Oh heck yes — Air Fryer Cheese Straws are a crispy, cheesy, buttery snack dream. They’re Southern-inspired, dangerously addictive, and way quicker in the air fryer than in the oven. Think puff pastry + cheese + golden crunch = snack heaven.
Here’s a no-fuss recipe that hits just right:
Air Fryer Cheese Straws
Ingredients:
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1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
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1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)
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1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
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½ teaspoon paprika
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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Optional: pinch of cayenne or black pepper for a kick
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Flour, for dusting
Instructions:
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Prep the Puff Pastry:
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Lightly flour your surface and roll out the thawed puff pastry just a bit to smooth it out.
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Brush with beaten egg.
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Add the Cheese & Spices:
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Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the pastry.
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Sprinkle on paprika, garlic powder, and any extras (cayenne = ).
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Press gently into the dough with a rolling pin or your hands.
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Fold & Cut:
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Fold the pastry in half (cheese inside), then gently roll again to flatten slightly.
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Cut into thin strips (about ½-inch wide and 4–6 inches long).
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Twist each strip a few times to make the classic cheese straw shape.
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Air Fry:
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Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
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Place a few straws in the basket (don’t crowd them — they puff!), and air fry for 6–8 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
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Let cool slightly (they crisp more as they cool).
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Tips:
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You can use pre-made puff pastry OR make a homemade cheese dough (like a savory shortbread) if you’re feeling ambitious.
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Sharp cheddar works best for flavor, but you can mix in Parmesan or pepper jack for variety.
Variations:
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Herby: Add thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning to the cheese.
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Sweet & Savory: Add a touch of honey before baking with a sharp cheese like Gruyère.
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Spicy: Use hot pepper cheese and cayenne for heat-lovers
Want a gluten-free or keto-friendly version next? I can remix it for you!