Description
Crispy, fiery mozzarella sticks coated in crushed Flamin’ Hot Cheetos and air fried to golden perfection. Each bite delivers a bold spicy crunch with a gooey, stretchy cheese center, making them the ultimate party snack.
Ingredients
- 1 bag (8.5 ounces / 240 g) Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, crushed into fine crumbs (about 3 cups)
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut in half (24 pieces)
- 1/2 cup (62.5 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 large eggs, room temperature, whisked
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- 1 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing, for dipping
Instructions
- Place Flamin’ Hot Cheetos in a food processor and pulse into fine crumbs, or crush in a sealed bag with a rolling pin.
- Prepare three bowls: one with flour, salt, and garlic powder; one with whisked eggs; and one with crushed Cheetos crumbs.
- Roll each mozzarella stick in seasoned flour, dip into eggs, then coat thoroughly in Cheetos crumbs. For extra crunch, dip again in egg and crumbs.
- Place coated sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes until firm.
- Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Lightly spray sticks with cooking spray and arrange in basket without overcrowding.
- Air fry for 4–6 minutes until crispy and golden red. Serve immediately with dipping sauce.
Notes
- Freezing is essential to prevent cheese from leaking during cooking.
- Double coating creates a thicker, crunchier crust.
- Use regular Cheetos for a milder version.
- Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Best served immediately while hot and gooey.
- Can be frozen uncooked for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 mozzarella sticks
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
