Hey y'all! If you're looking for a crunchy, protein-packed snack that's easy to whip up and seriously delicious, my Air Fryer Cottage Cheese Fries – High Protein Snack Hack is about to become your new favorite treat. They're golden and crispy on the outside, cheesy and tender on the inside, and perfect for game days, after-school munchies, or healthier late-night cravings. Ready to taste the magic? Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Air Fryer Cottage Cheese Fries – High Protein Snack Hack
- High in protein to keep you energized and satisfied longer.
- Super simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
- Crispy, cheesy texture that seriously rivals traditional fries.
- Quick to prepare with minimal mess thanks to the air fryer.
- Perfect for snacking, meal prepping, or sharing with friends.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Cottage Cheese Fries – High Protein Snack Hack
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat, well-drained)
- ¾ cup chickpea flour (or all-purpose flour)
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- Olive oil spray
Directions: How to Make Air Fryer Cottage Cheese Fries – High Protein Snack Hack
Step 1: Prepare the Cottage Cheese Mixture
In a food processor or blender, pulse the cottage cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the egg, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Blend again until combined.
Step 2: Form the Fry Dough
Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and add chickpea flour and cornstarch. Stir thoroughly until a thick, pliable dough forms. If it's too sticky, add a tablespoon more flour at a time until it comes together.
Step 3: Shape the Fries
Sprinkle a clean surface with a little extra flour. Roll out the dough to about ½-inch thickness. Cut into fry-shaped strips (about 3 inches long).
Step 4: Air Fry for Perfect Crispiness
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes. Arrange the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't touch. Lightly spray with olive oil. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the fries from the air fryer and let cool slightly. Enjoy hot with your favorite dipping sauce!
Notes for the Best Air Fryer Cottage Cheese Fries – High Protein Snack Hack
- If your cottage cheese is watery, drain it well using cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve for better texture.
- Try using parchment paper in the air fryer for easier cleanup (find more air frying tips here).
- Use chickpea flour for a gluten-free, extra-protein option (learn more about chickpea flour here).
Variations: Air Fryer Cottage Cheese Fries – High Protein Snack Hack
- Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the dough.
- Herby Fries: Fold in 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley or chives.
- Cheddar Burst: Mix in ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese for an extra cheesy flavor.
Required Equipment for Air Fryer Cottage Cheese Fries – High Protein Snack Hack
- Air fryer (basket style or oven style)
- Food processor or blender
- Mixing bowl
- Knife or dough cutter
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Storage Instructions for Air Fryer Cottage Cheese Fries – High Protein Snack Hack
Store leftover fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (177°C) for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness. Not recommended for freezing, as texture may change.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
Serve your Air Fryer Cottage Cheese Fries – High Protein Snack Hack with Greek yogurt dip, spicy sriracha mayo, or classic ketchup. They also pair well with a fresh garden salad or as a protein boost alongside a veggie-packed grain bowl.
Pro Tips for Air Fryer Cottage Cheese Fries – High Protein Snack Hack
- Use well-drained cottage cheese for less soggy fries (see how to drain cottage cheese here).
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket – cook in batches for best crispiness.
- Serve immediately for the crispiest texture; they lose crunch as they cool.
FAQ: Air Fryer Cottage Cheese Fries – High Protein Snack Hack
- Can I use other types of flour?
- Yes! You can swap chickpea flour for almond, oat, or all-purpose flour if you prefer.
- Are these fries gluten-free?
- Yes, if you use chickpea flour and ensure your cornstarch is gluten-free.
- Can I bake these fries instead of air frying?
- Absolutely! Bake at 400°F (204°C) on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups cottage cheese (full fat or low fat)
- ½ cup chickpea flour
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
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1Line a small baking dish with parchment paper. In a blender or food processor, blend the cottage cheese until smooth.
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2Transfer the blended cottage cheese to a bowl. Add chickpea flour, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until a thick batter forms.
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3Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Freeze for 1 hour or until firm enough to cut.
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4Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Remove the mixture from the freezer and cut into fry-shaped strips.
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5Lightly spray the fries with olive oil. Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 16-18 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crispy.
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6Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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