Hot Cheeto Cheese Sticks

Hot Cheeto cheese sticks are a bold and crispy snack made with gooey mozzarella string cheese and a spicy Flamin’ Hot Cheetos coating. Quick to prep and air-fried to perfection, they’re a crowd-pleaser for game nights or casual appetizers.

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Prep Time15 minutes mins

Total Time45 minutes mins

Servings24

Hot Cheeto cheese sticks are the ultimate combination of crunchy, spicy, and gooey goodness. With bold flavors from the Flamin’ Hot Cheetos coating and the melty perfection of mozzarella string cheese, these are a guaranteed hit for spice enthusiasts. Perfect for anyone who loves a bit of heat in their appetizers, these cheese sticks are crispy, bold, and surprisingly easy to make.

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What You Need To Know

• MAIN INGREDIENTS: Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, mozzarella string cheese sticks, all-purpose flour, eggs, olive oil cooking spray, ranch dressing (optional).
• QUICK STEPS: Crush Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, prepare dredging station, coat cheese sticks, freeze, air fry, serve with ranch.
• TOTAL TIME AND YIELD: 50-75 minutes, 24 servings.

Why This Recipe

• Flamin’ Hot Cheetos crumbs provide a bold, spicy crunch that transforms classic mozzarella sticks into an exciting, flavor-packed snack. This standout coating adds both heat and texture that other recipes can’t match.
• The use of mozzarella string cheese sticks simplifies preparation, providing uniform sizes and ensuring that signature gooey center with minimal effort.

Hot Cheeto Cheese Sticks Ingredients

Making Hot Cheeto cheese sticks is all about balancing bold flavors with easy preparation. This recipe uses a few simple ingredients to create a snack that’s both crispy and gooey, with just the right amount of spice.

Hot Cheeto Cheese Sticks Substitutions and Additions

Flamin’ Hot Cheetos: If Flamin’ Hot Cheetos aren’t available or the spice level is too much, substitute with regular Cheetos for a milder option.

Mozzarella String Cheese Sticks: Swap these for Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, or cheddar cheese sticks for a bolder or spicier cheese center. Be aware that different cheeses may not melt as evenly as mozzarella.

Olive Oil Cooking Spray: Use avocado oil spray or any neutral-flavored oil spray as an alternative. This keeps the coating crisp without affecting the overall taste.

Ranch Dressing: Swap ranch for marinara sauce to add a rich, tomato-based dip that complements the cheese. Blue cheese dressing or a spicy aioli also pair well for dipping.

Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Crumbs: Mix in crushed Parmesan crisps or breadcrumbs with the Cheeto crumbs for added depth in flavor and texture. This combination works especially well for those who prefer a toned-down spice level.

How To Make Hot Cheeto Cheese Sticks

Making Hot Cheeto cheese sticks is a straightforward process that yields incredibly crispy and spicy cheese sticks with a gooey mozzarella center. By following these detailed steps, you’ll achieve consistent and delicious results every time.

STEP ONE: Use a food processor to crush the Flamin’ Hot Cheetos into fine crumbs. Pulse for 30-60 seconds, stopping to check the texture periodically.

Transfer the crumbs to a medium dish that’s suitable for coating the cheese sticks and set aside. If you don’t have a food processor, place the Cheetos in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin.

STEP TWO: In a separate medium dish, mix the all-purpose flour and salt. Stir well to combine, ensuring the salt is evenly distributed throughout the flour. Set the dish aside next to the Cheeto crumbs.

STEP THREE: In a third medium dish, whisk together the eggs and water until fully blended. The water thins the mixture slightly, which helps the coatings stick better. Place this dish next to the flour mixture.

STEP FOUR: Arrange your dredging station in the following order: egg wash, flour mixture, Cheeto crumbs. Line a baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone mat and place it nearby. This setup makes the coating process efficient and mess-free.

