Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks: Best Quick Dinner Recipe
Introduction
Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks are a bold twist on a classic favorite, combining spicy, crunchy coating with gooey, melted cheese inside. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a fun dinner or snack that will satisfy cravings with minimal prep time.
Ingredients
- 1 bag (8.5 oz) Flamin’ Hot Cheetos (crushed, approx. 3 cups)
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks (cut in half)
- ½ cup (62.5 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 large eggs (room temperature, whisked)
- Parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing (for dipping)
Instructions
- Step 1: Crush the Flamin’ Hot Cheetos into fine crumbs using a food processor.
- Step 2: Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour, salt, and garlic powder mixed; one with whisked eggs; and one with the crushed Cheetos.
- Step 3: Dip each mozzarella stick first into the flour mixture, then the eggs, and coat thoroughly with Cheeto crumbs. For an extra crispy crust, repeat dipping in egg and Cheetos.
- Step 4: Place the coated sticks on parchment paper and freeze for at least 30 minutes to help prevent cheese from oozing during cooking.
- Step 5: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Lightly spray the sticks with cooking spray, then air fry for 4-6 minutes until golden and crispy.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, deep fry the sticks in hot oil for about 1-2 minutes until crispy and golden.
- Try using different types of cheese sticks like pepper jack or cheddar for varied flavors.
Storage
Store leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare these without an air fryer?
Yes, you can deep fry the coated sticks in hot oil for 1-2 minutes until golden and crispy. Alternatively, bake in a preheated oven at 425°F for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through.
How do I prevent the cheese from leaking during cooking?
Freezing the coated mozzarella sticks for at least 30 minutes before cooking helps the cheese hold its shape and prevents oozing when heated.
PrintHot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks: Best Quick Dinner Recipe
These Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks are a spicy, crispy twist on the classic appetizer, combining crunchy Flamin’ Hot Cheetos coating with gooey melted mozzarella cheese inside. Perfect as a quick dinner or snack, they’re easy to make using an air fryer for a perfectly golden and crispy crust with minimal oil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 51 minutes
- Yield: 24 mozzarella sticks 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
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
Main
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks (cut in half)
- 4 large eggs (room temperature, whisked)
To Serve
- Parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing (for dipping)
Instructions
- Crush the Cheetos: Add Flamin’ Hot Cheetos to a food processor and pulse until fine crumbs form, creating the spicy coating mixture.
- Prepare the Coating Stations: Arrange three shallow bowls: one with the flour, kosher salt, and garlic powder mixed; one with the whisked eggs; and the third with the crushed Cheeto crumbs.
- Coat the Mozzarella Sticks: Dip each mozzarella stick first into the flour mixture, then the eggs, and finally the Cheeto crumbs. For an extra thick and crispy crust, repeat the egg and Cheeto crumb coating once more.
- Freeze the Sticks: Place the coated mozzarella sticks on parchment paper and freeze for at least 30 minutes. This step helps prevent the cheese from oozing out during cooking.
- Air Fry to Perfection: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F. Lightly spray the frozen sticks with cooking spray, then air fry them for 4-6 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- Freezing the coated sticks is essential to prevent the cheese from melting out during air frying.
- For extra crispiness, be sure to double coat the sticks in egg and Cheeto crumbs.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can deep fry the sticks until golden, but air frying is a healthier alternative.
- Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping and sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
Keywords: Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks, spicy mozzarella sticks, air fryer appetizer, Flamin Hot Cheetos recipe, crispy mozzarella sticks, quick dinner, snack recipe
