Cheese Curds Keto: Deep Frying The Keto Way

Deep-fried cheese curds are a delicious snack, but are they keto-friendly? Cheese curds are usually coated in batter and deep-fried, which doesn't align with a keto diet. However, some recipes substitute traditional batter with a keto-friendly alternative, such as almond flour and parmesan cheese. These recipes allow those on a keto diet to enjoy the comfort food of deep-fried cheese curds without compromising their dietary restrictions.

Keto air fryer cheese curds recipe

Ingredients:

• 8 oz Wisconsin Cheddar Cheese Curds
• 1 cup almond flour or coconut flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 large eggs, whisked
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 2 cups keto breadcrumbs (use a keto and low-carb replacement such as crushed pork rinds or a homemade batch)
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil cooking spray
• Dipping sauce of your choice (optional)

Instructions:

• Prepare a dredging station with three separate bowls. In the first bowl, combine the flour and garlic powder. In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and minced garlic. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, salt, chili powder, black pepper, and basil.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to place the cheese curds on after dredging.
• Work in batches of 4-5 cheese curds at a time. First, add them to the flour and toss until coated. Then, dip them in the egg mixture and allow the excess to drip off. Finally, roll the cheese curds in the breadcrumb mixture.
• Repeat the dredging process a second time to create a double coating. This will help prevent the cheese from seeping out during cooking.
• Place the breaded cheese curds in the refrigerator while you preheat the air fryer to 350°F for 5 minutes.
• Line the air fryer basket with foil and spray lightly with non-stick cooking spray.
• Remove the breaded cheese curds from the fridge and place them into the basket in a single layer with a small gap between each curd.
• Spray the cheese curds with cooking spray to lightly saturate the breading.
• Cook for 6 minutes, flipping them over halfway through to promote even browning. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in multiple batches.
• Plate the cheese curds and serve with a keto-friendly and low-carb dip, if desired.

Tips:

• For best results, use high-quality, fresh, and cold cheese curds straight from the fridge.
• Be sure to preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
• Cook the cheese curds in small batches to allow for proper air circulation and crispiness.
• Don't forget to serve with a dipping sauce! Ranch or honey mustard are great options, but feel free to experiment.

Low-carb deep-fried cheese curds

Ingredients:

• 1 package cheese curds (or cheese sticks)
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 splash of water
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 pinch of black pepper
• Oil for frying

Method:

• Whip the egg whites, garlic powder, and heavy cream in a bowl.
• In a separate bowl, mix together the almond flour, parmesan, and black pepper.
• Take your cheese curd (or cheese sticks cut into four) and dip them in the egg mixture, coating evenly.
• Dip your curd into the almond flour mixture.
• Repeat steps three and four with the same curd. You should be double coating it. Set aside on a plate and do the same for the rest of your cheese.
• Place your plate of cheese curds into the freezer for half an hour. This will help keep them from melting out in the fryer.
• With 7 minutes left in the freezer, fill a frying pan with about one inch of oil.
• Heat up the oil. You need it hot to brown the curds quickly.
• Take your curds out and place them into the fryer, one by one. Flip them once the bottom is browned. Leave them in for only 2-3 minutes, or until brown.
• Drain the grease and enjoy! They go well with chipotle aioli or a spicy marinara dipping sauce.

Tips:

• You can use any flavour of cheese curds for this recipe as the coating is fairly neutral.
• If you can't find cheese curds, then chopped cheese sticks would be an alternative.
• If you want to avoid deep-frying, you can shallow fry the cheese curds in batches.
• To determine if the oil is ready for frying, drop a bit of batter into it. If it bubbles and sizzles, it's time to start frying!

Breading for keto cheese curds

Keto-friendly cheese curds are a great snack option for those on a low-carbohydrate diet. While the traditional method of preparing cheese curds involves coating them in batter and deep-frying, this can be a problem for those watching their carbohydrate intake. However, there are a few alternative breading options that can be used to make keto-friendly cheese curds.

One option is to use a combination of almond flour and flax meal. This creates a nutty flavour that may not appeal to everyone. For a more neutral flavour, you can use a mixture of grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and black pepper. Simply beat an egg in a bowl, coat the cheese curds in the egg, and then toss them in the Parmesan mixture. This creates a delicious, keto-friendly breading that can be baked in the oven instead of fried.

Another option for breading keto cheese curds is to use a combination of almond flour, arrowroot powder, egg whites, milk, garlic powder, and white pepper. This creates a thin batter that can be used to coat the cheese curds before frying. It is important to note that this method requires freezing the cheese curds for at least 30 minutes before frying, to prevent them from melting too quickly. Additionally, avocado oil is recommended for frying, as it has a high smoke point and is keto-friendly.

