This Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and is made in one simple batch for a quick dinner that your family will absolutely love! Trust me, the kids will be asking for this one again and again. You can switch up the type of cheese or try your favorite spice blends to suit your taste, making it perfect for cleaning out the fridge or using up odds and ends. Seriously, this is the kind of meal you’ll want to keep in your back pocket!
Ingredient Breakdown
Let’s talk about what you’ll need for these irresistible Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating that crispy, cheesy perfection we’re all after. Here’s what you need:
- 1 Bag (8.5 oz) of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos (crushed, approx. 3 cups)
- 12 Mozzarella String Cheese Sticks (cut in half)
- ½ Cup 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)
Let’s Get Cooking!
Alright, enough chatting! Let’s dive into how to whip up these amazing Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks!
Step 1: Crush the Cheetos
Start by putting your Cheetos in a large zip-top bag and take out some of that frustration, y’all! I mean, just grab a rolling pin or whatever works, and crush those bad boys until it’s a dust-like consistency. You want some coarse pieces for texture, but nothing too big. This step is also totally fun for the kids!
Step 2: Prepare the Coating Stations
Set up a little assembly line for yourself! You’ll need three shallow bowls:
- Fill the first bowl with flour, salt, and garlic powder. Give it a good mix.
- Pour the whisked eggs in the second one.
- Finally, place the crushed Cheetos in the last bowl. It’ll look vibrant and irresistible!
While you’re setting this up, preheat your air fryer to 375°F or your conventional oven if you’re going that route and keep it around 400°F.
Step 3: Coat the Mozzarella Sticks
Now it’s time for the fun part! Take each mozzarella stick and roll it in the flour mixture, making sure it’s thoroughly coated. Tap off any excess, then dip it into the eggs, and finally roll it in the Cheetos! Make sure to press gently to get those Cheetos to stick, this is where the magic happens!
Step 4: Freeze the Sticks
Once all your sticks are coated, lay them out on a baking sheet and pop them into the freezer for about 10-15 minutes. This step helps the cheese firm up a bit, making it less likely to ooze out while cooking.
Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection
Now for the moment we’ve all been waiting for! Place your mozzarella sticks into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for about 5-7 minutes or until they are golden and the cheese is beautifully melty. If you’re using an oven, it might take about 10-12 minutes.
And, oh man, when you pull those babies out, your kitchen will smell like pure bliss.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks recipe is my go-to when I need something quick that brings pure joy to the table! It’s all about comfort food for me, and let’s be honest, it doesn’t get much more comforting than gooey cheese enveloped in that crispy, spicy coating. I love how versatile this dish is, allowing me to switch up the flavors based on what I have and of course, the kids are totally obsessed!
If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Korean Milk Cream Donut, my Blue Ribbon Chicken, or my Hungarian Mushroom Paprikash!
Why This Recipe Works
Crowd-Pleaser
No one can resist the crispy, cheesy allure of these sticks! Seriously, the whole family will love it, and they make a fantastic appetizer for parties too.
Quick & Easy
This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something fast but satisfying!
Customizable
You can totally mix it up! Got different kinds of cheese chilling in your fridge? No problem! Or have a bag of regular cheese curls instead of Hot Cheetos? Give that a go! This recipe welcomes creativity.
Comfort Food
I mean, who doesn’t find gooey cheese and crunchy snacks comforting? It’s loaded with tons of flavor and is just plain fun to eat!
Make-Ahead Friendly
You can prepare these ahead of time and freeze them for up to a month! Then all you need to do is air fry them straight from the freezer, boom! Dinner is served.
Serving & Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions
Serve these amazing mozzarella sticks straight out of the fryer with a generous side of your favorite ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. They also pair beautifully with fresh veggies or even a nice simple salad to balance out all that crunch!
How Long They Keep
These sticks will stay fresh in the fridge for about 2-3 days, if they last that long! Just keep them in an airtight container.
Reheating Instructions
The best way to reheat them is in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3-5 minutes to regain that crispy texture. You could use the microwave but, let’s be honest, they won’t have that same crunch.
Freezer Friendly
Yes! Just remember to freeze them before cooking. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 1 month. Just recall not to thaw before cooking; they’ll come out best directly from the freezer!
So, whether you’re a busy parent, a college student craving a late-night snack, or just someone who loves good food, these Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks are sure to satisfy! Let me know what you think in the comments, and happy eating! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!
Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients
Method
- Crush the Cheetos in a large zip-top bag until a dust-like consistency is achieved.
- Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, salt, and garlic powder mixed; one with the whisked eggs; and one with the crushed Cheetos.
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F or conventional oven to 400°F.
- Roll each mozzarella stick in the flour mixture, then dip it into the eggs, followed by rolling it in the crushed Cheetos.
- Freeze the coated mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet for 10-15 minutes.
- Air fry in a single layer for 5-7 minutes until golden and melty.
- If using an oven, bake for 10-12 minutes.