment paper, making sure to leave space between each piece. This spacing is important to allow for even heat distribution and proper dehydration.

Step 4: Dehydrating the Cheese

Preheat your oven to a low temperature, ideally between 175°F and 200°F. Place the baking tray with the cheese pieces into the oven and let it dehydrate for 60-90 minutes, or until the cheese is rock hard. The dehydration process is essential to remove moisture from the cheese, which will allow it to puff up and become crispy in the next step.

During the dehydration process, keep an eye on the cheese to ensure it doesn't melt too much. If your oven doesn't have good ventilation, you may need to open the door briefly every 10 minutes to release moisture and heat. You'll know the cheese is ready when it has significantly reduced in size and feels hard to the touch.

Step 5: Popping the Cheese

Once the cheese is fully dehydrated, it's time to pop it! Increase the oven temperature to around 300°F. This sudden increase in heat will cause the cheese to puff up and "pop." Keep a close eye on the cheese at this stage, as it can go from perfectly popped to burnt in a matter of seconds.

Step 6: Cooling and Storing

Once the cheese has popped, remove the tray from the oven and let the cheese cool completely. You can then store your moon cheese in an airtight container or Ziploc bag. It can be kept at room temperature or in the refrigerator, depending on your preference.

Air fryer settings

To make moon cheese in an air fryer, you will need to follow similar steps to using an oven. First, cut your chosen cheese into small cubes or squares. The size of these pieces will depend on how long you want to leave your cheese to dry out for. Smaller pieces will dry out faster.

Next, place the cheese pieces on a paper towel-lined plate or tray and cover with another paper towel. Place in the fridge for 3-5 days, or until the cheese is completely dry and very hard. This step can also be done at room temperature, but it may take longer.

Once your cheese is dry, it's time to air fry! Preheat your air fryer to between 350 and 390 degrees Fahrenheit. The exact temperature will depend on your air fryer and the type of cheese you are using. Place the cheese pieces in the air fryer basket or tray, being sure to leave some space around each piece so that the hot air can circulate. Air fry for around 5 minutes, or until the cheese is puffed and crispy.

It's important to keep an eye on your cheese while it's in the air fryer, as the cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer and the type of cheese. You don't want to overcook it, as the cheese will harden as it cools. Once your cheese is done, let it cool before enjoying!

Timing

The timing of the process of making moon cheese in an air fryer is crucial to ensure the cheese puffs up and becomes crispy. Here is a step-by-step guide on the timing for making moon cheese in an air fryer:

Step 1: Drying the Cheese

Place the cheese pieces in the fridge for 3-5 days or until they are completely dry. The cheese should be cut into small pieces of about 1/4 inch in size. You can also leave the cheese at room temperature to dry, but this may take longer. The key is to ensure the cheese is fully dehydrated before moving on to the next step.

Step 2: Air Frying the Cheese

Preheat the air fryer to 390°F. Place the dried cheese pieces in the air fryer and cook for 5 minutes. Keep an eye on the cheese as air fryers can vary in cooking time and temperature. The cheese is ready when it is puffy and crispy.

Step 3: Cooling and Hardening

Remove the cheese from the air fryer and let it cool. The cheese will continue to harden as it cools, so be careful not to overcook it.

Storage

Moon cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for at least 3 days. It can also be frozen for 1 to 2 months.

Tips for Perfect Timing

• Watch your cheese as it cooks in the air fryer, as the timing may vary depending on your air fryer model.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking.
• The cheese should be fully dehydrated before air frying. If it is not dry enough, it will melt instead of puffing up.
• You can speed up the dehydration process by using a food dehydrator or leaving the cheese at room temperature to dry. However, this may take longer, and the cheese must be fully dehydrated before air frying.

Making moon cheese in an air fryer is a fun and easy way to enjoy a crispy, crunchy, and keto-friendly snack. By following the timing guidelines and watching your cheese as it cooks, you can ensure a perfect batch of moon cheese every time!

Storing and freezing

Moon cheese air fryer crackers are a delicious and crunchy keto-friendly snack. But what do you do when you've made a big batch? Here are some tips for storing and freezing your crackers to keep them fresh and crispy.

Storing Moon Cheese Crackers:

• Room Temperature: Store your moon cheese crackers in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and crispy for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: If you want to extend the shelf life of your crackers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about a week.

Freezing Moon Cheese Crackers:

• Freezing Process: Allow the crackers to cool completely to room temperature. Then, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and put them in the freezer. Once they are frozen solid, transfer the crackers to a freezer bag or container.
• Storage Time: Frozen moon cheese crackers can be stored for 1 to 2 months.
• Thawing: When you're ready to enjoy your frozen crackers, simply take them out of the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator overnight. Do not reheat the crackers, as this can affect their texture and taste.

Now you can make a large batch of moon cheese air fryer crackers and enjoy them whenever you want! They are a perfect snack for any time of the day and are a great option for those following a keto diet.

Frequently asked questions