Air Fryer Cheese Curds

5.0
(1)

Use your air fryer to make cheese curds if you are looking to cut down on grease. Being from Wisconsin, fried cheese curds are everywhere, and quite often they are greasy. These air fried cheese curds give you the nice golden color of traditionally fried cheese curds, but allow the ooey gooey cheese to be the star. Go ahead and dip…or dunk them in the roasted garlic aioli; your taste buds will thank you. JBJ Soul Seasoning blend from the JBJ Soul Kitchen gives these cheese curds a little extra kick. Perfect for parties, to enjoy while watching your favorite game, or when you need to feed your cheese curd cravings–these air fried cheese curds will become your new favorite.

Air fried cheese curds piled on a white platter with aioli dipping sauce in ramekin in background
Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
20 mins
Stand Time:
30 mins
Freeze Time:
1 hr
Total Time:
2 hrs 10 mins
Servings:
4
Cook Mode (Keep screen awake)

Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings

Roasted Garlic Aioli:

  • 3 cloves garlic, peeled

  • 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil

  • 1/2 teaspoon soul food seasoning (such as JBJ Soul Kitchen Soul Seasoning)

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Cheese Curds:

  • 10 ounces cheese curds

  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

  • 4 teaspoons soul food seasoning (such as JBJ Soul Kitchen Soul Seasoning), divided

  • 1 large egg

  • 1 1/2 cups milk

  • 2 1/4 cups panko bread crumbs

  • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil, or as needed for spraying

  • nonstick cooking spray

Directions

  1. For Aioli: Combine garlic cloves, olive oil, and the 1/2 teaspoon soul seasoning in a small bowl and toss to coat. Wrap garlic tightly in a small piece of foil.

  2. Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Place wrapped garlic in the air fryer basket, and air fry for 15 minutes.

  3. Remove garlic from the air fryer and place in a small bowl. Mash roasted garlic with the back of a spoon. Let stand for 30 minutes.

  4. Stir mayonnaise and lemon juice into the mashed garlic until well combined. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.

  5. For Cheese Curds: Place cheese curds on a large rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the tray with cheese curds in the freezer for 30 minutes.

  6. Meanwhile, whisk flour and 1 teaspoon soul seasoning together in a shallow bowl. Whisk eggs and milk together In a separate bowl until smooth and cohesive. Stir panko and remaining 3 teaspoons soul seasoning together in a third shallow bowl. 

  7. Remove cheese curds from the freezer. Working in batches, dip cheese curds into the flour to coat well, then into the egg mixture, making sure to shake off any excess. Dip curds again in flour mixture and again into egg mixture. Finally, dip curds into panko to fully coat with breadcrumbs. Use your dry hand to pack on panko so that it sticks well. Place breaded cheese curds back onto the baking sheet. When all cheese curds are breaded, return the baking sheet to the freezer for 30 minutes.

  8. Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Remove tray from freezer. Using a mister, lightly spray both sides of the cheese curds with vegetable oil. Coat the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray.

  9. Working in batches, place cheese curds in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry until golden brown and crispy on both sides, flipping halfway through cooking time, 4 to 6 minutes.

  10. Let stand in the air fryer for 1 to 2 minutes before serving. Serve with roasted garlic aioli.

Cook's Note:

Refrigerate aioli in an airtight container for up to 7 days. Store leftover cheese curds in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

944 Calories
53g Fat
81g Carbs
33g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 944
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 53g 68%
Saturated Fat 19g 96%
Cholesterol 136mg 45%
Sodium 1430mg 62%
Total Carbohydrate 81g 30%
Dietary Fiber 4g 14%
Total Sugars 9g
Protein 33g 67%
Vitamin C 1mg 2%
Calcium 746mg 57%
Iron 5mg 29%
Potassium 381mg 8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.