Introduction
These addictive cheese bites combine gooey melted cheese, a crispy coating, and a spicy-sweet pepper jelly glaze. Perfect for game day, parties, or a quick snack, they’re ready in under 20 minutes using your air fryer!
Ingredients
- 12 cheese sticks (mozzarella, cheddar, or pepper jack), cut into 1-inch pieces
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup spicy pepper jelly (e.g., jalapeño or habanero)
- 1 tbsp water (to thin the jelly)
- Cooking spray
Optional for Serving
- Ranch dressing, blue cheese dip, or extra pepper jelly for dipping
- Fresh cilantro or chopped chives for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the Cheese:
- Pat cheese pieces dry with paper towels. Freeze for 15 minutes to prevent melting too quickly.
- Set Up Coating Station:
- Bowl 1: Flour mixed with salt.
- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs.
- Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder and smoked paprika.
- Coat the Cheese:
- Roll each cheese piece in flour, dip in egg, then coat in breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to adhere.
- Place coated bites on a plate and freeze for 10 minutes (to firm up before air frying).
- Air Fry:
- Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Lightly grease the basket.
- Arrange cheese bites in a single layer (don’t overcrowd). Spray with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 6-8 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip halfway and spray again.
- Make the Glaze:
- In a small saucepan, warm pepper jelly and water over low heat until smooth.
- Serve:
- Drizzle spicy pepper jelly glaze over the warm cheese bites or serve on the side for dipping.
- Garnish with herbs and serve immediately with dipping sauces.
Tips for Success
- Cheese Choices: Use low-moisture cheeses (like block cheese cut into cubes) for less leakage.
- Spice Level: Adjust by using mild or extra-hot pepper jelly.
- Prevent Bursts: Double-coat cheese by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps for a thicker crust.
- Batch Cooking: Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with celery sticks or carrot sticks to balance the heat.
- Serve as a topping for burgers or salads.
Nutritional Information (per 2 bites, approximate)
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 8g
- Carbs: 20g
- Protein: 7g
- Sodium: 300mg
Conclusion
Spicy Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Cheese Bites are the ultimate fusion of crispy, cheesy, and sweet-heat flavors. Quick, easy, and irresistibly dippable, they’ll disappear faster than you can make them!