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Air Fryer Copycat Culver’s Cheese Curds: A Crispy Delight at Home

If you’ve ever visited a Culver’s restaurant, you know that their cheese curds are a crowd favourite. These delectable morsels offer a delightful crunch on the outside, while the inside is bursting with gooey, cheesy goodness. If your taste buds are tingling just thinking about them, you’re in luck. With an air fryer, you can recreate this mouth-watering snack in the comfort of your own home.

The Allure of Culver’s Cheese Curds

Culver’s cheese curds are more than just a side dish; they are an experience. Made from fresh white cheddar cheese curds, they are typically battered and fried until golden brown. Their unique texture and irresistible flavour make them a popular item on the restaurant’s menu, perfect for sharing or devouring all on your own.

Why Choose an Air Fryer?

While frying cheese curds in oil can yield delicious results, using an air fryer is a healthier option that promises a similar crispy texture with significantly less fat. The air fryer circulates hot air around the food, creating a crispy exterior while maintaining the tender, melty interior. This method not only saves on calories but also makes for an easier clean-up.

Ingredients

To whip up your own batch of copycat Culver’s cheese curds, you will need:

• 1 cup of white cheddar cheese curds
• 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs (preferably Panko for extra crunch)
• 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Cooking spray or a small amount of oil for greasing

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Begin by gathering all your ingredients. It’s best to set up a breading station: one dish for flour, one for the beaten egg, and one for the breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

2. Coat the Cheese Curds: First, toss the cheese curds in the flour, making sure they are well coated. Shake off any excess flour. Next, dip them into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, roll the curds in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring they are fully covered.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect crunch.

4. Air Fry the Cheese Curds: Lightly spray the basket of the air fryer with cooking spray. Arrange the coated cheese curds in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

5. Cooking Time: Air fry the cheese curds for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. Keep a close eye on them, as cooking times may vary among different air fryer models. You want them to be golden brown and crispy.

6. Serve and Enjoy: Once done, remove the cheese curds from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute before serving. Enjoy your cheesy delights with a dipping sauce of your choice—ranch dressing, marinara, or even a spicy sriracha mayo.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—a quick and easy recipe for Air Fryer Copycat Culver’s Cheese Curds that you can whip up in your kitchen. These delicious bites are perfect as an appetiser, snack, or even as part of a casual gathering with friends and family. With their delightful crunch and warm, cheesy centre, you’ll find it hard to stop at just one. So go ahead, indulge yourself, and bring a taste of Culver’s right to your home. Happy cooking!

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