Air Fryer Queso Frito: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Queso frito, or fried cheese, is a staple in many Latin American countries, especially in South America, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico. It is a simple dish that can be served as an appetizer or side dish. The key to making delicious queso frito is to use a cheese with a high melting point, such as queso de freír, queso fresco, queso blanco, or halloumi. The cheese is typically cut into slices or cubes and fried in oil until it develops a golden brown crust. Using an air fryer is a convenient and less messy alternative to traditional pan-frying methods.

Choosing the right cheese

Queso frito is a Latin American delicacy, commonly served as an appetizer, side dish, or afternoon snack. It is also a staple breakfast item in the Dominican Republic, where it is served as part of Los Tres Golpes, the traditional Dominican breakfast.

The key to making delicious queso frito is choosing the right cheese. The cheese you select should have a high melting point, a firm texture, and a mild flavour. This will ensure that the cheese holds its shape during frying, offers a satisfying bite, and allows the other flavours in the dish, like dipping sauces, to shine through.

Queso Fresco

The traditional choice for queso frito, this firm white cheese has a high melting point and a mildly salty taste. It holds its shape well during frying, resulting in a satisfying bite. Queso fresco is readily available in most Latin American grocery stores.

Halloumi Cheese

This brined cheese from Cyprus is an excellent alternative to queso fresco. The brining process increases its melting point, allowing it to maintain its shape while frying. Halloumi has a slightly salty taste and a delightful squeaky texture when cooked. It may be slightly more expensive than queso fresco.

Queso Blanco

Similar to queso fresco, queso blanco is a versatile option with a mild flavour and a firm texture. While it may not hold its shape quite as well during frying, it is still a viable choice, especially if queso fresco is unavailable. Look for a queso blanco that is on the firmer side for better frying results.

Paneer

This Indian cheese is a good vegetarian alternative, as it is made from milk curdled with lemon juice or vinegar. Paneer has a firm texture similar to queso fresco and fries well.

When selecting a cheese for your queso frito, remember that a high melting point, firm texture, and mild flavour are key. With the right cheese and a few simple steps, you'll be on your way to creating a delicious and crispy treat!

Oil type and temperature

When making queso frito in an air fryer, it is important to choose an oil with a high smoke point. This is because the oil needs to be able to withstand the high temperatures that are typically used for frying cheese. Oils with a high smoke point include avocado oil, neutral oils such as canola oil or vegetable oil, and light olive oil.

It is also important to ensure that the oil reaches the correct temperature before adding the cheese. The ideal temperature for frying queso frito is around 350°F (175°C). If the oil is not hot enough, the cheese will stick to the pan. On the other hand, if the oil is too hot, the cheese will burn before it crisps properly.

To test if the oil is hot enough, place a small piece of cheese in the fryer. If it cooks in about 30 seconds, the oil is ready.

When frying the cheese, it is important not to overcrowd the pan. This will help the cheese to cook evenly and form a crispy crust. Fry the cheese in batches if necessary.

Avoiding oil splatter

Oil splatter is a common issue when frying food, but there are several ways to minimise it. Here are some tips to avoid oil splatter when making queso frito in an air fryer:

Firstly, ensure that the cheese is dry before frying. Any excess moisture on the cheese surface can cause it to stick to the pan and create splatter. Remove the cheese from its packaging and pat it dry with a paper towel. Blotting the cheese with a paper towel or cloth will help to absorb any remaining moisture. This is an important step, as it will also help the cheese to turn golden brown.

Secondly, use the correct amount of oil. When frying, do not fill the air fryer basket more than two-thirds full with oil. Use just enough oil to cover the bottom half of the cheese. This will help to prevent splatter and also ensure that the cheese does not become soggy.

Thirdly, be careful when placing the cheese in the air fryer. Do not drop the cheese into the air fryer, as this can cause splatter. Instead, gently place the cheese into the basket. It is also important not to overcrowd the air fryer. Fry the cheese in batches if necessary, as overcrowding can cause the oil temperature to drop, leading to sticking and splatter.

Finally, use the correct temperature. Ensure that the oil reaches the correct temperature before adding the cheese. Aim for medium-high heat, around 350°F (175°C). If the oil is not hot enough, the cheese will stick. However, if the oil is too hot, it will burn the cheese before it crisps properly. Therefore, it is important to preheat the air fryer and maintain the correct temperature throughout the cooking process.

By following these tips, you can minimise oil splatter when making queso frito in an air fryer.

Cooking time and colour

The cooking time and colour of your queso frito will depend on your personal preference. Some people prefer their fried cheese a light golden colour and slightly melted, while others like it crisp and dark.

If you are using an air fryer, preheat it to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the cheese for 7-9 minutes. This will give you a golden brown exterior without drying out the inside. If you are frying the cheese in a pan, heat the oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the cheese for 1-3 minutes on each side. This will give you a golden-brown crust.

Remember, queso frito cooks quickly! It can burn easily, so keep a close eye on it. The exact cooking time will depend on your desired level of doneness, but it should take no longer than a few minutes per side.

Enjoy your delicious, crispy, and gooey queso frito!

Serving suggestions

Queso frito is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your queso frito and impress your guests:

• Dipping Sauces: Queso frito is often served with a dipping sauce on the side. Guava marmalade is a popular choice for those who enjoy the combination of sweet and savoury flavours. Other options include tomato sauce or a cilantro garlic sauce.
• Appetizer or Side Dish: In the Dominican Republic, queso frito is commonly served as an appetizer or side dish. It pairs well with classic Dominican dishes such as Mofonogo, Habichuelas, and Chicharron de Pollo.
• Breakfast: Queso frito is an essential component of Los Tres Golpes, the traditional Dominican breakfast. It is served alongside Mangú with red onions, fried eggs, and fried Dominican salami.
• Main Course: For a heartier meal, serve queso frito as a main course with rice, beans, and tortillas. This option allows the cheese to take centre stage and shine.
• Snacks: If you prefer smaller portions, cutting the cheese into small cubes is ideal for afternoon snacks. You can also offer a variety of dipping sauces to elevate the snacking experience.
• Vegetarian Option: For vegetarian guests, queso frito can be served as a protein alternative in tacos. Add some lettuce, avocado, onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for a delicious and satisfying meal.

No matter how you choose to serve it, queso frito is a delicious and versatile dish that is sure to impress. Don't forget to prepare some extra because it will likely be a hit!

Frequently asked questions