STEP FIVE: Dip one half of a mozzarella string cheese stick into the egg wash, making sure it’s fully coated. Lift it out with a fork, allowing any excess egg to drip off. Roll the cheese stick in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s evenly covered. Return it to the egg wash for a second coating.

Transfer it to the Cheeto crumbs. Gently press the crumbs onto the cheese stick to create a solid coating.

STEP SIX: Place the coated cheese stick onto the prepared baking tray. Repeat the coating process for all cheese stick halves, arranging them in a single layer on the tray. This step is key to creating uniformly coated cheese sticks.

STEP SEVEN: Transfer the tray of coated cheese sticks to the freezer. Freeze them for at least 30 minutes and up to an hour. This step prevents the cheese from melting out during cooking, resulting in perfectly crispy sticks.

STEP EIGHT: While the cheese sticks are freezing, preheat your air fryer to 390°F for five minutes. Preheating ensures the air fryer is hot enough to cook the cheese sticks evenly and achieve a crispy texture.

STEP NINE: Remove the frozen cheese sticks from the freezer and lightly spray them on all sides with olive oil cooking spray. Place ten cheese sticks in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one for proper airflow.

Cook for five to seven minutes, or until the sticks are golden brown and crunchy. Check for doneness by their crisp exterior.

STEP TEN: Transfer the cooked cheese sticks to a plate lined with a paper towel to remove any excess oil. Repeat the cooking process for the remaining cheese sticks.

Serve with ranch dressing or marinara sauce for dipping, and enjoy while hot for the best gooey texture.

Troubleshooting This Hot Cheeto Cheese Sticks Recipe

The coating doesn’t stick to the cheese sticks.
Make sure the cheese sticks are fully coated in each layer—egg wash, flour, egg wash again, and then Cheeto crumbs. Press the crumbs gently onto the cheese sticks to help them adhere.

The cheese leaks out during cooking.
Freeze the cheese sticks for at least 30 minutes before air frying. This step keeps the cheese solid while the coating crisps up.

The cheese sticks stick to the air fryer basket.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket and the cheese sticks with olive oil cooking spray before cooking to prevent sticking.

The coating doesn’t get crispy.
Preheat the air fryer for at least five minutes before adding the cheese sticks. Proper preheating helps achieve a crunchy, golden brown crust.

The coating burns before the cheese is fully cooked.
Reduce the cooking time to five to six minutes and check frequently. Air fryer temperatures can vary, so adjust as needed to avoid burning.

The cheese sticks lose their crunch after cooling.
Eat them immediately after air frying for the best texture. If reheating, use the air fryer for one to two minutes to restore crispiness.

How To Serve Hot Cheeto Cheese Sticks

Enhance your Hot Cheeto cheese sticks by pairing them with complementary dipping sauces and appetizers. A classic marinara sauce offers a rich, tangy contrast to the spicy coating. For a creamy option, consider a ranch dressing that balances the heat.

To round out your appetizer spread, serve alongside fried pickles for an extra crunch, or soft pretzel bites with cheese dip to maintain a cohesive cheese theme. These combinations create a varied and satisfying starter selection.

MORE APPETIZER RECIPES

Chicken Dinner Ideas

Caesar Pasta Salad

Side Dishes

Homemade Scalloped Potatoes

How To Store Hot Cheeto Cheese Sticks

Properly storing your Hot Cheeto cheese sticks will help maintain their crispy texture and gooey center, making it easy to enjoy leftovers or prepare them in advance.

MAKE AHEAD: These cheese sticks are perfect for making ahead. After completing the coating process, place the coated cheese sticks on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and freeze them for up to two days before air frying. This step allows you to prepare them in advance without compromising the texture or flavor.

IN THE FRIDGE: Store leftover cooked cheese sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Allow them to cool completely before placing them in the container to prevent condensation from softening the crispy coating.

IN THE FREEZER: To freeze, place the cooked or uncooked cheese sticks in a single layer on a baking tray and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored this way for up to two months.

When ready to reheat, cook directly from frozen for the best results.

