Air Fryer Cheese Straws

🧀 Air Fryer Cheese Straws Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
Servings: About 12 straws

📝 Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)

• 1 cup (about 100g) sharp cheddar cheese, finely grated

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional but tasty!)

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

• 1/2 tsp paprika or smoked paprika

• 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Flour (for dusting the surface)

🧑‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Prep your surface:

   • Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the puff pastry to smooth any creases and make it slightly thinner.

2. Add cheese and seasoning:

   • Sprinkle the cheddar and Parmesan evenly over the pastry.

   • Add paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper on top.

   • Press gently with a rolling pin to help the cheese stick.

3. Fold and roll:

   • Fold the pastry in half (cheese inside), then gently roll it out again to seal and flatten slightly.

4. Cut into strips:

   • Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the pastry into 1/2-inch wide strips (about 12–14 strips total).

5. Twist the straws:

   • Hold both ends of each strip and twist gently several times to create a spiral shape.

6. Brush with egg wash:

   • Brush each straw with beaten egg for golden color.

7. Preheat air fryer:

   • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.

8. Air fry:

   • Place a few cheese straws in the basket, spaced out (don’t overcrowd).

   • Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 6–10 minutes until puffed and golden brown.

   • Time may vary depending on your air fryer model, so check at 6 minutes.

9. Cool and serve:

   • Let them cool slightly before serving. They crisp up more as they cool!

💡 Tips:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Re-crisp in the air fryer for a minute.

• Add a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick.

• Try other cheeses like Gruyère or pepper jack for variation.