Save
I can't stop making these Hot Cheeto Cheese Sticks lately. It's the best combo... super spicy Hot Cheetos packed around stretchy, gooey mozzarella. Every time I fix these, they’re gone in seconds—nobody leaves even a crumb. That cheesy, fiery bite is straight-up addictive.
Reasons To Crave These
Seriously, they're impossible to quit. The sizzle of that hot crumb gives way to squishy cheese—snacking just doesn’t get better. Ranch dip on the side chills out the heat, and I never skip it. It’s my go-to for munchies and always gets raves.
Stuff You’ll Use
- Ranch: The cool creamy dip you need.
- Olive Oil Spray: This is what gives that awesome crunch in the fryer.
- String Cheese: Mozzarella is my MVP for meltiness.
- Water: Use it to thin your egg mixture a bit.
- Eggs: Room temp is best for smooth breading.
- Salt: Just a pinch perks up all the flavors.
- Flour: Regular all-purpose works great to stick everything on.
- Hot Cheetos: Smash them up superfine so the coating clings.
Save
Epic Cooking Adventure
- Start Frying
- Turn on your air fryer, crank it to 390°F, give it a quick oil spray, and cook until they go crisp and golden.
- Freeze ‘Em Up
- Toss those prepped sticks in the freezer for half an hour so the cheese doesn’t ooze all over when cooking.
- Layer the Flavors
- Each cheese stick needs a coat of egg, then a flour roll, back in the egg, and a final shower of Hot Cheetos crumbs for max crunch.
- Line Up Your Stations
- Set out a dish with the crumbs, another with your egg wash, and a third holding your flour and a little salt.
- Crush the Heat
- Pulse Hot Cheetos into a powder—smaller bits means a better coat.
Serve ‘Em Up
Dive in while they’re still warm and gooey inside. They’re killer with ranch or blue cheese dip. Perfect for game day—especially stacked up with sliders or wings.
Top Suggestions
Smash those Hot Cheetos down to dust—the coating will hang on so much better. Freezing them before frying? Absolutely don’t skip it. Every air fryer acts different, so peek in early the first run.
Save
Other Cooking Ideas
Don’t have an air fryer? You’re fine! Pop these in a 390°F oven or fry them up in a hot oil bath. Both ways turn out super crispy and tasty.
Batch Ahead & Save
Whenever I whip up extras, I freeze a stash for later. They taste just as awesome for up to two months in the freezer. When you want one, just bake straight from frozen—easy win.
Change Things Up
Swap the Hot Cheetos for Takis or spicy Doritos for a twist. Sometimes I swap mozzarella for pepper jack when I want extra heat. Try your own spins and see what you like best.
Party Crowd-Pleaser
When I bring these out for friends, everyone wants to try. That wild red crunch grabs people, then they taste it and can’t stop. Double your batch—they go so fast every time.
Save
Wrap-Up
Mozzarella sticks with a fiery Hot Cheetos crunch, cooked to perfection in the air fryer and paired with cool ranch dip.
Recipe FAQs
- → Why chill before frying?
Chilling helps keep the cheese from oozing out while it's cooking. Pop them in the freezer for at least 50 minutes.
- → Will other Cheetos work?
Yep! You can use any flavor of Cheetos. Pick your favorite for a different spice level.
- → Is deep frying okay?
Sure! Fry them at 350°F for just a couple of minutes, but watch closely to avoid cheese leaks.
- → Why coat twice with egg?
Double dipping with egg makes the crunch thicker and keeps the cheese locked in while cooking.
- → What about leftovers?
They're best fresh. But if needed, you can freeze uncooked sticks for a month and cook them straight from frozen.