Ingredients
24 mozzarella string cheese sticks (cut in half for 48 pieces)
2 cups Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, crushed
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp garlic powder
3 large eggs, beaten
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Ranch or blue cheese dressing (for dipping)
Oil for frying (if deep-frying)
Instructions
- Cut mozzarella sticks in half to create bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare three bowls: flour mixed with salt and garlic powder, beaten eggs, and crushed Cheetos.
- Coat each cheese stick in flour, then dip in egg, then roll in Cheetos. Repeat egg and Cheetos coating for extra crunch.
- Place coated sticks on a tray and freeze for 1–2 hours to prevent cheese leakage.
- Fry Method: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry in small batches for 2–3 minutes until golden.
- Air Fryer Method: Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and cook for 6–8 minutes until crispy.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot with dipping sauce.
Notes
- Use regular Cheetos or cheese-flavored chips for a milder version.
- Mix crushed panko breadcrumbs with Cheetos for extra crunch.
- Swap mozzarella for cheddar or pepper jack for a flavor twist.
- For a baked version, cook at 400°F for 10–12 minutes.
- Always freeze before cooking to keep cheese from melting out.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying / Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 sticks
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