REHEATING: For reheating, the air fryer is the best option to restore crispiness. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F and heat the cheese sticks for two to three minutes until hot.

Alternatively, reheat them in the oven at 375°F for about five to seven minutes.

While using the microwave is an option, it may result in a softer coating. If microwaving, heat in 15-second intervals to avoid overheating.

Hot Cheeto cheese sticks are a fun, spicy snack that’s simple to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a game night or craving something crispy and cheesy, this recipe brings bold flavors and easy preparation to your kitchen.

More Air Fryer Appetizers To Try

• Air Fryer Beef Jerky
• Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
• Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken

Hot Cheeto Cheese Sticks

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Hot Cheeto cheese sticks are a bold and crispy snack made with gooey mozzarella string cheese and a spicy Flamin’ Hot Cheetos coating. Quick to prep and air-fried to perfection, they’re a crowd-pleaser for game nights or casual appetizers.

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 45 minutes minutes

Servings 24

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Ingredients

  

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• 8.5 ounces Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Crunchy, crushed into fine crumbs (approximately 3 cups)
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon water, room temperature
• 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
• Olive oil cooking spray

Garnish

• ¼ to ½ cup bottled ranch dressing

Instructions

 

• To a food processor, add the crunchy Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, and pulse for 30-60 seconds or until you have very fine crumbs. Transfer the crumbs to a medium sized dish suitable for dipping, and coating, the cheese sticks. Set aside.
• To a second medium sized dish combine together the all-purpose flour and salt. Set aside.
• In a third medium sized dish whisk together the eggs and water. Set aside.
• Once you have your dredging station ready (the Cheeto crumbs, flour and egg dishes) place a medium rimmed baking sheet, lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat, next to the other dishes. You will need to have all your coatings ready before you start coating the cheese sticks.
• Place a single cheese stick half into the egg wash and coat it completely. Using a fork, lift the cheese stick out of the egg and place it into the flour mixture to coat it completely with the flour. Return it back to the egg, coat completely then lift out of the egg again with a fork and allow any excess egg to drip back into the bowl.
• Place the egg and flour coated cheese stick into the Flamin’ Hot Cheeto crumbs and gently roll to evenly coat the cheese stick in the crumbs. Remove from the crumbs and place onto the prepared baking tray.
• Repeat steps 5 and 6 until all the cheese sticks are coated and placed onto the tray. Place the tray of Hot Cheeto Cheese Sticks into the freezer for a minimum of 30 minutes or up to 60 minutes. The cheese sticks need to be frozen for best air frying results.
• Once the cheese sticks are frozen, remove them from the freezer and lightly spray them with olive oil cooking spray on both sides.
• Preheat an airfryer to 390* F for 5 minutes.
• Place 10 cheese sticks into the basket of the preheated airfryer, being sure to leave space between each cheese stick, and fry for 5-7 minutes or until hot and crunchy. Transfer to a plate and air fry the remaining cheese sticks.
• Remove the Hot Cheeto cheese sticks from the air fryer and place them onto a serving plate with a side of ranch sauce for dipping when served.

Notes

• For the most even coating of the hot cheetos, you need to make sure you get as fine of a crumb as possible. A food processor, or high powered blender, works best.
• If you are only serving 1-2 people, you can cut this recipe in half, or you can just air fry a smaller amount (for the same amount of time and temperature as the recipe states) and store the leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer until ready to eat.
• A low-moisture part-skim mozzarella string cheese stick (Sargento brand) was used for this recipe. You can use your favorite brand, or even a whole milk version of mozzarella string cheese stick works well.
• A COSORI 6.8 quart Air Fryer was used to develop this recipe. You may need to adjust your fry time, or the amount of hot cheeto cheese sticks you can fit in the air fryer at a single time, according to the brand of air fryer you use.

Nutrition

Calories: 130kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 39mg | Sodium: 246mg | Potassium: 138mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 48IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 0.5mg

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