These perfectly fried cheese curds are coated in crispy batter and fried in the air fryer for a gooey and melty snack! It's hard to imagine a more addictive, more-ish snack than these babies.
Crispy, crunchy, melty, and loaded with cheese, these air fryer fried cheese curds are a dream come true. They’re an excellent appetizer to add to a party or snack to indulge in on an afternoon.
These curds are battered in three layers of flour, egg and gluten-free breadcrumbs. This helps to make this fried cheese snack golden brown and gluten free, but you can use regular flour and pank breadcrumbs for the same results!
My method for cooking the curds in the air fryer guarantees a perfectly crispy coating that is just as tasty as making deep fried cheese curds, but much more healthy! Pair them with a homemade marinara sauce or a dipping sauce to make an unforgettable "squeaky" fried cheese curds recipe at home. Your whole family and guests will thank you. I love to serve them as part of a meal alongside a Air Fryer Blooming Onion for my husband (because who doesn't love a vintage appetizer made healthy??).
What are Cheese Curds?
Cheese curds are a delicacy found throughout Canada and parts of the United States. They're often associated with Wisconsin cheese and are extremely common where I live in Quebec, where they're served on top of French fries for a dish called "poutine."
Curds are soft pieces of unaged cheese made from cow milk and are traditionally produced from cheddar cheese. This fresh cheese curds can be eaten as a snack or used to make a batch of amazing poutine.
However, in my humble opinion, battered and fried is one of the best ways to enjoy cheese curds. A plate of hot, fried cheese curds is about as good as it gets, especially with a delicious dip like tomato sauce, buffalo sauce, honey mustard, ranch, or blue cheese. Our favorite pairing is definitely this Chili's Ranch Recipe, which is a perfect copycat for the dressing you know and love.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Fried Cheese Curds
It’s pretty impossible not to love crispy, gooey air fryer fried cheese curds. Here are just a few reasons I know you’ll love them:
- Fried cheese curds are an easy and simple recipe that you can make in minutes.
- Since it uses an air fryer, this fried cheese curds recipe is a healthier alternative.
- In addition to being tasty, this recipe is also affordable and accessible.
Ingredients You Need to Make Air Fried Cheese Curds
Making squeaky cheese curds at home is so easy! Here are the things you need to make fried cheese curds:
- Cheese curds: The star of the dish, cheese curds are small chunks of curdled milk and can be found in various flavors. If you can't find cheese curds, you could try using small cubes of mozzarella, fresh baby mozzarella or mild cheddar as a substitute.
- All-purpose flour: This flour is used for the initial coating and helps the egg and breadcrumbs adhere to the curds. I use a gluten-free flour blend, but if you're not avoiding gluten, regular all-purpose flour will work just as well.
- Garlic powder: Adds a savory, aromatic flavor to the breading. Onion powder could be used for a different flavor profile if desired.
- Paprika: This is an optional spice that imparts a mild, sweet flavor and a hint of color. Smoked paprika can be used for a smokier taste.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the breading. Kosher salt or sea salt can be used depending on preference.
- Black pepper: Adds a slight heat and sharpness to the breading. Freshly ground black pepper provides the best flavor.
- Eggs: Eggs act as a binder for the flour and breadcrumbs. If you need an egg-free option, you could use a milk wash or a specialized egg-replacement product.
- Bread crumbs: These create the final crispy coating. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or regular panko bread crumbs for the best crunch.
- Cooking spray: Prevents the cheese curds from sticking to the air fryer basket and helps achieve a golden color. You can use any oil that has a high smoke point in a spray form.
See recipe cards for exact quantities.
Equipment
As part of my dream of having a Ninja kitchen, this air fryer is top of my list. Christmas gift, anyone?
How to Make Air Fryer Fried Cheese Curds
Preheat the fryer
Initiate the process by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial to ensure that your fry curds will cook evenly and become perfectly crispy. I also recommend that you use an air fryer liner to avoid extra cleanup.
Coat the Curds
In a small mixing bowl, blend the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This will be your initial coating that will add flavor and help the subsequent layers adhere to the cheese curds. Coat the curds thoroughly in this mixture, tapping off any excess.
Egg Wash
Crack the eggs into a second bowl and whisk them until they are uniformly mixed. The egg wash is essential as it will help to bind the flour coating to the breadcrumbs, creating a solid breading for the fry curds.
