Spicy Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks Recipe: Crispy Cheese Magic

Crispy, cheesy goodness meets spicy crunch in these delectable hot Cheeto mozzarella sticks that redefine snack time.

The classic mozzarella stick gets a fiery makeover with a bold hot Cheeto coating that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Crunchy exterior gives way to melted cheese, creating an irresistible bite that packs serious flavor punch.

Every golden-brown morsel promises a satisfying crackle and oozing cheesy center.

These aren’t just any appetizer – they’re a game-day sensation that elevates movie nights and casual gatherings.

Comfort food meets bold flavor in this crowd-pleasing recipe that’s sure to become your new favorite snack.

Prepare to impress with this ridiculously addictive twist on a beloved classic.

Serving Up Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks Fun

• Spicy Dipping Delights: Serve these crispy Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks with zesty ranch or tangy blue cheese dressing for an extra flavor kick.
• Sauce Sensation: Create a custom dipping sauce by mixing sriracha with mayo for a creamy, spicy accompaniment that complements the crunchy Cheeto coating.
• Party Platter Perfect: Arrange the mozzarella sticks on a large platter with various dipping sauces, making them an irresistible appetizer for game nights or casual gatherings.
• Cooling Contrast: Pair these spicy cheese sticks with a refreshing cucumber salad or coleslaw to balance the heat and add a crisp, cool element to your snack spread.

Storing Mozzarella Sticks To Keep The Crunch

• Store leftover Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual sticks in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Label the bag with the date.
• Preheat air fryer to 370F. Cook frozen sticks for 3-4 minutes until crispy and heated through. Spray lightly with cooking oil for extra crunch.
• Spread sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 375F for 5-7 minutes. Flip halfway through to ensure even heating and maintain crispiness.

FAQs

• Why do I need to freeze the mozzarella sticks before air frying?

Freezing helps the cheese stay intact and prevents it from melting completely during cooking. It creates a protective barrier so the cheese doesn’t leak out when air frying.

• Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of Cheetos?

While you can substitute breadcrumbs, Cheetos provide a unique spicy, crunchy coating that gives these mozzarella sticks their signature flavor and extra kick. The Cheetos crumbs create a more exciting texture and taste.

• Do I have to use an air fryer, or can I use a regular oven?

You can bake these in a conventional oven at 400F for about 8-10 minutes. However, an air fryer provides a crispier exterior and more even cooking.

Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks: The Fiery Snack

• Transform classic mozzarella sticks with a fiery Hot Cheeto twist that adds bold, crunchy flavor to a beloved appetizer.
• Utilize an air fryer for a quick, mess-free method that delivers crispy results without deep-frying, making preparation super straightforward.
• Wow guests with a unique appetizer that combines the comfort of cheese sticks with the exciting crunch of Hot Cheetos, guaranteed to be a crowd-favorite at gatherings.
• Adapt the recipe by adjusting spice levels or trying different dipping sauces to match personal taste preferences and make it your own signature snack.

All The Cheesy & Spicy Ingredients Needed

• Mozzarella Sticks: Classic cheese sticks perfect for creating a crispy, cheesy appetizer.
• Hot Cheetos: Spicy, crunchy corn chips that will create a bold coating for the cheese.

• Flour, Salt, Garlic Powder: A seasoned base layer that helps other coatings adhere to the cheese.
• Eggs: A binding agent that helps the Cheetos crumbs stick to the mozzarella.
• Cheetos Crumbs: Crushed chips that provide a crunchy, spicy exterior to the cheese sticks.

• Cooking Spray: A light oil that helps the mozzarella sticks crisp up in the air fryer.
• Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: Classic dipping sauces that complement the spicy, cheesy appetizer.

Tools For Melty, Crispy Mozzarella Sticks

• Food Processor: Crucial for grinding Cheetos into fine crumbs.
• Shallow Bowls (3): Essential for coating ingredients and breading process.
• Parchment Paper: Helps prevent sticking and organize coated mozzarella sticks.
• Whisk: Perfect for beating eggs smoothly.
• Air Fryer: Key tool for cooking crispy mozzarella sticks.
• Cooking Spray: Helps achieve golden brown exterior.
• Measuring Spoons: For precise salt and garlic powder amounts.

Making Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks Step-By-Step

Step 1: Crush Cheetos into Crumbs

Grab your food processor and transform the Hot Cheetos into fine, vibrant red crumbs.

Pulse until the texture resembles sandy breadcrumbs.

Step 2: Create Coating Stations

Set up three separate shallow bowls and lay out a piece of parchment paper nearby for easy cheese stick placement.

