Description
These Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks bring a spicy twist to a classic appetizer. Coated with crushed flaming hot Cheetos, these crispy and melty cheese sticks are air-fried to golden perfection and served with cool ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. Perfect for game day or any craving for a tasty snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Coating
- 1 bag (8.5 ounces / 6 cups) flaming hot Cheetos, crushed (about 3 cups)
- ½ cup (62.5 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Cheese
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut in half (24 pieces)
Egg Wash
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
Garnish and Serving
- Parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for dipping
- Cooking spray, for air fryer basket
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheeto crumbs: Add the Flaming Hot Cheetos to the bowl of a food processor and pulse until they become fine crumbs, about 3 cups. Set aside.
- Set up the breading stations: Arrange three shallow bowls and a piece of parchment paper. In the first bowl, combine the flour, kosher salt, and garlic powder.
- Prepare the egg wash: In the second bowl, crack the eggs and whisk vigorously until fully combined.
- Add the Cheeto crumbs: Place the processed Cheeto crumbs in the third bowl for the final coating.
- Bread the mozzarella sticks: Working one at a time, coat each mozzarella stick by first dipping it into the flour mixture, making sure all sides are covered. Then dunk it into the egg wash to coat it completely.
- Apply the Cheeto coating: Roll the egg-coated mozzarella stick into the Cheeto crumbs, pressing gently to adhere. For extra crunch, dip it back into the egg wash and again into the Cheeto crumbs, ensuring a full and thick coating. Place the coated stick on parchment paper.
- Repeat the coating process: Continue until all mozzarella sticks are coated evenly and ready for freezing.
- Freeze the sticks: Transfer the coated mozzarella sticks to the freezer and chill for at least 30 minutes to help the coating set and prevent cheese leakage during cooking.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 390°F (199°C) and let it preheat for 5 minutes.
- Prepare for air frying: Lightly spray the frozen mozzarella sticks with cooking spray to promote browning and prevent sticking. Arrange them in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Air fry the sticks: Cook for 4 to 6 minutes, or until the sticks turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Serve: Carefully remove the hot mozzarella sticks from the air fryer and let them cool for 1-2 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Notes
- Freezing the mozzarella sticks before air frying is essential to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly and leaking out.
- Use room temperature eggs for a better coating consistency.
- If you don’t have a food processor, place the Cheetos in a sealed plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin until finely ground.
- Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model; keep an eye to avoid burning.
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