Bread the Cheese Curds in the Bread Crumb Mixture
Pour the breadcrumbs or panko into a separate third bowl. Dip each cheese curd into the egg wash, letting any excess drip off. Then, in the third shallow bowl, roll the curds in the breadcrumbs, ensuring they are evenly coated. Set the coated curds aside on a plate and repeat step with remaining curds.
Prepare the Air Fryer Basket
Use an air fryer parchment liner, or spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent the cheese curds from sticking. This will also aid in achieving that desired crispy finish.
Arrange the Cheese Curds
Place cheese curds around the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them for even air circulation. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Lightly spray the cheese curds with cooking spray to help them brown nicely.
Cook the Cheese Curds
Fry curds for 6-8 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. At the halfway mark, open the air fryer and gently shake the basket or use tongs to turn the cheese curds, ensuring they get an even fry.
Serve the Fried Cheese Curds
Once the air fried cheese curds are done, carefully remove them from the air fryer and place them on paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Allow them to cool briefly as they will be very hot. Serve the fried cheese curds at home with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy the fruits of your labor!
Storage
The fresh curds are best enjoyed fresh from the air fryer. However, you can store any of your leftover cheese curds in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat them, simply toss back in the air fryer and cook for about 3 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until they’re warm.
Top Tips
● Freeze the Curds - If you have extra time, you can freeze the cheese curds for about 30 minutes after you bread them. This will allow the coating to crisp up before the cheese completely melts.
● Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer - In order to get as crunchy as possible, you’ll want to leave enough space between each cheese curd in the air fryer. Place the curds in a single layer in the air fryer and work in multiple batches if you need to.
● Use Air Fryer Liners - These air fryer liners make cleaning up an absolute breeze.
Recipe Variations
- Cajun (Cayenne Pepper) - Spice up these air fryer fried cheese curds with a bit of Cajun seasoning. Add the seasoning to the flour that you use to coat the cheese curds.
- Garlic Parmesan - With a bit of garlic powder and parmesan cheese mixed into your flour batter, you can give these cheese curds a delicious new twist.
- Ranch - A packet of ranch seasoning is all it takes for an interesting variation on these air fryer cheese curds. Mix the ranch packet into the flour and use it to batter the curds.
Make ahead
Since the cheese curds can be frozen first, they’re easy to prepare in advance. Once you’ve breaded the cheese curds, place them in an airtight container and leave them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to air fry them.
Recommended Dishes
These fried curds make for an excellent game day appetizer! As the cheese melts, it'll feel like a party in your mouth. I love to make it as part of a Football Charcuterie Board for being gatherings.
Discover more air fryer dishes with these recipes:
Try these Mexican healthy air fryer tostones. With just 2-ingredients, you can recreate traditional Mexican tostones with a crispy, healthy twist in your air-fryer.
If you are looking for an easy, healthy snack we got you covered with literally The easiest healthy air fryer plantain chips. It's a great snacking option, perfect for an appetizer with a bowl of salsa.
Our Ottolenghi air fryer asparagus with almonds and capers is just like the original, buttery and crispy, but in a fraction of the time!
If you want to try your hand at cooking more greens in the air fryer, look no further than our Super Crispy Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts with feta, pomegranate, and balsamic vinegar. It's the perfect side dish for a special occasion or an easy, gluten-free weeknight dinner.
Recipe
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Homemade air fried cheese curds
Ingredients
- 1 lb cheese curds preferably at room temperature
- ½ cup gluten-free all-purpose flour or regular flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika optional for extra flavor
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray for the air fryer basket
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- In a small bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs until well combined.
- In a third bowl, place the gluten-free breadcrumbs or panko.
- Take each cheese curd and first coat it in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the floured curd into the beaten eggs, allowing the excess to drip off.
- Finally, roll the curd in the breadcrumbs until fully coated, shaking off any extra in the end. Set aside on a plate and repeat with the remaining cheese curds.
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Place the breaded cheese curds in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. You may need to work in batches, frying just a few curds at a time to not overcrow the pan depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Lightly spray the tops of the cheese curds with cooking spray. This will help them get a nice golden color.
- Cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the cheese curds are golden brown and crispy. Halfway through the cooking time, gently shake the basket or use tongs to turn the cheese curds to ensure even cooking.
- Once done, carefully remove the cheese curds from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute or two. They will be very hot inside.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara, ranch dressing, or a gluten-free spicy mayo.
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