After some trial and error, I perfected the easiest recipe for air fryer mozzarella balls that are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside.
Trust me, once you try these crispy, cheesy bites of goodness, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought again.
Why I love making Mozzarella Balls at home in Air fryer?
I have always been a fan of mozzarella balls, but it wasn’t until I tried making them in an air fryer that I truly fell in love.
The air fryer gives these little cheesy goodness a perfect golden crust while keeping the inside wonderfully gooey.
Plus, it’s a healthier alternative to deep-frying, as it requires less oil without compromising on taste.
Ingredients
To make these delectable cheese bites, you’ll need:
Mozzarella balls: Choose fresh and high-quality mozzarella for the best results.
Flour: Use all-purpose flour to coat the mozzarella balls. This will help the egg wash stick to the mozzarella balls.
Eggs: Beat a couple of eggs for the egg wash, which will act as the adhesive for the breadcrumbs.
Breadcrumbs: Opt for regular bread crumbs or panko breadcrumbs.
Salt and pepper: Season to taste.
Olive oil: I use a cooking spray for my olive oil.
Italian seasoning: I use a mix of garlic powder and parsley.
How to make Air Fried Mozzarella Cheese Balls
Step 1
Start by setting up a breading station.
Place the flour in one shallow bowl, whisked eggs in another, and breadcrumbs mixed with salt and pepper in a third bowl.
Usually, fresh mozzarella balls are in the water. In that case, after draining them, dry them with a paper towel.
Step 2
Cover one mozzarella ball in flour, shaking off any excess.
Then, dip it into the beaten egg, ensuring it is fully coated.
Finally, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere to the breadcrumb coating.
Repeat the process with the remaining mozzarella balls. I always do a good double breading, so dip again in the eggs and breadcrumbs.
Freeze breaded mozzarella for a minimum of 30 minutes.
Step 3
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Place the coated mozzarella balls in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Lightly spray the mozzarella balls with cooking oil to help them crisp up.
Cook for about 6 minutes. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
PRO-TIPS
- Make sure the cheese is fully coated in breadcrumbs before frying.
- Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the basket.
- Freeze the mozzarella balls for about 30 minutes before coating them. This helps keep the cheese from oozing out during cooking.
- Check during cooking; cooking time may vary for the different brands of air fryers.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
These crispy air-fried mozzarella balls are an easy appetizer and an excellent addition to any platter.
Serve them with warm marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or a tangy ranch dressing for dipping.
They’re the perfect party appetizer, a tasty snack for game nights, or whenever you’re craving a cheesy snack.
STORAGE of leftover Mozzarella Balls
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
They should stay fresh for up to 2-3 days. However, I must admit, they are best enjoyed when freshly made.
Reheating: To reheat the mozzarella balls, pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes until they’re warmed and the crust becomes crispy.
Freezer: If you want to save them later, place the cooled mozzarella balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or tin foil and freeze them until firm.
Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Faq’s
How do you stop mozzarella sticks from exploding in the air fryer?
To prevent mozzarella balls from exploding in the air fryer, freeze them for a few minutes before coating and cooking.
Can I use different types of cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is the classic choice, you can experiment with cheeses like cheddar, pepper jack, or brie. For the best results, ensure that the cheese has a melting point similar to mozzarella.
Can I bake these instead of using an air fryer?
You can bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 12-15 minutes or until golden and crispy.
Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Balls
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Air fryer mozzarella balls
Ingredients
- 16 mozzarella balls
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1⁄4 teaspoon each salt and black pepper
- 1⁄4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Cooking oil spray
Instructions
- Set up your breading station by preparing three bowls. In the first bowl, place the flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with salt and pepper for an extra kick of flavor.
- Drain the mozzarella balls if they are stored in water. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
- Start by rolling each one in the flour, shaking off any extra. Then, dip them into the egg mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Finally, roll them in the breadcrumb mixture, gently pressing to ensure the breadcrumbs stick. Repeat this process two times.
- Pop the coated mozzarella balls into the freezer for a minimum of 15 minutes.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly spray them with cooking oil to help them achieve that perfect, golden crispiness.
- Place the coated mozzarella balls into the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them for even cooking.
- Cook the mozzarella balls for about 6-8 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
- Carefully remove the mozzarella balls from the air fryer and let them cool.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
More air fryer appetizers:
Air Fryer Potato Wedges Recipe, the ultimate easy appetizer.
Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes, with just a few simple ingredients and the air fryer, you can make a delicious appetizer.
Air Fryer Onion Rings, serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious appetizer.
Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken, bite-sized pieces of chicken are crispy and delicious.