Description

Spicy, crunchy, and melty, these Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks are a bold twist on the classic appetizer. Coated in crushed Flamin’ Hot Cheetos and cooked to crispy perfection using your choice of air fryer, oven, or deep fryer, they’re the ultimate party snack for game days, movie nights, or anytime you’re craving cheesy heat.

Ingredients

12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
3 cups Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, crushed into fine crumbs
1 cup all-purpose flour
3 large eggs
2 tbsp milk or water
½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Salt & pepper, to taste
Cooking spray or vegetable oil, depending on cooking method

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Instructions

1️⃣ Prep the Cheese Sticks
• Unwrap string cheese and freeze for at least 30 minutes.
• Line a tray with parchment paper for freezing the coated sticks later.

2️⃣ Crush the Cheetos Coating
• Pulse Flamin’ Hot Cheetos in a food processor until breadcrumb texture.
• Mix in garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Pour into a shallow dish.

3️⃣ Set Up a Breading Station
• Dish 1: Flour.
• Dish 2: Eggs whisked with milk.
• Dish 3: Seasoned Cheeto crumbs.

4️⃣ Bread the Mozzarella Sticks
• Coat each stick in flour, then dip in egg, then roll in crumbs.
• Repeat egg + crumbs for a double coat.
• Lay each one on the tray and freeze for 1–2 hours.

5️⃣ Cook Using Your Preferred Method
• Deep Fry: Heat oil to 350°F. Fry 3–4 sticks for 1½–2 minutes.
• Air Fryer: Preheat to 390°F. Spray sticks and cook 5–6 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Oven: Preheat to 400°F. Bake on lined sheet 8–10 minutes, flipping once.

6️⃣ Serve Hot
• Plate with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, marinara, or spicy mayo.
• Enjoy immediately for best cheese pull!

Notes

Freeze Before Cooking: This step prevents cheese leakage and helps keep the coating intact.
Double Coat = Extra Crunch: Repeat the egg and Cheeto step for the crispiest result.
Customize Your Heat: Try Hot Limon or XXTRA Flamin’ Hot Cheetos for different spice levels.
Serving Tip: Pair with celery and ranch for a cooling contrast.
Make Ahead: You can freeze the breaded sticks for up to 1 month and cook from frozen.

Prep Time: 20 minutes (+2 hours freeze)
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Deep Fry, Air Fry, or Oven Baked
Cuisine: : American