These Air Fryer Cheese Curds are perfectly crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and packed with delicious cheese flavor. They’re everything you want in fried cheese curds… without all the oil!

Growing up in Wisconsin, let’s just say cheese curds have always been a big deal. They make a delicious appetizer, side dish, or snack… and they’re especially delicious fried!

Of course, when we’re at home we try not to fry things too often… but we still crave that crunchy, crispy coating. Which is why we LOVE our air fryer so much! It makes all your favorite fried foods with hardly any oil. Which makes everyone (and I mean everyone) happy.

These Air Fried Cheese Curds are our newest favorite. You might call them an obsession, in fact… and once you try them you’ll see why! Coated in crispy panko bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasonings, they’re crunchy, flavorful, and perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce.

A couple of our favorite dipping sauces? Marinara Sauce, ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, and honey mustard!

what you’ll need for this recipe

Cheese curds – Fresh cheese curds, which are essentially young, un-aged cheddar cheese, are available in most grocery stores near the sliced and shredded cheeses.

Flour – Flour is used in the first step of coating. The flour sticks to the curds as a base layer.

Eggs – Eggs are used in the second step of coating. The beaten eggs stick to the flour and help the breadcrumbs adhere to the curds.

Bread crumbs – Breadcrumbs are used for the coating on the cheese curds. I used panko crumbs for extra crispy crunch.

Parmesan – Grated parmesan adds extra flavor to the breadcrumbs.

Seasonings – I used Italian seasoning, fresh parsley, salt & pepper as seasonings.

how to make air fryer cheese curds

Prep the breading station. *You will need 3 separate small, shallow bowls. In the first bowl, combine the panko crumbs, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt and pepper. In the second bowl, add eggs and whisk well. Place flour in the third bowl.

Dip the curds. Dip cheese curds into the flour, then the egg, then the breadcrumbs. Be sure it is fully coated each time. Dip the coated cheese curd back into the egg, then into the bread crumb mixture again.

Air fry in batches. Spray air fryer basket with olive oil using an oil mister. Place cheese curds in a single layer in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd. Spray with a light spritz of cooking spray and air fry at 400° for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown. Watch carefully to make sure they don’t overcook! Repeat as necessary until all remaining curds are done.

Recipe variations

For larger cheese curds, leave them whole instead of cutting them
Use regular or Italian seasoned bread crumbs in place of panko crumbs
Add any of your favorite seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika
Make them spicy by adding cayenne pepper to the bread crumbs or hot sauce to the beaten egg
Omit the Parmesan cheese and replace it with extra bread crumbs
Make them gluten free by using gluten free breadcrumbs OR using crushed pork rinds

storing & reheating

Leftover cheese curds can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350° for 5-8 minutes. You can also reheat them on a rimmed baking sheet in the oven at 350°.

More Air Fryer Recipes You’ll Love

Why stop at just cheese curds when there are SO many delicious ways to use your air fryer!?