Recipe according to Wisconsin Cheese. Photo provided by Wisconsin Dairy Farmers.
If we were to ask you for the quintessential Wisconsin delicacy, it’s cheese curds. These little nuggets of cheesy goodness are a staple in any cheese lover’s diet, and we’re here to celebrate them in all their squeaky, savory glory. And what better way to enjoy them than by giving them a current makeover with an air fryer?
In Wisconsin, cottage cheese is practically currency—seriously, it’s not uncommon to have cottage cheese shipped from your favorite dairy to another part of the state! More than 600 million pounds of cottage cheese are produced here each year, which is about 10 percent of the state’s total cheese production. Typically, these golden morsels are fresh, adolescent cheddar—although other varieties of cottage cheese Down exist — in their natural, random shape before they’re pressed into blocks. Freshness is key to their distinctive squeak — the mark of a true curd connoisseur.
The true test of any cheese curd, however, comes at the state fair. The Wisconsin State Fair is eminent for its deep-fried cheese curds, and for good reason. Fairgoers gobble up thousands of pounds of these deep-fried delicacies each year. If you’ve never tried deep-fried cheese curds, picture this: a gooey, gooey center encased in a crispy, golden-brown shell. It’s a culinary masterpiece that could only come from the Dairy State.
The origins of deep-fried cheese curds are as luxurious as their flavor. This delicious dish is said to have originated in the heart of Wisconsin, combining the state’s love of cheese with the delights of fried fairground food. The exact origins are unclear, but they generally date back to the 1950s, when creative food vendors first dipped cheese curds in batter and tossed them into warm oil. The rest, as they say, is history.
Now, thanks to our friends at Wisconsin Cheese and the development of the air fryer, we have a way to enjoy this delicacy with a little less guilt. The air fryer replicates that crispy coating without the need for excessive oil, making it a healthier alternative while still being incredibly delicious. It’s a win-win for cheese lovers who want to indulge in a little more savvy fun.
Next time you’re craving a taste of Wisconsin, skip the fryer and try these air fryer cheese curds. They’re basic, cheesy, and bring a little fairground magic to your home. Squeal with joy!
Air-fried cheese curds
Crispy air-fried cheese curds are just as delicious as deep-fried curds, but they make less mess.
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 3 immense eggs
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
- 8 ounces Renard’s eminent cheese curds – the original
- Cooking spray
- Dipping sauces: marinara sauce and ranch salad dressing
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Preheat air fryer to 350˚F. Line a baking sheet with wax paper.
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Pour flour into a shallow bowl. Lightly beat eggs in a separate shallow bowl. Mix breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper in another shallow bowl.
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Dredge cheese curds, a few at a time, in flour. Dip cheese curds in eggs; then dredge in crumb mixture, shaking off excess coating between steps. Place cheese curds on prepared baking sheet.
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Lightly spray cottage cheese with cooking spray just before placing in the fryer basket. Arrange cottage cheese in a single layer in the basket. Chill remaining cottage cheese until ready to fry.
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Set timer for 5-7 minutes. Cook curds, removing basket after 3 minutes; flip curds. Cook for another 2-4 minutes or until airy brown, crispy and curds begin to melt. Repeat step with remaining curds, starting by lightly spraying with cooking spray.
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Serve in a bowl or basket lined with parchment paper with dipping sauces.
Recipe Tips
- Season the breadcrumbs. Adjust the flavor of the cottage cheese with your favorite spices.
- Choose similarly sized curds. Frying similarly sized curds at the same time ensures they melt and brown evenly.
- Fry the cottage cheese in a single layer. Limiting the number of cottage cheeses in the fryer at a time to a single layer produces a crispier coating.
- Monitor the temperature and cooking time. Since air fryers vary by manufacturer, it is best to err on the side of caution when cooking the curds, adjusting the temperature and cooking time based on how the curds brown and melt.
Look for the Proudly Wisconsin badge when shopping for cheese. Every Wisconsin brand Cheese curds can be used in this recipe.
Calories: 506caloriesCarbohydrates: 46GProtein: 26GFat: 23GSaturated fat: 12GPolyunsaturated fat: 1GMonounsaturated fats: 2GTrans fats: 0.01GCholesterol: 183mgSodium: 632mgPotassium: 152mgFiber: 2GSugar: 2GVitamin A: 282IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 484mgIron: 4mg
