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–+ servings
a plate of crispy cheese curds with a small bowl of ranch dressing on the side.
5 from 1 vote
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Air Fryer Cheese Curds

Fresh, melty, and crispy Air Fryer Cheese Curds are easy to make in the air fryer and so, so tasty! Follow this recipe to create the best cheese curds, with little oil and lots of flavor.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time6 minutes
4 servings

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • 3 shallow bowls
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment Paper

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup regular breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 10 oz cheese curds
  • cooking oil spray

Instructions

  • Place the flour in a bowl. Place the beaten eggs in a second bowl. Place the panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder in a third bowl. Whisk to combine.
  • Place the cheese curds in the flour, a few a time. Toss until the cheese curds are covered and shake off any excess.
  • Place the floured cheese curds in the beaten eggs. Mix until the cheese curds are covered, letting any excess drip off.
  • Add the cheese curds to the breadcrumb mixture, tossing to coat them completely. Place the cheese curds on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper and repeat with remaining cheese curds.
  • Freeze the cheese curds for 30 minutes.
  • Place the breaded cheese curds in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook in batches if need be. Spray the top with oil.
  • Air fry at 380°F/195°C for 5-6 minutes, until the breading is golden and the cheese curds are melted in the center.
  • Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Video

Notes

  • It's very important to freeze them! After you add the bread crumb coating to the curds, they must be frozen for at least 30 minutes before cooking them. This way, the outside coating will have enough time to brown and crisp up before the cheese melts.
  • Don't overcrowd the air fryer. Because the air fryer works by circulating air around our food, you need to leave space between each cheese curd so that that air can do its job. Arrange the frozen cheese curds in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Work in batches if you need to.
  • Try other seasonings. The seasoned breadcrumbs in this recipe are simply seasoned with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, but you can get creative. Try Italian seasoning, cajun seasoning, or your favorite spices.
  • Air fry flavored cheese curds. If you can find specialty cheese curds, try air frying them! Flavors like garlic and herb, buffalo wing, jalapeno, and pizza cheese curds will all be delicious prepared this way.
  • Make these ahead of time. Because the breaded cheese curds need time in the freezer, they make an easy make-ahead snack! Simply leave the breaded but uncooked cheese curds in the freezer, in an airtight container, until you're ready to cook them.
  • Pro Tip: This recipe can be made in the air fryer unit with a basket or the air fryer oven. If you are using the air fryer oven, use the middle rack and select the "Air Fry" function.
  • Pro Tip: Check your food as it cooks. Each air fryer runs a bit differently. Sometimes air frying is a trial and error process. Check your food as it cooks to learn your air fryer better! When cooking a new recipe or food items be sure to check your food often to help avoid over/under cooking.
Have oven recipes that you’d like to convert to an air fryer recipe? Use our Air Fryer Calculator to help you estimate cooking times and temps! Calculator here: https://airfryereats.com/air-fryer-conversion-air-fryer-calculator/
 

Nutrition Information

Calories 593kcal | Carbohydrates 55g | Protein 29g | Fat 27g | Saturated Fat 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat 1g | Monounsaturated Fat 1g | Trans Fat 0.01g | Cholesterol 158mg | Sodium 1377mg | Potassium 159mg | Fiber 3g | Sugar 3g | Vitamin A 120IU | Vitamin C 0.01mg | Calcium 602mg | Iron 4mg
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