For those who enjoy a crispier texture, a double breading method can be used. This involves dipping the cheese curds in an egg mixture, coating them in a mixture of almond flour and Parmesan cheese, and then repeating the process. This creates a thicker, crispier coating that is perfect for deep frying. Freezing the breaded cheese curds before frying is also recommended to prevent melting.

It is important to note that while these breading options are keto-friendly, portion control is still important. Even keto-friendly breading can add up in carbs if consumed in large quantities. However, with careful preparation and moderation, keto cheese curds can be a delicious and satisfying snack option.

Cheese curds as a keto snack

Cheese curds are a delicious and indulgent snack, and they can also be keto-friendly! If you're looking for a tasty and satisfying snack that fits within a ketogenic diet, cheese curds are a great option. Here's everything you need to know about enjoying cheese curds as a keto snack.

Cheese curds are small pieces of cheese that have a springy texture and a juicy, melt-in-your-mouth flavour. They are typically found in dishes like poutine or deep-fried as a snack. While they are a delicious treat, they can be a bit bland when eaten cold, and they tend to have a squeaky texture. The good news is that there are several ways to prepare cheese curds that make them even more enjoyable and keto-friendly.

Preparing Keto-Friendly Cheese Curds

To make cheese curds keto-friendly, it's all about choosing the right coating and cooking method. Here are two popular methods:

Baked Cheese Curds:

This method involves coating the cheese curds in a mixture of beaten eggs and then rolling them in a combination of finely grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and black pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet lined with a silicone mat and bake for just a few minutes until the cheese begins to melt. This method adds flavour and a crispy texture without the need for deep frying.

Fried Cheese Curds:

For a more indulgent treat, you can also fry cheese curds. To keep them keto-friendly, use almond flour or a combination of almond flour and arrowroot powder as the coating. Dip the cheese curds in a beaten egg mixture, then coat them in the flour mixture. Fry them in oil, lard, or tallow until golden brown and crispy. This method creates a juicy and cheesy snack that's hard to resist!

Where to Find Cheese Curds

If you live in an area with access to Midwest grocery stores, you may be able to find cheese curds at your local supermarket. Some sources suggest that Aldi and Mariano's carry them. However, if you can't find them at your local store, don't worry! You can always order them online from specialty cheese shops or use cheese sticks cut into fourths as a substitute.

So, the next time you're looking for a satisfying keto snack, give cheese curds a try! They are a delicious and indulgent treat that can be prepared in a variety of keto-friendly ways. Enjoy the cheesy goodness without compromising your dietary goals!

Keto cheese curd alternatives

If you're looking for keto-friendly alternatives to cheese curds, there are several options to consider. Firstly, it's important to understand that keto diets typically involve consuming foods low in carbohydrates, high in fat, and with moderate amounts of protein. Here are some alternatives that fit the bill:

Asiago, Brie, and Cheddar Cheeses

These cheeses are excellent keto-friendly options. They are naturally low in carbs and high in fat, making them perfect for a keto diet. Asiago, in particular, has a strong flavour and a firm texture, making it a great choice for snacks or recipes that call for shredded or melted cheese.

Other Keto-Friendly Cheeses

In addition to Asiago, Brie, and Cheddar, there are several other cheeses that are keto-friendly. These include:

• Cream Cheese
• Blue Cheese
• Mozzarella
• Swiss Cheese
• Goat Cheese
• Camembert

Keto Cheese Curd Recipes

If you're specifically looking for alternatives to deep-fried cheese curds, there are keto-friendly recipes you can try. For example, you can make baked cheese curds by coating them in a mixture of egg and garlic powder, then rolling them in grated Parmesan cheese. Bake them in the oven until golden brown, and enjoy!

Another option is to create a breading using almond flour and egg, or pork rinds, and fry the cheese curds in a healthier oil such as avocado oil or animal fats like lard or tallow. This gives you the crispy, fried texture without deviating from your keto diet.

Keto-Friendly Dips and Sauces

While cheese curds are a delicious snack on their own, you can also pair them with keto-friendly dips and sauces. Some options include ranch dressing, honey mustard, garlic aioli, marinara sauce, or sugar-free ketchup. These additions can enhance the flavour of your cheese curds without compromising your keto diet.

Remember, when incorporating cheese and cheese curds into your keto diet, it's important to pay attention to serving sizes and choose high-quality, organic, and grass-fed cheeses whenever possible. Enjoy experimenting with these keto cheese curd alternatives!

Frequently asked questions