Crispy Cottage Cheese Treats: 5 Irresistible Snacks You’ll Crave Daily Recipe

Introduction

Crispy cottage cheese treats are a delicious and healthy snack that combines creamy cottage cheese with savory seasonings and a golden, crunchy exterior. These bite-sized delights are perfect for when you want something satisfying yet light. Whether air-fried or baked, they’re sure to become your new favorite snack.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cottage cheese (small curd, full-fat or low-fat)
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: red chili flakes or Italian seasoning for extra flavor

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) or your oven to 400°F (205°C).
2. Step 2: Drain the excess moisture from the cottage cheese using a cheesecloth or fine mesh sieve. Press gently to remove as much liquid as possible.
3. Step 3: In a bowl, combine the drained cottage cheese, grated parmesan, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings. Mix well until the mixture is sticky and well combined.
4. Step 4: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and shape it into small balls or flattened mounds.
5. Step 5: For air frying, place the treats on a piece of parchment paper in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispness.
6. Step 6: For oven baking, arrange the treats on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy.
7. Step 7: Allow the treats to cool for 2 to 3 minutes before serving to let them firm up. Enjoy them warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips & Variations

• Use full-fat cottage cheese for richer flavor and better texture.
• Adding a pinch of red chili flakes or Italian seasoning can enhance the taste.
• Pressing the cottage cheese well ensures the crispiest result by reducing moisture.
• Try serving these treats with marinara, ranch, or a spicy aioli for extra flavor.

Storage

Store leftover treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to restore crispiness, avoiding the microwave which may soften them.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat or non-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, you can use low-fat cottage cheese, but full-fat typically yields a creamier texture and better taste. Non-fat versions may result in drier treats.

Can I make these treats without an air fryer?

Absolutely. Baking them in a preheated oven at 400°F (205°C) works well and produces a similar crispy texture.

Crispy Cottage Cheese Treats: 5 Irresistible Snacks You’ll Crave Daily Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 118 reviews

These Crispy Cottage Cheese Treats are delightful, protein-packed snacks perfect for daily cravings. Made with simple ingredients like cottage cheese and parmesan, they’re seasoned with garlic and onion powders, then cooked to golden perfection using either an air fryer or oven. Crispy on the outside yet creamy inside, these treats offer a flavorful bite that pairs wonderfully with your favorite dipping sauces.

• Author: Tim
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes (air fryer) or 15 minutes (oven)
• Total Time: 20-25 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 10–12 treats 1x
• Category: Snacks
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

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Base Ingredients

• 1 cup cottage cheese (small curd, full-fat or low-fat)
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Seasonings

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: red chili flakes or Italian seasoning for extra flavor

Instructions

1. Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) or oven to 400°F (205°C) to ensure the cooking environment is ready and will crisp the treats perfectly.
2. Drain: Use a cheesecloth or fine mesh sieve to drain excess moisture from the cottage cheese by pressing gently. This step is crucial to prevent sogginess and help the treats firm up during cooking.
3. Mix: In a bowl, combine the drained cottage cheese, parmesan cheese, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is uniform and sticky enough to hold shape.
4. Form: Using a tablespoon, scoop portions of the mixture and shape each into small balls or flatten into mounds according to your preference for texture.
5. Cook: For air fryer: place the treats on parchment paper inside the air fryer basket and cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping them halfway through to brown evenly. For oven: arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden and crispy on the outside.
6. Cool: Allow the treats to rest for 2–3 minutes after cooking; this helps them firm up and enhances the crispy texture. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy.

Notes

• Draining the cottage cheese thoroughly ensures crispiness and prevents sogginess.
• You can customize the seasoning by adding red chili flakes or Italian seasoning for a spicier or herb-infused snack.
• These treats are best enjoyed warm but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in the air fryer.
• For a gluten-free option, verify cornstarch brand labels to ensure no cross-contamination.
• Use parchment paper in both air fryer and oven to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.

Keywords: cottage cheese snacks, crispy cheese bites, healthy snacks, air fryer snack recipes, low fat snacks, parmesan treats