Description
These Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks are a fun and spicy twist on the classic appetizer, featuring mozzarella cheese sticks coated in crushed Flamin’ Hot Cheetos for an extra crunch and fiery kick. Perfectly air-fried to achieve a golden, crispy exterior with gooey melted cheese inside, they make an irresistible snack or party treat served with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Sticks
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut in half
Coating
- 1 bag (8.5 oz) Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, crushed (approx. 3 cups)
- ½ cup (62.5 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 large eggs, room temperature, whisked
Garnish & Dipping
- Parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for dipping
Instructions
- Process Cheetos: Add Flamin’ Hot Cheetos to a food processor and pulse until they become fine crumbs, roughly totaling about 3 cups. Set this aside for the coating.
- Prepare Coating Bowls: Arrange three shallow bowls: one with the flour mixed with kosher salt and garlic powder, one with the whisked eggs, and one with the crushed Cheeto crumbs.
- Coat Cheese Sticks: Dip each cut mozzarella stick first into the flour mixture, then into the eggs, and then press into the Cheeto crumbs to cover completely. Repeat dipping in eggs followed by Cheeto crumbs to create a thick, crunchy crust.
- Freeze Before Cooking: Arrange the coated sticks on parchment paper and freeze them for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial to prevent the cheese from melting out too quickly while cooking.
- Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F. Lightly spray the frozen sticks with cooking spray, then place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 4-6 minutes until the crust is golden and crispy.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Notes
- Freezing the sticks before cooking ensures the cheese stays contained and prevents overflowing during air frying.
- Using light mozzarella sticks can reduce calories and fat content for a healthier option.
- Double coating the sticks with eggs and Cheeto crumbs results in an extra crunchy texture.
Keywords: Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks, Spicy Mozzarella Sticks, Air Fryer Snacks, Crispy Cheese Sticks, Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Recipe, Appetizer, Party Food