These crispy, golden Air Fryer Cheese Curds deliver all the indulgent satisfaction of the classic deep-fried favorite, but with a healthier twist. Ready in just 26 minutes, these irresistible bites pack a protein punch with 29g per serving while keeping the authentic squeaky texture that cheese curd lovers crave.
Perfect as a game day snack or crowd-pleasing appetizer, this quick and easy recipe transforms simple cheese curds into a crunchy, melty delight that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredient Section
- All-purpose flour: 1 cup, acts as the first coating layer
- Eggs: 2 beaten eggs, helps breadcrumbs stick perfectly
- Breadcrumb mixture: 1 cup each of panko and regular breadcrumbs for extra crunch
- Seasonings: 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder for flavor
- Cheese curds: 10 oz, fresh and squeaky
- Cooking spray: For achieving golden-brown perfection
Instructions Section
- Prep the stations: Set up three bowls – flour in first, beaten eggs in second, and seasoned breadcrumb mixture in third
- First coating: Toss cheese curds in flour, ensuring even coverage
- Egg wash: Dip floured curds in beaten eggs, letting excess drip off
- Breadcrumb coating: Roll in breadcrumb mixture until well-coated
- Freezing time: Place on parchment-lined pan and freeze for 30 minutes to set coating
- Air frying prep: Arrange in single layer in air fryer basket, spray with oil
- Final cooking: Air fry at 380°F for 5-6 minutes until golden and melty
- Serving: Enjoy immediately while hot and gooey with your favorite sauce
Coating Tips for Perfect Cheese Curds
Keep one hand dry and one hand wet during the breading process! Use your “dry” hand for flour and breadcrumbs, and your “wet” hand for the egg wash. This stops your fingers from getting coated in a thick, sticky layer. If your coating starts clumping, just mix up a fresh batch of breadcrumbs – it makes a big difference in getting that crispy outer shell.
Freezing and Air Fryer Success
Don’t skip the freezing step – those 30 minutes in the freezer are magic! Freezing helps the cheese curds hold their shape and stops them from melting too quickly in the air fryer. When air frying, leave some space between each curd so the hot air can flow around them. A quick spritz of oil helps get that golden-brown color we all love.
Dipping Sauces and Serving Ideas
Hot and fresh is the way to go with these crispy bites! Try marinara sauce for a classic combo, ranch dressing for a creamy kick, or honey mustard for something sweet and tangy. Love spicy food? Mix some hot sauce with ranch or mayo. These cheese curds are perfect for game day snacking, casual get-togethers, or any time you want a warm, gooey treat.
Storage and Reheating
These cheese curds are best eaten right away while the cheese is hot and stretchy. If you have leftovers, keep them in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes – they’ll crisp right up! Just watch them closely to avoid cheese explosions.
Air Fryer Cheese Curds
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Sheet Pan
- Parchment Paper
- Mixing Bowls
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.
