Move over mozzarella sticks, there’s another contender for most awesome fried cheese snack. These air fryer frozen cheese curds deliver a crunchy golden brown crust and gooey, stringy, perfectly cheesy center in under 10 minutes. They’re a favorite of mine for game day!
What Are Fried Cheese Curds?
Fried cheese curds are breaded or battered cheddar cheese curds, which are then prepared in the deep fryer before serving. They don’t melt quite as much as a mozzarella stick in the center, so you retain a little bit of texture in these poppable appetizers.
This frozen version takes the prep work out of dredging so you can jump right to cooking – no defrosting required! Plus, there’s no messing around with deep-frying, as your air fryer does all the hard work.
I mean, who doesn’t love gooey cheese? These crispy, cheesy bites make a perfect side in place of fries when you want to change it up.
Put them out as an appetizer or on your game day snack table and watch them disappear! They’re the absolute perfect pair to Air Fryer Frozen Mini Corn Dogs too.
Whether you serve cheese curds solo or with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or another dipper, these famously squeaky Wisconsin cheese bites are a crowd-pleasing favorite!
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Ingredients List
- Frozen breaded cheese curds (such as FarmRich or Member’s Mark)
- Dipping sauce (optional)
Ingredient Tips & Tricks
- Cheese curds. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size you get, since every curd is unique!
- Dipping sauce isn’t necessary, but is a nice way to add additional flavor. I recommend marinara sauce, ranch dressing, Campfire sauce, buffalo sauce, blue cheese, or caramel for a sweet and salty twist
- You shouldn’t need to add any salt, but a taste and add a pinch after cooking based on personal preference
How to Cook Frozen Breaded Cheese Curds in the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F
- Place the frozen cheese curds in the preheated air fryer basket, allowing space between them
- Cook on the air fry setting for 5-6 minutes, pausing halfway through to shake the basket, until exterior is crispy and browned, and curds give easily under slight pressure
- Continue cooking in 1-minute increments, until the desired level of browning is achieved
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces (or on their own)!
What To Eat With Fried Cheese Curds
Serve your fried cheese curds with Crispy Frozen Breaded Fish Fillets, Turkey and Cheese Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls, Air Fryer Kielbasa, or alongside these Easy Air Fryer Frozen Hamburgers.
Recipe FAQs
Can You Make Frozen Cheese Curds in an Air Fryer?
Yes, you can make frozen cheese curds in an air fryer.
Your air fryer delivers a crispy exterior while melting the cheese inside. It takes less time than the oven or toaster oven with an equally good or better result.
How Long to Cook Frozen Cheese Curds in the Air Fryer?
Typically, frozen cheese curds cook in about 5-6 minutes in the air fryer. You do not need to defrost them.
The time may vary slightly based on the size of your curds and the size and power of your air fryer. You may want to cook them for additional time to increase the level of browning on the exterior breading.
What Do You Dip Cheese Curds In?
• Marinara
• Ranch
• Campfire sauce
• Buffalo sauce
• Caramel sauce
• Gravy
• Chipotle sauce
• Parmesan garlic sauce
• Sriracha or garlic aioli
• Spicy ketchup
• Honey mustard
• Tartar sauce
• Beer cheese or queso
Can I Microwave Frozen Cheese Curds?
Yes, you can microwave frozen cheese curds, though the texture will not be crispy and they are easily overcooked.
For best results, defrost first, and place on a plate covered with a damp paper towel. Microwave in short 15-second increments on medium power so they don’t melt into a blob. Enjoy immediately.
Recipe Pro Tips For the Best Cheese Curds
- You don’t need to add any oil or cooking spray during cooking. The curds come with it already in the batter when they’re frozen
- It is normal for some of the cheese curds to burst open while cooking. They’re still just as delicious!
- I cooked mine for a total of 10 minutes in a Ninja Dual Zone air fryer to achieve my desired brownness on the outside, but you can adjust to taste and based on your air fryer
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use within 3 days
- When reheating cheese curds in the air fryer, cook for 2-3 minutes at 400°F or until the cheese is soft again
More Air Fryer Recipes for Cheese Lovers
Final Thoughts
Air fryer frozen cheese curds are the perfect side when you want to change things up. Plus, since they’re so easy to make, you’ll have no qualms adding them to the rotation.
They’re also great on an appetizer platter, serving up cheesy goodness on game day. Anyone from Wisconsin would tell you cheese curds pair best with a cold beer!
Katie’s tip
If you’re interested in serving a “healthier” looking fried poppable appetizer, then check out these crispy air fryer frozen cauliflower wings!
No matter which way you enjoy them, these squeaky curds are a gooey, salty, crunchy, and delicious bite-sized snack any time.
Easy Air Fryer Frozen Cheese Curds
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound Frozen cheese curds (such as Farm Rich or Member’s Mark)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F
- Place the frozen cheese curds in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket1 pound Frozen cheese curds
- Cook on the air fry setting for 5-6 minutes, pausing halfway through to shake the basket, until exterior is crispy and browned, and curds give easily under slight pressure
- Continue cooking in 1-minute increments, until the desired level of browning is achieved
- Serve with a cold beer and your favorite dipping sauces (or on their own)!
Notes
- There is no need to add any oil for cooking (it’s in the breading already)
- It’s normal for a few to split open during cooking (don’t worry, they still taste great)
- I cooked mine for 10 minutes total in a Ninja air fryer, but you can adjust based on your desired level of browning
- Buffalo sauce is my favorite dipping option, but feel free to experiment with others!
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat at 400°F for 3 minutes in the air fryer
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand, quantity consumed, and any sauces used, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
