Whip up some tasty Wisconsin-worthy bites with these golden, delicious Air-Fryer Cheese Curds.
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’re more of a snack and well sought after in Wisconsin, America’s Dairyland. Wisconsin produces more cheese than any other state by far, about three billion pounds annually, with at least 350 varieties. It’s the only state to require a cheesemaking license. They even host an annual summer Cheese Curd Festival 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’d never even tried cheese curds! This is strange because I love cheese, but not many restaurants in the Northeast have these on the menu. Anyway, they are delicious and a new favorite in my home. Even better, the cheese curds only need seven minutes in your air fryer. They’ll be ready in no time!
But where should you buy cheese curds? Surprisingly, I found some white cheddar curds at my local farmers’ market from a cheesemonger who explained the magic behind “squeaky cheese.” Apparently, the squeak is a sign of freshness, and fresh curds are always the best. If you don’t have a farmers’ market nearby, don’t worry—your local grocery store likely carries them. Just be sure to check for that signature squeak!
Are Air-Fryer Cheese Curds Healthy?
A fried cheese snack isn’t exactly “healthy.” However, using an air fryer instead of a deep fryer makes them a bit lighter, so they’re not too bad! Plus, cheese curds are a good source of calcium and magnesium. Also, if you want to make them gluten-free, just swap the panko bread crumbs for a gluten-free alternative or skip the breading entirely. See? There’s a silver lining for everything—especially cheese curds!
Pro Tip: Freeze Cheese Curds Before Air-Frying.
If you want mess-free cheese curds, you should do what I do—freeze the curds! It’s pretty easy. After you dip the curds in egg and coat them with the seasoning and breadcrumbs, pop them in the freezer. I’d say about 30 minutes should be enough, though you can push it to an hour.
Freezing the cheese curds helps them keep their shape. Most importantly, it solidifies the coating, which acts as a barrier. You don’t want the cheese to ooze all over your air fryer! I skipped this step the first time I made this recipe, and let’s just say, lesson learned.
How To Make Ahead And Store?
Every cheese curd lover will tell you they’re best enjoyed fresh, or at least the next day. However, they can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, pop them in the air fryer at 400°F for 6-8 minutes. If frozen, allow the curds to thaw in the fridge first, then reheat as above.
Serving Suggestions
So maybe my idea of my air-fryer cheese curds charcuterie board isn’t the most common go-to, but I love serving it next to Air-Fryer Fried Pickles and Flax Seed Crackers.
Some more traditional ideas would be to serve them hot 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 on a refreshing Strawberry Chicken Salad or even a 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.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces cheese curds cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, 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 breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
- Repeat, dipping the coated cheese curd into the egg and then into the breadcrumb mixture once again. (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 °F for 6-8 minutes. Remember to flip the curds halfway through. Keep an eye on them.
- Serve the cheese curds warm and crispy from the air fryer. DEVOUR!
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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