Air fryer cheese curds have a tasty crunchy outside and a warm, cheesy inside. This delicious appetizer is easy to pop in your mouth and goes well with a variety of dipping sauces like this Wingstop ranch.

 

What is a cheese curd?

These little morsels of deliciousness are small pieces of cheese that don’t make it into the pressed wheel or block of cheese. Curds, or “squeaky cheese” are typically made from cheddar cheese, either orange, yellow or white. They tend to have a slightly rubbery texture causing them to squeak when you bite into them.

Fried cheese curds are a popular fairground snack. They are usually deep fried in batter and served hot while the cheese is still warm and ooey gooey.

This air fried version cuts out the extra oil which helps to reduce fat but still produces an amazing crunch and taste. Try serving them with a dipping sauce like Boom Boom sauce or ranch for a extra hit of flavor. You won’t believe how delicious these are!

Ingredients needed

Cheese curds – Choose your favorite cheese curds. You can typically find them in the specialty cheese section of the grocery store. I have even found them at Costco and Target.

Flour – All-purpose flour to help coat the curds.

Eggs – You will need about 2 eggs.

Panko bread crumbs – I like using Panko crumbs but you can substitute for regular bread crumbs.

Garlic powder and salt – Seasonings that add a touch of flavor.

Olive oil – Use an oil mister to spray the basket and the curds. Make sure not to use an aerosol spray because it could deteriorate your basket.

How to make

1. Stir together flour, garlic powder and salt in a bowl. Beat eggs in a separate bowl. Place Panko crumbs in a third bowl.
2. Take cheese curd and dip into flour mixture to coat. Next, dip cheese curds into beaten egg wash and then into Panko crumbs.
3. Repeat the process and then place cheese curds in air fryer basket that has been sprayed with olive oil.
4. Keep coating cheese curds until ready to cook. Make sure the are spread out in a single layer in the air fryer basket and not on top of each other.
5. Lightly spray the tops of the coated cheese curds with olive oil. I like using this oil mister. Cook at 350 degrees F for 6 minutes, flipping halfway through.
6. Serve warm.

***This recipe was made using a Cosori 5.8 quart air fryer.

Recipe variations

• Try using Italian seasoned Panko or bread crumbs.
• Change up the seasonings like seasoned salt, Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
• Add in some grated Parmesan cheese to the Panko crumb mixture.

How to store and reheat cheese curds

These are definitely best fresh, right out of the air fryer. You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you are ready to reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350 degrees for 2-3 minutes or until warmed through.

Recipe tips

• It’s ok if the curds don’t get completely covered in Panko. Try to get them coated as much as possible but it’s fine if a little cheese comes out. The little bit of crispy cheese is so good!
• Each air fryer cooks a little different so I recommend checking on your curds around the 4-5 minute mark.
• If you are cooking multiple batches, you will want to reduce the cook time after the first batch because the air fryer will already be hot. I would try 4-5 minutes total cook time for the second batch.

How to serve

Serve these air fried cheese curds warm with your favorite dipping sauces. A few favorites are:

• Ranch dressing
• Zesty sauce
• Seasoned sour cream dip
• Campfire sauce
• Mexican white sauce dip

More air fryer appetizers

• Air fryer wontons
• Air fryer egg rolls
• Air fryer bacon wrapped pineapple
• Air fryer bacon wrapped smokies
• Air fryer Chex mix

Let me know how your cheese curds turned out in the comments. If you are interested in more recipes, check out our Easy Air Fryer Recipe Facebook group.