Step 3: Mix First Coating Bowl

• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Garlic powder

Whisk these ingredients together until well blended.

Step 4: Prepare Egg Wash

In the second bowl, crack eggs and whisk thoroughly until smooth and consistent.

Step 5: Create Cheeto Crumb Station

Pour the processed Hot Cheeto crumbs into the third bowl, creating a vibrant red coating station.

Step 6: Coat Mozzarella Sticks

• Dredge completely in flour mixture
• Roll generously in egg wash
• Roll thoroughly in Cheeto crumbs
• Repeat egg and Cheeto crumb coating for extra crispiness
• Place carefully on parchment paper

Step 7: Freeze Coated Cheese Sticks

Transfer the coated mozzarella sticks to the freezer.

Chill for 30-60 minutes to help the coating set and prevent cheese from leaking during cooking.

Step 8: Prepare Air Fryer

Preheat air fryer to 390°F for 5 minutes, ensuring a crispy exterior.

Step 9: Air Fry Cheese Sticks

• Lightly spray cheese sticks with cooking spray
• Arrange in air fryer basket with space between each stick
• Cook in batches if necessary

Step 10: Cook to Golden Perfection

Air fry for 4-6 minutes until the exterior turns a beautiful golden brown and crispy.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from air fryer and let cool briefly.

Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Tips For Crunchy, Melty Snack Bites

• Use a food processor to create ultra-fine crumbs for maximum coating coverage and crunchier texture.
• Freezing helps prevent cheese from melting too quickly during air frying, ensuring a crispy exterior and gooey interior.
• Double-dipping in eggs and Cheetos crumbs creates a thicker, more even and crunchier breading that sticks better.
• Leave enough room between mozzarella sticks to allow hot air circulation, guaranteeing even and crispy cooking.
• Let mozzarella sticks rest 1-2 minutes after cooking to stabilize the cheese and prevent burning your mouth.

Mozzarella Stick Variations For Spice Lovers

• Jalapeño Popper Style: Replace Cheetos with crushed jalapeño-flavored chips for a spicy kick that adds extra heat and crunch to the mozzarella sticks.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy this crispy snack.
• Baked Alternative: Instead of air frying, bake the coated mozzarella sticks in a preheated oven at 400F for 8-10 minutes, creating a healthier cooking method with less oil.
• Vegan Cheese Option: Use plant-based mozzarella cheese and nutritional yeast-coated breadcrumbs to create a dairy-free version that mimics the original recipe's crispy texture.

Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

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4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Spicy Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks blend crispy, fiery coating with gooey cheese for an irresistible appetizer. Crunch meets melty goodness in this crowd-pleasing snack you cannot resist trying.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut in half
• 1 bag (8.5 ounces / 240 grams) flaming hot Cheetos, crushed (3 cups)

Dry Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (62.5 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Finishing and Serving Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• Parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for dipping

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Instructions

1. Transform Cheetos into fine, powdery crumbs using a food processor, ensuring a consistent texture for coating.
2. Arrange three shallow bowls and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for organized preparation.
3. Combine flour, salt, and garlic powder in the first bowl, creating a seasoned dry coating mixture.
4. Whisk eggs thoroughly in the second bowl until well blended and smooth.
5. Pour processed Cheetos crumbs into the third bowl, ready for the final coating layer.
6. Develop a precise coating technique: first, roll each mozzarella stick in the flour mixture, ensuring complete coverage. Immediately dunk into whisked eggs, then generously roll in Cheetos crumbs. Repeat the egg and Cheetos coating for extra crispiness, creating a thick, even layer. Gently place on parchment paper.
7. Continue coating remaining mozzarella sticks using the same methodical approach.
8. Freeze coated cheese sticks for 30-60 minutes to solidify the coating and prevent cheese from melting during cooking.
9. Preheat air fryer to 390°F for 5 minutes, allowing consistent high-temperature cooking.
10. Lightly mist prepared mozzarella sticks with cooking spray. Arrange in air fryer basket with spacing between each stick, potentially cooking in multiple batches.
11. Air fry for 4-6 minutes until exterior turns golden brown and crispy.
12. Allow sticks to cool briefly for 1-2 minutes. Serve immediately alongside ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Notes

• Crush Cheetos finely for a consistent, crispy coating that adheres perfectly to the mozzarella sticks.
• Double-coat the cheese sticks for extra crunch and to prevent cheese from leaking during cooking.
• Freezing is crucial to help the breading stay intact and prevent cheese from melting too quickly in the air fryer.
• Adjust cooking time based on air fryer size and power to avoid burning the Cheetos coating while ensuring the cheese melts completely.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg