Prepare the Cheese Curds:
Remove the cheese curds from the fridge and pat them dry with paper towels. Chilling the curds helps them hold their shape during frying.
Make the Batter:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and buttermilk until smooth.
Coat the Cheese Curds:
Dip each cheese curd into the flour mixture, then into the buttermilk mixture, and back into the flour mixture. For extra crunch, press the coated curds into breadcrumbs or cornmeal.
Heat the Oil:
In a deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed pot, heat vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C).
Fry the Cheese Curds:
Carefully drop the coated cheese curds into the hot oil in small batches. Fry for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the curds and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Serve:
Serve the fried cheese curds hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch, marinara, or spicy mayo