Easy Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks (Print version)
Spicy, crunchy mozzarella sticks coated in crushed Hot Cheetos and cooked fast in the air fryer.
# Ingredients:
For the mozzarella sticks
01 -
12 mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut in half crosswise
02 -
1 bag (8.5 oz / 240 g) Flamin' Hot Cheetos, crushed into about 3 cups crumbs
03 -
1/2 cup (62 g) all-purpose flour
04 -
1 teaspoon kosher salt
05 -
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 -
4 large eggs
07 -
Cooking spray
For serving
08 -
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, optional
09 -
1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing, for dipping
# Instructions:
01 -
Add the Hot Cheetos to a food processor and pulse into fine crumbs. Transfer to a shallow bowl.
02 -
In a second shallow bowl, stir together flour, kosher salt, and garlic powder. In a third bowl, beat the eggs until smooth.
03 -
Dip each mozzarella half in the flour mixture, then egg, then Cheeto crumbs. Dip back into egg and Cheeto crumbs for a thicker crust, pressing gently so the crumbs stick.
04 -
Place the coated sticks on a parchment-lined tray. Freeze for 45-60 minutes, until the coating feels firm and the cheese is very cold.
05 -
Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Spray the sticks lightly with cooking spray and arrange in a single layer. Air fry for 4-6 minutes, checking early for any cheese leaks.
06 -
Let the mozzarella sticks stand for 1 minute. Garnish with parsley if using and serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
# Good to know:
01 -
Cook from frozen or very firm for the best shape.
02 -
Best eaten right away while the crust is crisp and the cheese is stretchy.
03 -
Bake at 400°F for 8-10 minutes if you do not have an air fryer.