Are you ready to indulge in a mouthwatering snack that combines the rich flavors of cheese with a spicy kick? Look no further than these irresistible Chili Cheese Nuggets cooked to perfection in your air fryer! In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a batch of these golden-brown, crispy delights that are sure to be a hit at your next gathering or as a satisfying treat for yourself. With gooey cheddar and cream cheese complemented by zesty jalapeños, these nuggets are not just a snack—they're a flavor explosion! Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to create a crunchy, cheesy masterpiece that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped jalapeños
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, chopped jalapeños, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well integrated.
- Using clean hands, shape the cheese mixture into small, uniform nugget-sized balls, approximately 1-
- 5 inches in diameter. Ensure they are compact and hold together firmly.
- Prepare two separate shallow dishes: one with beaten egg and another with breadcrumbs. This will be used for coating the nuggets.
- Dip each cheese nugget first into the beaten egg, ensuring complete coverage, then roll it in breadcrumbs until fully coated. Place coated nuggets on a clean plate.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the coated cheese nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching each other. You may need to cook in batches.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. Nuggets should be golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Remove nuggets from air fryer and let cool for 2-3 minutes. Serve hot with ranch or spicy dipping sauce.
Tips
- Ingredient Quality: Use high-quality cheddar cheese for a richer flavor. A sharp cheddar will add an extra depth to your nuggets.
- Jalapeño Prep: If you prefer a milder taste, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before chopping them. This will reduce the heat while still providing that delicious peppery flavor.
- Coating Technique: Make sure to fully coat each nugget in the egg and breadcrumbs. This will help create a crispy outer layer that contrasts beautifully with the gooey cheese inside.
- Batch Cooking: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and browning for all your nuggets.
- Dipping Sauce: Serve your Chili Cheese Nuggets with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch, spicy mayo, or even a homemade salsa for an extra kick.
- Storage: If you have leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 262kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 97mg
