Kamil Perry
Cheese curds are a delicious snack, but they can be messy and unhealthy when deep-fried. Air fryers offer a convenient, quick, and healthier alternative to deep frying, without compromising on taste. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to make crispy, crunchy, and melty cheese curds in an air fryer. We will also offer tips and tricks to ensure your cheese curds turn out perfectly, every time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preheat temperature | 350°F (175°C) or 400°F |
| Cooking temperature | 380°F |
| Cooking time | 5-8 minutes |
| Cooking oil | Any oil with a high smoke point |
| Coating | Flour, egg, breadcrumbs |
| Breading technique | Squeeze coating onto cheese curds |
| Storage | Refrigerate leftovers for up to 2 days |
| Reheating | Air fry at 350°F for 3 minutes |
| Freezing | Freeze for 10-15 minutes before cooking |
| Air fryer liner | Recommended for easy cleanup |
| Spices | Cajun seasoning |
| Dipping sauce | Marinara, sriracha, garlic mayo |
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What You'll Learn
How to get the perfect crispy coating
To get the perfect crispy coating on your cheese curds, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, it is important to coat the curds in a layer of flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. This creates a batter that will give the curds a golden brown and crispy finish. Make sure to dredge the curds thoroughly in the following order: flour, egg, breadcrumbs, egg, and then breadcrumbs again. You can also season the breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper for added flavour.
A crucial step to achieving the perfect crispiness is to ensure that the cheese curds are not overcrowded in the air fryer. Place them in a single layer, leaving space between each curd to allow for even air circulation. You may need to cook them in batches. Additionally, freezing the curds for a short period before cooking can help the cheese firm up and maintain its shape without freezing completely. This prevents the cheese from melting too quickly and seeping out of the batter.
To further enhance the crispiness, use an air fryer liner or cooking spray to prevent sticking and achieve an even golden colour. Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, typically between 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit, and cook the curds for around 5-8 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispness. Finally, gently shake the air fryer basket or use tongs to turn the curds halfway through the cooking time to ensure an even fry.
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The best cooking spray to use
When cooking cheese curds in an air fryer, it is important to use a cooking spray to prevent the curds from sticking to the air fryer basket and to achieve a golden colour. Any oil with a high smoke point can be used in spray form.
Non-aerosolized, non-processed sprays are recommended as they evenly distribute the oil and prevent chipping or other damage to the air fryer. La Tourangelle offers organic artisan oils in non-aerosolized spray canisters with three settings: drip, stream, and spray. These canisters protect the oil from exposure to light and air, preserving freshness and flavour.
Another option is PAM Non-Stick Olive Oil Cooking Spray, which is available in a 5 oz bottle.
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How to prevent cheese curds from melting
To prevent cheese curds from melting in an air fryer, there are several steps you can take. Firstly, it is important to coat the cheese curds in a layer of flour, egg, and breadcrumbs or panko. This three-step battering process helps to create a protective layer around the cheese, preventing it from melting too quickly and seeping out of the breading. Make sure every corner of the cheese curd is covered, as any bare spots can lead to the cheese seeping through.
Another crucial step is to freeze the cheese curds for a short period before frying. Freezing them for about 10-15 minutes helps the cheese curds retain their shape and prevents them from melting too quickly during the frying process. This method is especially useful if you have experienced issues with the cheese oozing out before it is fully cooked.
Additionally, it is recommended to use an air fryer liner or parchment paper, and to spray the basket with cooking spray. This not only prevents sticking but also helps to achieve a golden, crispy finish. Leave enough space between each cheese curd in the air fryer basket to ensure even air circulation and to avoid overcrowding, as this can impact the crunchiness of the final product.
Finally, during the frying process, keep a close eye on the cheese curds. Depending on your desired level of melt, you may need to adjust the frying time. Remember that the goal is to have the cheese heated enough to ooze slightly but not so much that it melts completely before you get a chance to bite into it!
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How to store and reheat cheese curds
Cheese curds are best eaten fresh, ideally within 3 days of being made. They can be stored for up to 3 weeks or more, depending on how they are stored. If you live somewhere close to where they are made, they are often stored on a non-refrigerated shelf. However, refrigeration can cause them to lose their iconic squeak and texture.
To store cheese curds, keep them at a health-regulated temperature. If you want to enjoy them at room temperature, take them out of the fridge a couple of hours before consumption. You can also use a microwave for 10 seconds to warm them up.
To reheat cheese curds in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 5-8 minutes. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven. Set the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 5-8 minutes.
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What to serve with cheese curds
Cheese curds are versatile and can be served in many ways. They can be added to salads, cocktails, or even enjoyed on their own as a snack. For a unique and tasty treat, create a skewer of cheese curds to garnish a Bloody Mary. Alternatively, stuff a small cheese curd inside a green olive and use it to decorate your martini.
Cheese curds also pair well with sweet foods. For example, they can be served with a homemade biscuit topped with blueberry preserves. They can also be used as a topping for flatbread or pizza, or added to pasta. For a simple and comforting meal, add them to a chicken noodle soup, or serve them with French fries and gravy.
If you're looking for a more indulgent option, try making nachos with cheese curds, or serve them with a homemade marinara sauce for dipping. For a healthier option, air fry the cheese curds and serve them with an Air Fryer Blooming Onion as an appetizer.
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Frequently asked questions
Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the cheese curds for 5-8 minutes. Some recipes suggest cooking at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-5 minutes.
Freeze the cheese curds for 10-15 minutes before cooking to help them retain their shape. You can also coat the curds in flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs to prevent them from melting.
Use an air fryer liner or spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent the cheese curds from sticking and to achieve a golden color.
Cheese curds are often served with a dipping sauce such as marinara, Sriracha, or garlic mayo.
Store leftover cheese curds in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 3 minutes.
