Air Fryer Cheese Curds
Ready in about 27 minutes.
Updated 7 September 2026
Wisconsin-style fried cheese curds with a crisp golden coating and gooey, squeaky centre. The air fryer gives that pub-favourite crunch with a fraction of the oil, ready in minutes.
Ingredients
- 300 g cheese curds
- 60 g plain flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 120 g panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Spray oil
Method
- 1Pat the cheese curds dry and freeze for 20 minutes to firm up.
- 2Coat each curd in flour, then egg, then panko mixed with garlic powder and paprika. Double-coat for extra crunch.
- 3Preheat the air fryer to 200°C/400°F.
- 4Mist the curds with oil and arrange in a single layer with space between.
- 5Cook for 6-8 minutes, shaking once, until golden and just melting.
- 6Serve immediately with ranch or marinara.
Tips for the best results
- Freezing the curds first stops the cheese oozing out too soon.
- A double coat of crumb creates a sturdier shell for the molten centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature and time for air fryer cheese curds?+
Cook at 200°C / 400°F for 6-8 min, shake every 8 min.