From Scratch Air Fryer Cheese Curds

a grey plate with air fryer cheese curds, parsley, and a bowl of dipping sauce

5 from 1 rating

From Scratch Air Fryer Cheese Curds

These ooey gooey air fryer cheese curds are so deliciously crispy. They use a baked breading method and are not deep-fried. No air fryer? You’ll also find stovetop methods in the post.

Prep Time10

Cook Time4

Freezing1

Total Time1 14

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: air fried cheese curds, cheese curds air fryer

Servings:

Author: Sarah Cook

Equipment

Ingredients

12 oz cheese curds
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp cornstarch
1/4 tsp kosher salt
1/2 cup panko
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
3 tsp Italian seasoning
2 eggs {beaten}
2 tsp olive oil

Instructions

Place cheese curds on a plate and freeze for 30-60 minutes.
12 oz cheese curds
In one bowl combine flour and cornstarch.
1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp cornstarch
In another bowl combine kosher salt, panko, breadcrumbs, and Italian seasoning.
1/4 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 cup panko, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 3 tsp Italian seasoning
In another bowl, beat eggs until well combined.
2 eggs
Set up an empty plate lined with parchment.
It's easiest to work in batches of 4-6. With your left hand, dredge 4-6 curds through the flour/cornstarch and shake the excess off.
With your left hand, drop them into the egg mixture. Using your right hand, stir to coat them completely with egg.
Use your right hand and drop them into the breadcrumb bowl, tossing to fully coat with the mixture. Place your breaded curds onto the plate.
Freeze for 30-60 minutes.
Spray the cold curds with olive oil spray while they're still on the plate. Really coat them well and then let them sit 2-3 minutes.
2 tsp olive oil
Do NOT preheat the air fryer.
Brush the basket of the air fryer with olive oil or use a piece of air fryer parchment, and gently place the curds in the basket.
Cook at 400˚F for 4 minutes. You do not need to flip them.

Notes

No recipe has confounded me as much as this one. I made it eight times over 10 months before I finally cracked the code. If you make any adjustments or substitutions, I cannot guarantee success! Please read the recipe carefully and follow all the steps.
If you're making multiple batches, allow the air fryer to cool a bit between batches, or check on them at 3 minutes of cooking time.

Stovetop Instructions:

Heat cooking oil (like avocado) over medium-high heat in a cast-iron skillet. Add cheese curds, a few pieces at a time, and cook until golden brown.

Nutrition