There’s something irresistibly satisfying about biting into a hot, crispy mozzarella stick with melty cheese stretching as you pull it away. Now imagine that classic comfort food with a spicy, crunchy Hot Cheetos coating that adds bold color and a kick of heat. These Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks transform the familiar into something excitingly new while still delivering that perfect cheese pull we all crave.
I first created these for a game day gathering, and they disappeared faster than any other appetizer on the table. The combination of creamy mozzarella with the distinctive tangy-spicy Cheetos crunch creates an addictive contrast that keeps everyone reaching for more. Whether you’re hosting friends or just want to elevate your snack game, these fiery mozzarella sticks are guaranteed to impress.
Why I Love These
These mozzarella sticks deliver the perfect balance of creamy cheese and spicy, crunchy coating that makes them utterly addictive.
They’re surprisingly easy to make at home with just a handful of ingredients and taste far better than anything you’d get at a restaurant.
I make these whenever I need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for gatherings or when I’m craving a special indulgent treat on movie nights.
Ingredients
- 1 bag (8.5 oz) Flamin' Hot Cheetos, crushed (approx. 3 cups)
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut in half
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 large eggs, room temperature, whisked
- Parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping
- Cooking spray
How To Make
- Add Flamin' Hot Cheetos to a food processor and pulse until fine crumbs form.
- Set out three shallow bowls: one with flour, salt, and garlic powder mixed together; one with whisked eggs; and the third with the Cheeto crumbs.
- Dip each mozzarella stick half into the flour mixture, then the eggs, and then the Cheeto crumbs. For a thicker crust, repeat the egg and Cheeto coating process.
- Place the coated sticks on parchment paper and freeze for at least 30 minutes to prevent the cheese from oozing out during cooking.
- Preheat air fryer to 390°F. Spray the sticks lightly with cooking spray and air fry for 4-6 minutes until golden and crispy. Serve immediately with chopped parsley and your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutrition
These Hot Cheeto Mozzarella Sticks are definitely an indulgent treat, offering significant protein from the mozzarella cheese but also containing substantial fat and sodium. They’re best enjoyed as an occasional snack rather than a regular menu item, particularly for those monitoring calorie intake.
The mozzarella provides calcium and protein, while the Hot Cheetos coating adds carbohydrates and sodium. For a slightly lighter version, you can bake these in a 425°F oven for 8-10 minutes instead of frying, though the texture won’t be quite as crispy.
These mozzarella sticks contain gluten from the flour and dairy from the cheese. For gluten-sensitive individuals, substitute the all-purpose flour with rice flour or gluten-free flour blend. Unfortunately, this recipe isn’t suitable for those with dairy allergies due to the mozzarella being the main ingredient.
Tips & Variations
- You can prepare these up to the coating stage and freeze them for up to a month in an airtight container, separated by parchment paper, for quick frying whenever a craving hits.
- Try using Flamin’ Hot Cheetos for maximum heat, or mix regular Cheetos with Hot Cheetos for a milder flavor profile that’s still vibrant and crunchy.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend and double-check that your chosen Hot Cheetos variety is gluten-free (most are, but it’s worth verifying).
Ways To Serve Them
- As an appetizer with a variety of dipping sauces like spicy mayo, honey mustard, or avocado crema alongside the classic ranch and marinara
- On a game day spread with wings, potato skins, and other finger foods
- As part of a fun DIY nacho bar where guests can add these as a topping
- Alongside a crisp green salad for a fun lunch that balances indulgence with freshness
Proper Storage
- Fridge: Allow any leftover mozzarella sticks to cool completely before storing in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb moisture. They’ll keep for up to 2 days, though the coating will soften considerably.
- Freezer: These freeze surprisingly well after cooking. Cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll maintain quality for up to 1 month.
- Reheat: For the best texture, reheat frozen or refrigerated mozzarella sticks in an air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes or in a conventional oven at 400°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it will make them soggy and potentially cause the cheese to explode.
Ingredients
- 1 bag (8.5 oz) Flamin' Hot Cheetos, crushed (approx. 3 cups)
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut in half
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 large eggs, room temperature, whisked
- Parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping
- Cooking spray
Steps
- Add Flamin' Hot Cheetos to a food processor and pulse until fine crumbs form.
- Set out three shallow bowls: one with flour, salt, and garlic powder mixed together; one with whisked eggs; and the third with the Cheeto crumbs.
- Dip each mozzarella stick half into the flour mixture, then the eggs, and then the Cheeto crumbs. For a thicker crust, repeat the egg and Cheeto coating process.
- Place the coated sticks on parchment paper and freeze for at least 30 minutes to prevent the cheese from oozing out during cooking.
- Preheat air fryer to 390°F. Spray the sticks lightly with cooking spray and air fry for 4-6 minutes until golden and crispy. Serve immediately with chopped parsley and your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 185 kcal
Notes
- You can prepare these up to the coating stage and freeze them for up to a month in an airtight container, separated by parchment paper, for quick frying whenever a craving hits.
- Try using Flamin' Hot Cheetos for maximum heat, or mix regular Cheetos with Hot Cheetos for a milder flavor profile that's still vibrant and crunchy.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend and double-check that your chosen Hot Cheetos variety is gluten-free (most are, but it's worth verifying).