Air Fryer Parmesan Crisps: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Parmesan crisps are thin, crispy crackers made from grated Parmesan cheese. They are a popular snack and can be served as an appetizer or used as a garnish for soups and salads. In this article, we will discuss how to make Parmesan crisps in an air fryer, a cooking appliance that uses circulating hot air to cook food, resulting in a crispy texture without deep frying in oil.

Choosing the right Parmesan

Parmesan cheese is a hard, pale yellow or straw-coloured cheese with a hard rind, made from cow's milk. The texture depends on how long it has been aged—the older the cheese, the more granular and crystallised. The flavour also varies with age, with younger cheeses having a smoother texture and fresh milk aroma, while older cheeses are nuttier, spicier and crunchier.

When selecting Parmesan for your crisps, it's important to consider the role it will play in your recipe. Here are some tips for choosing the right type of Parmesan:

• Grated Parmesan: This is the most convenient and popular form of Parmesan. It melts quickly, making it ideal for sprinkling on pizza or soup, as well as in pasta sauces.
• Shredded or Shaved Parmesan: Shaved or shredded Parmesan adds a more artistic touch as a topping on salads. It also provides texture to casseroles, risottos and baked dishes.
• Chiseled Parmesan: Chiseled Parmesan, such as Cello Copper Kettle Chisels, is perfect for snacking. It can be enjoyed on its own or mixed with chocolate and nuts for a unique trail mix.
• Sliced Parmesan: Sliced Parmesan is excellent for sandwiches. You can also grate it for a super fresh topping experience.

When buying Parmesan, look for the official Parmigiano Reggiano stamp to ensure authenticity. This stamp indicates that the cheese was produced in specific regions of Italy following strict criteria. If you're looking for the very best Parmesan, opt for a wheel or wedge with the Denominazione di Origine Protetta (DOP) mark.

Remember, the key to making delicious Parmesan crisps is to use freshly shredded or grated Parmesan cheese, which will melt perfectly in your air fryer.

Grating the Parmesan

To grate the Parmesan cheese, you can use a box grater or a handheld grater. Grate the cheese as finely as possible to ensure even cooking and a crispier texture. The thinner the cheese is grated, the crispier the final snacks will be.

Once you have finely grated the Parmesan cheese, you can move on to the next step of preparing your baking sheet or air fryer basket and preheating your oven or air fryer.

Remember, the key to successful Parmesan crisps is to use freshly grated cheese and to grate it as finely as possible for the best results.

Adding toppings and seasoning

Parmesan crisps are a versatile snack that can be seasoned and topped in a variety of ways to suit your taste preferences. Here are some ideas for adding toppings and seasoning to your air fryer Parmesan crisps:

Spices and Herbs:

• Italian seasoning: This classic blend of herbs and spices adds a delicious Italian flavour to your crisps.
• Garlic powder: For a subtle garlic kick that pairs well with the Parmesan.
• Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and savouriness.
• Cayenne or red pepper flakes: If you like your crisps spicy, these are a great addition.
• Dried rosemary or thyme: For an herby flavour boost that complements the cheese.

Other Toppings:

• Sesame seeds: For a nutty flavour and crunchy texture.
• Chia seeds: Another healthy seed option to sprinkle on top.
• Everything Bagel Seasoning: A blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic and onion, and salt.
• Poppy seeds: Adds a subtle crunch and earthy flavour.
• Minced dried onion flakes: For a savoury, tangy flavour.
• Minced dried garlic flakes: Enhances the savoury flavour of the Parmesan.

When adding toppings to your Parmesan crisps, it's best to sprinkle them on after you've flattened the cheese mounds but before you air fry them. This ensures that the toppings stick to the cheese and don't burn.

You can also get creative and experiment with other toppings of your choice, such as chopped jalapenos, tomatoes, or prosciutto. Just remember to add them before air frying so that everything cooks together.

Lastly, don't be afraid to mix and match different cheeses, such as cheddar, Asiago, or mozzarella, to create your own unique blend for the crisps.

Air-frying the crisps

Once your air fryer is preheated, line the air fryer basket with parchment paper. This step is important as it prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier. Next, drop tablespoon-sized mounds of the cheese mixture onto the parchment paper. Flatten the mounds slightly to form thin circles, as thinner layers will crisp up better. If desired, sprinkle some cracked black pepper or red pepper flakes on top.

Now, it's time to air fry! Place the basket into the air fryer and cook for 4 to 7 minutes. Keep a close eye on the crisps, as they can burn easily. You'll know they're done when they turn golden brown and bubbly. Remove the basket from the air fryer and let the crisps cool for a few minutes to harden before taking them out of the parchment paper.

Your Parmesan crisps are now ready to be served! You can enjoy them as a snack on their own or with your favorite dip, such as marinara sauce. If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

Storing the Parmesan crisps

Firstly, let the crisps cool down to room temperature before storing them. This step is crucial in preventing moisture buildup, which can cause the crisps to become soggy. Then, choose an airtight container, such as a resealable bag, glass jar, or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid, that is large enough to hold the crisps without crushing them.

To provide an extra layer of protection against moisture, line the bottom of your chosen container with a paper towel or parchment paper. Place the Parmesan crisps in a single layer on top of this lining, ensuring they do not overlap. Finally, seal the container tightly and store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

If you want to store your Parmesan crisps for an extended period, consider freezing them. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the freezer. However, keep in mind that freezing may affect their crunchiness. When you're ready to enjoy your frozen crisps, simply thaw them on the counter or in the fridge.

By following these storage guidelines, you should be able to maintain the crispness and flavour of your Parmesan crisps for several days.

Frequently asked questions