Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years as a healthy way to fry and cook foods. Their ability to make crispy foods like fries, chicken wings, and more with little to no oil is a big draw. One question people often have is whether you can put cheese in an air fryer. The short answer is yes, you can put some types of cheese in an air fryer with delicious results!
What happens when you put cheese in an air fryer?
When cheese is exposed to the convection heat in an air fryer, a few things happen:
- The cheese will melt quickly from the hot circulating air.
- The high heat leads to browning and crisping of the outside of the cheese.
- The interior of the cheese becomes gooey and molten.
- Larger pieces of cheese may split or form a tough outer layer.
So air frying makes cheese beautifully melted, browned, and crispy on the exterior. The high heat can make cheese bubble, ooze, and take on a texture almost like fried cheese. It brings out delicious richness and intensity of flavor.
Best cheeses to use
The following cheeses work best in an air fryer:
- Halloumi – This salty, firm cheese from Cyprus holds its shape well when cooked. Air frying halloumi makes it crispy on the outside while keeping the inside soft.
- Mozzarella – Fresh mozzarella and mozzarella blocks get deliciously melted and lightly crisped in the air fryer.
- Cheddar, gouda, gruyere – Most semi-firm and firm cheeses will melt nicely in the air fryer. They may split or get crispy edges at higher temperatures.
- Parmesan – Grated parmesan makes a crispy topping for air fried foods. Larger wedges or pieces can be air fried on their own.
- Feta – Feta crumbles or blocks develop a nice crust and soft interior when air fried.
- Goat cheese – Logs of goat cheese get warm and creamy inside with crispy edges.
Cheeses like ricotta, cottage cheese, and soft fresh cheeses don’t hold their shape as well when air fried. They can melt through cooking grates or drip off food. Stick to firm, grated, or crumbled cheeses for the most success.
Tips for air frying cheese
Follow these tips when cooking cheese in an air fryer:
- Cut cheese into 1-2 inch pieces or slices. Smaller pieces will melt faster.
- Brush cheese lightly with oil or cooking spray to promote browning.
- Air fry cheese at temperatures between 350-400°F, adjusting time as needed.
- Expect cheese to take 6-12 minutes to fully melt and brown, depending on thickness.
- Shredded and grated cheese can burn quickly. Keep an eye on it.
- Let cheese cool slightly before eating as the molten interior will be very hot.
Check cheese frequently as air fryers can make it bubble and burn quickly if overcooked. Pull cheese out once it’s browned and melted through.
Delicious ways to use cheese in an air fryer
Here are some of the tastiest ways to enjoy cheese in your air fryer:
- Cheesy air fried vegetables – Toss vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or green beans with shredded cheese before air frying.
- Air fried cheese sticks – Bread and air fry mozzarella sticks for a crispy treat.
- Cheese cubes – Skewer bite-sized cheese cubes and air fry until melted.
- Quesadillas – Layer cheese between tortillas and air fry for fast crispy quesadillas.
- Cheesy potatoes – Top air fried potato wedges with melted cheese.
- Cheese crisps – Make crackers out of sliced cheeses air fried until crispy.
Get creative with cheese in appetizers, side dishes, keto-friendly snacks, and more. Just about any firm cheese can be transformed into a crispy treat with an air fryer.
Can you put cheese directly in an air fryer?
It’s best not to put cheese directly in the basket of your air fryer. Here’s why:
- Cheese can melt through the holes in the basket and make a mess in the bottom of the appliance.
- Cheese oils and fat could smoke or burn on heating elements underneath.
- Loose shredded cheese could blow around in the air frying chamber.
For best results, put cheese on skewers, silicone cups or mats, parchment paper, or ingredients like bread or vegetables before air frying. This keeps the cheese contained and prevents bigger messes.
How to stop cheese sticking when air frying
To prevent sticking when air frying cheese:
- Use cooking spray or oil – Lightly coat air fryer basket and cheese with oil or non-stick spray.
- Keep cheese moving – Shake basket or toss ingredients midway through cooking.
- Allow cheese to release naturally – Let cheese rest before removing from basket.
