Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
These Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks are a spicy, crispy twist on a classic appetizer. Coated in crushed Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, they deliver a fiery crunch paired with gooey melted mozzarella cheese inside. Perfect as a snack or party appetizer, they can be cooked either by frying or air frying for a hot, cheesy treat served with ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes frying or 8 minutes air frying
- Total Time: 50 minutes including freezing
- Yield: 24 mozzarella sticks (12 sticks cut in half) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Coating
- 1 bag (8.5 oz or approx. 6 cups) Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, crushed (about 3 cups crushed)
Cheese Sticks
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut in half
Breading Station
- ½ cup (62.5 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
Garnish & Serving
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for dipping
Instructions
- Prep the Cheeto Coating: Place Flamin’ Hot Cheetos in a food processor and pulse until finely crushed. Transfer the crushed Cheetos to a shallow bowl to prepare for breading.
- Set Up Breading Station: Arrange three bowls: one with the flour, kosher salt, and garlic powder mixed; the second with beaten eggs; and the third with the crushed Cheetos.
- Bread the Cheese Sticks: Dip each mozzarella stick half first into the flour mixture, then into the beaten eggs, followed by the crushed Cheetos. For an extra crispy coating, repeat the egg and Cheetos dip once more.
- Freeze: Place the breaded cheese sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours. This step prevents cheese from oozing out during cooking.
- Cook the Cheese Sticks: Choose your cooking method:
- Frying: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pot or fryer. Fry the cheese sticks for 2–3 minutes until crispy and golden. Drain on paper towels.
- Air Frying: Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Arrange cheese sticks in a single layer and air fry for 6–8 minutes until golden and melted inside.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Notes
- Freezing the coated sticks before cooking is essential to keep the cheese from leaking out during frying or air frying.
- Using tongs or gloves while breading cuts down on mess and keeps your hands clean.
- You can prepare these ahead of time, freeze, and cook just before serving for convenience.
- Try substituting mozzarella with pepper jack or cheddar cheese sticks for a different flavor profile.
Keywords: Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks, spicy appetizer, crispy cheese sticks, Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, air fryer snack, fried mozzarella sticks, party food, cheesy snacks
Find it online: https://hannahdelgado.com/hot-cheeto-mozzarella-sticks-recipe/
