Fitness / April 5, 2024

Air Fryer Cheese Curds

Whip up some tasty Midwestern bites with these golden, delicious Air Fryer Cheese Curds.

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While cheese curds are popular in the Midwest they may have originated in Quebec, Canada. Cheese curds are one of the main ingredients in poutine, a popular Canadian dish served with French fries and gravy. In the States, they are more of a snack and well sought after in Wisconsin, the Cheese state. Wisconsin produces more cheese than any other state by far, about 3 BILLION pounds annually, containing about 350 varieties. It is the only state to require a cheese-making license and hosts an annual Cheese Curd Festival every June, in Ellsworth, the Cheese Curd capital of Wisconsin.

Ok, full disclosure… up until I made these Air-Fryer Cheese Curds a couple of weeks ago, I had never even tried cheese curds! This is strange because I LOVE cheese, but not many restaurants have these on the menu in the Northeast. Anyway! They are delicious and a new favorite in my home. I served them as an appetizer on a cheese board, with a few cured meats Air-Fryer Fried Pickles, and Flax Seed Crackers.

They were a huge hit and were fairly simple to make. They only need to cook in the air-fryer for about 7 minutes. I was able to purchase my white cheddar cheese curds from a local farmers market. They explained how they were made and that “squeaky cheese” is the best. They also sell them in grocery stores, but I have learned the fresher the curds, the better.

Are Air Fryer Cheese Curds Healthy?

So, no, a fried cheese snack is not normally “healthy”, but since we are using an air-fryer instead of deep-frying them, they aren’t too bad health-wise. So let us focus on the positive here. First of all, air-fryer cheese curds are a dense source of protein and contain lots of calcium and magnesium. They are vegetarian and so delicious. If you sub the panko bread crumbs for gluten-free bread crumbs or omit them altogether they will be GF.

Protip: Freeze Cheese Curds before Air-Frying.

Combine the ingredients to make the crispy coating the cheese curds will have, dip them in eggs, then into the breadcrumb and seasoning mixture. NOW THIS IS THE IMPORTANT PART: Place your coated cheese curds into the freezer for about thirty minutes to an hour.

This will allow them to keep their shape and the coating to solidify a bit. I learned this the hard way. The first time I made them I did not freeze them and my air fryer was a mess! The cheese oozed out of the crispy coating and they were all odd-shaped. Let me know how this works for you in the comments section too!

INGREDIENTS

12 ounces cheese curds cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces
1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs
3 large eggs
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

Mix

Combine the panko, Parmesan, and seasonings in a bowl to create the coating for the cheese curds.

Prepare

Beat the eggs in one bowl and place flour in another. Get ready to coat the cheese curds.

Coat

Dip each cheese curd in flour, egg, and then breadcrumbs, ensuring a full coat for a crispy texture.

Double Dip

For an extra crispy crust, dip the coated curds again in egg and breadcrumbs.

Spray

Use an oil mister to lightly coat the air fryer basket with olive oil.

Air Fry

Cook the cheese curds in the air fryer at 400°F, flipping once, until golden and crispy.

Enjoy

Serve the cheese curds hot and crispy.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store?

Every cheese-curd lover will tell you they are best enjoyed fresh, or at least the next day. However, they can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days or in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy pop them in the air-fryer at 400 for 6-8 minutes. If frozen, allow the curds to thaw in the fridge first, then reheat as above.

How do I prevent my cheese curds from sticking together?

Be sure to shake any excess coating off before placing in the air-fryer. Also, be sure to place them in a single layer. You may have to work in batches, but it will be worth it!

What Can I use aside from Italian Seasoning?

If Italian seasoning is not your thing or you are out of it, no need to worry. I feel like this snack is great with just the parmesan, salt, and pepper. You can also use a bit of taco or cajun seasoning to spice things up!

Why are my Air-fryer Cheese curds melted?

As recommended, try freezing the curds before frying. Also, pay close attention as they cook. Air fryers circulate heat around whatever we are preparing, which makes them crispy, but can also cook them too much. Depending on the manufacturer of your air fryer, you may need to reduce the temperature or cooking time. It is trial and error, but just keep an eye on the first batch until you have found your sweet (cheesy) spot.

What kind of cheese should I use for this recipe?

I used fresh, white cheddar cheese curds. You can use any kind of cheddar or even Colby.

Serving Suggestions

So maybe my idea of serving my Air-fryer Cheese Curds charcuterie board style is not the most common go-to, but it worked! Especially next to the Air-Fryer Fried Pickles.

Some more traditional ideas would be to serve them hot, on a large tray or bowl with a yummy dipping sauce. Some of my favorites are Homemade Ranch Dressing, Creamy Chipotle Sauce , or this sweet and spicy Onion Ring Sauce.

Another way to enjoy these delicious, little bites is to use them as croutons in a refreshing salad like Strawberry Chicken Salad or this delightful Taco Salad. Finally, you can slip them onto a skewer for a delicious low-carb appetizer or dinner. Try this sweet and savory Jerk Chicken with Pineapple.

Air Fryer Cheese Curds

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Servings

Calories 221kcal

Author FoodFaithFitness

Ingredients

12 ounces cheese curds cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces
1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs
3 large eggs
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

In a small bowl, mix together panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Crack the eggs into a second bowl and beat them. Place the all-purpose flour into a third bowl.
Coat each cheese curd with flour, dip into the beaten eggs, and then roll in the bread crumb mixture until fully coated.
Double-dip the coated cheese curd into the egg and then into the bread crumb mixture for a second (you want that thick crust!).
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil using an oil mister to prevent sticking.
Arrange the cheese curds in the air fryer basket in a single layer. They should not be touching. Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 6-8 minutes. Don’t forget to flip the curds halfway through. Keep an eye on them.
Serve the cheese curds warm and crispy from the air fryer. DEVOUR!