Air Fryer Frozen Cheese Curds

These air fryer frozen cheese curds are the ultimate air fryer quick snack, appetizer, or side dish! Each bite has melt in your mouth cheesy goodness with a crispy exterior, without the hassle of deep frying in grease.

The air fryer can take a frozen snack like these store-bought coated cheese curds, and turn them into a fast after school snack or crispy appetizer of cheesy goodness that everyone will love.

WHY I LOVE MAKING FROZEN CHEESE CURDS 

I love making these frozen cheese curds because they are so easy and fast when I want a tasty snack. The crispy texture of the bread crumbs around the cheese makes each bite a treat. And I don’t need a deep fryer to make them! 

Anything with cheese involved is a favorite snack! Breaded cheese curds are so fun to make and eat, they are easily included as a favorite too! A batch of cheese curds are all you need to feed hungry kids, or to serve on game days, or at a party. 

The delicious cheese curds have a warm melted cheese inside, and are perfect when served with a bowl of sauce for dipping. Just dip a piece of cheese in your favorite sauce and you have a snack full of flavor!

If you are looking for more easy frozen crispy snacks, try these air fryer mozzarella sticks, air fryer frozen pretzels, or air fryer frozen bagel bites.

INGREDIENTS

one box of frozen cheese curds

DIRECTIONS

STEP 1
Preheat air fryer to 380 degrees F.

STEP 2
Once the air fryer is preheated, remove the cheese curds from their packaging. Place the frozen cheese curds in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Be sure they aren’t stacking or overlapping and break up any pieces that are frozen together.

STEP 3
Air fry frozen cheese curds at 380 degrees F for 6-8 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy. Toss or shake the curds after a few minutes of air frying.

STEP 4
Use a spatula or tongs to carefully remove the cheese curds from the air fryer and serve them while they are warm.

VARIATIONS

Even though the cheese curds are pre-made and frozen, you can still experiment with seasonings to add extra flavor to the curds. Try sprinkling garlic powder, cayenne pepper, chili powder, onion powder, or even a little bit of salt to give them just a little extra taste.

There are also different brands that will have a variety of cheese fillings inside. We picked cheddar cheese, but you may find other types of cheese, or you can make your own homemade cheese curds using this air fryer cheese curds recipe. 

Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara sauce, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or dip them into nacho cheese sauce. 

Top with shredded cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, or other favorite cheese. Air fry for an additional minute to melt the cheese on top for a delicious snack similar to cheese balls, or for just more cheesy flavor. 

If you want a full meal, air fry 4-5 cheese curds, then pop them into a meatball sub for an extra cheese sandwich. 

To make bacon-wrapped cheese curds, cut bacon strips into thirds or halves and wrap around the cheese curds before air frying. 

EXPERT TIPS

Preheating your air fryer will help them cook evenly and get that crispness to the breading. Be sure to arrange them in the air fryer so they aren’t stacking, or overlapping, and don’t overfill the basket. Cook them in batches if necessary. This will help prevent uneven cooking.

The first time you make these curds in the air fryer, keep an eye on them. Cheese curds air fry pretty quickly. Because some air fryers have higher wattages, they can cook faster, which can make the cheese melt out of them. 

Because they are frozen, try to only air fry what you will eat right away. I find when reheating pre-cooked cheese curds can sometimes give them a bit of a rubbery texture. 

I make these in my favorite air fryer, which is a Cosori. If you have smaller or larger sized curds, cooking times may need to be adjusted by an additional 1-2 minutes. 

STORING AND REHEATING

Because the cheese curds are already frozen, just make the amount of curds you want, and leave the rest in the freezer. If you have leftover cheese curds, store them in an airtight container, and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. 

To reheat leftovers, return to the air fryer, and air fry at 380 degrees F for 2-4 minutes. I have noticed when reheating, the cheese may not get as melty as it does the first time you make them. 

FAQS

MORE AIR FRYER APPETIZER RECIPES

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Air Fryer Onion Rings

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Air Fryer Frozen Jalapeno Poppers

Dinner

Air Fryer Frozen Mini Tacos

Appetizers

Air Fryer Crab Rangoon

These air-fried frozen cheese curds are the perfect snack when want a cheesy treat in about 6 minutes cooking time.