Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks are a spicy and crunchy twist on the classic mozzarella stick. These cheesy snacks are coated in flaming hot Cheetos, giving them an extra kick that's perfect for game day, parties, or just a fun snack. Serve them hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing for a delicious and unique appetizer.
Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks are a spicy and crunchy twist on the classic mozzarella stick. These cheesy snacks are coated in flaming hot Cheetos, giving them an extra kick that's perfect for game day, parties, or just a fun snack. Let's gather the ingredients you’ll need to create this delicious and unique appetizer.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 bag (8.5 ounces / 6 cups) flaming hot Cheetos, crushed (3 cups): Adds a spicy and crunchy coating.
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut in half: The main cheesy component of the dish.
- ½ cup (62.5 g) all-purpose flour: Helps the egg and Cheetos coating stick to the cheese sticks.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the flavor of the coating.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor.
- 4 large eggs, room temperature: Acts as the binding agent for the coating.
- Parsley, chopped, for garnish: Adds a touch of freshness and color.
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for dipping: Complements the spicy flavor of the mozzarella sticks.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Add Cheetos to the bowl of a food processor and process to a fine crumb. Set out three shallow bowls and a piece of parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- In the first bowl, add flour, salt, and garlic powder. Mix to combine.
- Step 3:
- In the second bowl, add eggs and whisk vigorously until fully beaten.
- Step 4:
- In the third bowl, add the Cheetos crumbs.
- Step 5:
- Working one at a time, first dip the mozzarella stick into the flour mixture, turning to coat all sides. Next, roll it into the eggs, coating all sides. Third, dip the mozzarella stick into the Cheetos crumbs. Finally, go back and dip the cheese stick in both the eggs and the Cheetos crumbs again. The mozzarella stick should be fully coated. Place it onto the parchment paper.
- Step 6:
- Repeat with the remaining mozzarella sticks.
- Step 7:
- Place the coated cheese sticks into the freezer for at least 30 minutes, up to an hour. This helps the coating adhere better during frying.
- Step 8:
- When ready, preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
- Step 9:
- Lightly spray the mozzarella sticks with cooking spray and carefully place them into the basket of the air fryer, leaving some space in between each cheese stick. (Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may have to work in batches.)
- Step 10:
- Air fry for 4-6 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Step 11:
- Remove from the air fryer and let cool for 1-2 minutes. Serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve the Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks immediately while they are hot and the cheese is gooey.
- Pair them with ranch or blue cheese dressing for a cool, creamy contrast to the spicy coating.
- Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- To reheat, place the mozzarella sticks in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy.
Helpful Notes
- For extra spicy mozzarella sticks, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the egg mixture.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the mozzarella sticks in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
- Make sure to freeze the coated mozzarella sticks before air frying to ensure the coating sticks well and the cheese doesn’t melt out.
Tips from well-known chefs
- Chef Gordon Ramsay suggests using a mixture of cheeses for a more complex flavor profile.
- Chef Alton Brown recommends double-dipping the mozzarella sticks in the egg and Cheetos crumbs for an extra crunchy coating.
- Chef Bobby Flay advises letting the mozzarella sticks rest for a few minutes after coating and before freezing to allow the coating to set properly.