- Line the basket – Use parchment paper or a silicone mat for easier release.
- Brush on oil – Oil or butter can help prevent sticking as cheese melts.
- Cook at lower temps – Try 300-325°F instead of max temperature to limit sticking.
Avoid pressing down on cheese or overcrowding the air fryer basket. Give cheese room to melt and brown evenly for the best results.
Is melted cheese healthy?
Melted cheese is a delicious treat, but is it healthy? Here’s a look at the nutrition of melted cheese:
| Nutrient | Per 1 oz melted cheese |
|---|---|
| Calories | 115 |
| Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 30mg |
| Sodium | 230mg |
| Carbohydrates | 1g |
| Protein | 7g |
While cheese is high in calories, fat, and sodium, it also provides important nutrients like protein, calcium, and vitamin A. When enjoyed in moderation, melted cheese can have a place in a balanced diet. Its high fat content can help you feel satisfied. Just be mindful of portion sizes.
Tips for healthy cheese indulgence
- Use reduced-fat cheese options when possible.
- Measure 1-2 oz portions of melted cheese.
- Pair cheese with vegetables, whole grains, lean protein.
- Watch overall calories if trying to lose weight.
- Limit higher-sodium cheeses like feta or halloumi.
Focus on quality and savor melted cheese as a flavorful, protein-packed accent rather than the main dish for a more balanced approach.
Safety tips for air frying cheese
To safely air fry cheese:
- Thoroughly preheat air fryer before adding cheese.
- Use a food thermometer to check cheese reaches safe internal temps.
- Keep kids away from hot air fryer to avoid burns.
- Don’t overfill the air fryer basket to prevent uneven cooking.
- Discard cheese that looks or smells spoiled.
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
Cheese should reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F. Air fry soft cheese like brie, feta, and goat cheese to 165°F for food safety.
Cleaning your air fryer after melting cheese
Melting cheese in an air fryer can leave residue and grease behind. Here are tips for cleaning up after air frying cheese:
- Wipe down the basket, tray, and crisper plate while still warm.
- Use a degreasing dish soap and warm water.
- A paste of baking soda and water can help lift stuck-on cheese.
- For odors, sprinkle baking soda in the drawer and let sit before wiping out.
- Avoid steel wool pads or abrasive cleaners that can damage the nonstick.
- Check manual for any special manufacturer cleaning tips.
Give all parts a thorough scrub after each cheesy recipe. Don’t let cheese debris bake on or it will be much harder to clean later. Maintaining your air fryer well will keep it cooking like new.
Common questions about air frying cheese
What cheese works best in an air fryer?
Halloumi, mozzarella, cheddar, gouda, gruyere, parmesan, feta, and goat cheese air fry up beautifully. Their firm, semi-firm textures melt nicely without losing shape.
How long does it take to air fry cheese?
Thinner sliced or shredded cheese takes 4-8 minutes at 350°F. Larger pieces or logs take 8-12 minutes. Watch closely as cheese can burn quickly in hot air fryers.
Can you put a block of cheese in an air fryer?
Yes, cut cheese into 1-2 inch pieces and air fry at 350-400°F until melted. Brush with oil to prevent sticking. Use a basket liner for easier clean-up.
What is the best cheese for air fryer cheese crisps?
Parmesan and cheddar make the crispiest cheese crisps. Look for finely grated, low moisture cheeses. Avoid soft fresh cheeses like mozzarella that won’t harden up.
Can I air fry pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, pre-shredded cheese works well in the air fryer. The shredded texture melts quickly. Just watch closely as finely shredded cheese can burn fast with high heat.
Conclusion
Air frying is a quick and convenient way to melt cheese into crispy, gooey perfection. Firm cheeses like halloumi, cheddar, mozzarella, feta, and goat cheese excel in the air fryer. Cut cheese into 1-2 inch pieces, spray with oil, and cook at 350-400°F until melted through. Use a liner or parchment paper for easier cleaning. Pair air fried cheese with veggies, meat, or baked goods for delicious results. In moderation, melted cheese can fit into a healthy diet. Follow basic safety tips and enjoy this cheesy air frying hack.