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Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

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3.8 from 28 reviews

These Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks are a spicy, crunchy twist on the classic fried snack. Coated in fiery crushed Hot Cheetos and air fried to golden perfection, these cheesy sticks are crispy on the outside with molten mozzarella inside. Perfect as a party appetizer or game day treat, they pair wonderfully with cool ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Ingredients

Coating

  • 1 bag (8.5 ounces / 6 cups) flaming hot Cheetos, crushed (3 cups)
  • ½ cup (62.5 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Cheese & Breading

  • 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut in half
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature

For Garnish & Serving

  • Parsley, chopped, for garnish
  • Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for dipping

Instructions

  1. Prepare Hot Cheeto Crumbs: Add the Hot Cheetos to the bowl of a food processor and pulse until they become a fine crumb. Set aside.
  2. Prep Breading Stations: Arrange three shallow bowls: First bowl with flour, kosher salt, and garlic powder; second bowl with whisked eggs; third bowl with the Hot Cheeto crumbs.
  3. Coat the Mozzarella Sticks: Working one at a time, dip each cut mozzarella stick first into the flour mixture to coat all sides, then into the eggs, followed by rolling in the Hot Cheeto crumbs. To ensure full coverage, dip each stick back into the eggs and then the Hot Cheeto crumbs again. Place the coated sticks on a piece of parchment paper.
  4. Freeze the Coated Sticks: Once all sticks are coated, place them in the freezer for at least 30 minutes, or up to one hour to help set the coating and prevent cheese leakage during cooking.
  5. Preheat Air Fryer: When ready to cook, preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
  6. Air Fry the Sticks: Lightly spray the mozzarella sticks with cooking spray and carefully place them into the air fryer basket, leaving space between each stick. Depending on your air fryer size, cook in batches if necessary. Air fry for 4-6 minutes until the coating is golden brown and crispy.
  7. Serve: Remove the mozzarella sticks from the air fryer and let them cool for 1-2 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Notes

  • Freezing the sticks before cooking is essential to prevent cheese from oozing out while air frying.
  • Adjust air frying time depending on your appliance; watch closely to avoid burning the spicy coating.
  • Use room temperature eggs for better adhesion of the coating.
  • For extra crispiness, double dip in the Cheeto crumbs.
  • You can substitute mozzarella sticks with similar string cheese if preferred.

Find it online: https://deliciousyum.com/hot-cheeto-mozzarella-sticks-recipe/