Goat Cheese Air Fryer Magic: Quick, Crispy, Delicious!

Yes, you can cook goat's cheese in an air fryer! In fact, there are several recipes for cooking goat's cheese in an air fryer, including goat's cheese balls and fritters, as well as goat's cheese slices to accompany a salad. The recipes vary, but generally, they involve freezing the goat's cheese, rolling it into balls, and coating it with flour, egg, and breadcrumbs before air-frying. The air fryer temperature is usually set between 370°F and 400°F, and the cooking time is typically around 5 to 8 minutes.

Goat cheese balls

Yes, you can cook goat cheese in an air fryer! In fact, you can make delicious, creamy, crunchy, and gooey goat cheese balls in an air fryer. This is a simple recipe with very few ingredients, and it can be prepared in advance and stored in the freezer.

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make goat cheese balls in an air fryer:

• Goat cheese
• Flour
• Egg
• Breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Honey (optional)
• Thyme (optional)

Method

• Divide the goat cheese into 12-24 portions and roll them into balls. Place them on a plate or baking sheet and freeze for at least 20 minutes.
• While the cheese balls are freezing, prepare three small bowls: one with flour, one with a beaten egg, and one with breadcrumbs.
• Remove the cheese balls from the freezer and dredge them in the flour, then dip them in the beaten egg, and finally, coat them with breadcrumbs.
• Place the coated cheese balls on a plate or sheet pan and spray them with a light coat of olive oil or cooking spray.
• Preheat your air fryer to 370-400°F. Arrange the cheese balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Air fry the cheese balls for about 5-8 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
• Serve immediately. For an extra touch of decadence, drizzle the cheese balls with honey and garnish with thyme.

Tips and Variations

• You can use plain goat cheese or flavored varieties such as herb-flavored, honey-flavored, or garlic and herb-flavored goat cheese.
• For a festive touch, try using seasonal flavors like cranberry or cinnamon-flavored goat cheese.
• Flaky sea salt or chopped nuts can be used as a garnish.
• You can roll and freeze the goat cheese balls ahead of time and store them in a freezer-safe bag. Breaded cheese balls can also be frozen for later use.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week and reheated in the air fryer.

Gluten-free alternatives

Goat cheese balls are a popular choice for cooking in an air fryer, and they can be made gluten-free.

To make gluten-free goat cheese balls, you will need gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can make your own breadcrumbs by toasting a slice of gluten-free bread in the air fryer and then processing it into crumbs. Alternatively, you can use store-bought gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.

Once you have your gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs, the process for making the goat cheese balls is the same as the standard recipe. Cut the goat cheese log into 8 to 12 pieces and roll them into balls. Place the balls on a plate and freeze them for 20 to 30 minutes. While the cheese balls are freezing, create three dredging stations with bowls of flour, beaten egg, and breadcrumbs. You can add Italian seasoning, minced onion, crushed red pepper, and black pepper to the breadcrumbs for extra flavour.

Remove the goat cheese balls from the freezer and dredge them in the flour, then the egg, and finally the breadcrumbs. Place the coated balls in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each ball to ensure they get crispy. Spray the balls with olive oil or cooking spray and air fry at 370°F to 400°F for 6 to 8 minutes, or until they are golden brown.

Serve the goat cheese balls immediately with a drizzle of honey and a garnish of thyme or flaky sea salt. You can also serve them with a variety of dips, such as honey, classic tzatziki, mutabbal, or smoky barbecue sauce.

Flavoured goat cheese

Yes, you can cook flavoured goat cheese in an air fryer. In fact, it is highly recommended to cook flavoured goat cheese in an air fryer as it provides an excellent way to avoid deep-frying in a lot of oil. The cheese will come out crunchy on the outside and creamy on the inside.

There are several ways to flavour goat cheese when cooking it in an air fryer. One popular method is to coat the goat cheese in a batter made from eggs, flour, and breadcrumbs before air-frying. This creates a crispy exterior that pairs well with the creamy goat cheese. You can also experiment with different types of breadcrumbs, such as panko, to add extra crunch and texture.

Another way to flavour goat cheese in the air fryer is to use different types of goat cheese. For example, you can use plain goat cheese, honey goat cheese, or herb-flavoured goat cheese. Each of these varieties will impart a unique flavour to the dish. Additionally, you can drizzle the cooked goat cheese balls with honey or a simple mix of fresh lemon juice and honey to enhance the flavour even further.

When cooking flavoured goat cheese in an air fryer, it is important to preheat the air fryer to the recommended temperature, which is typically between 370°F and 400°F. The cooking time will vary depending on the model of your air fryer, but on average, it should take around 5 to 8 minutes for the goat cheese to become golden brown and crispy.

Goat cheese balls can also be prepared in advance and stored in the freezer for up to a month. When ready to serve, simply place them in the air fryer and cook until heated through. This makes flavoured goat cheese a convenient and impressive appetizer or salad addition for any occasion.

Reheating

If you're reheating frozen, pre-cooked goat cheese balls, you can follow the same instructions, but you may need to add a couple of minutes to the cooking time.

You can also reheat goat cheese slices in the air fryer. Place the slices in the air fryer basket and cook for 4 minutes. Flip the slices over and cook for another 4 minutes, or until browned.

Goat cheese balls and slices can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Dipping sauces

Goat cheese balls are a perfect appetizer, but they can be a bit heavy and rich. A dipping sauce can help cut through the heaviness and provide a contrast of flavours and textures. Here are some ideas for dipping sauces to serve with your air-fried goat cheese balls:

Honey

A popular choice, honey pairs perfectly with the salty, tangy goat cheese. You can use plain honey or, for an extra kick, try hot honey. Drizzle the honey over the warm goat cheese balls and enjoy the contrast of sweet and savoury.

Fruit Preserves

Warmed fruit preserves, such as raspberry, blackberry, or blueberry, can also be a great choice for a dipping sauce. The sweetness of the fruit preserves will complement the tanginess of the goat cheese, creating a delicious flavour combination.

Marinara Sauce

For something a little different, try serving your goat cheese balls with a marinara sauce. The tangy, savoury flavour of the marinara will cut through the richness of the goat cheese, providing a refreshing contrast.

Lemon Juice

For a fresh and tangy dipping sauce, simply squeeze some fresh lemon juice. The acidity of the lemon juice will balance out the richness of the goat cheese, creating a bright and refreshing flavour profile.

Herbs and Spices

Enhance the flavour of your goat cheese balls by adding herbs and spices to your dipping sauce. Try herbs such as basil, chives, dill, or thyme, or spices like paprika, cayenne, or garlic powder. You can also get creative and experiment with different combinations of herbs and spices to find your favourite flavour.

Nuts and Seeds

For added texture and flavour, incorporate chopped nuts or seeds into your dipping sauce. Almonds, walnuts, pistachios, or pumpkin seeds can provide a crunchy contrast to the creamy goat cheese, taking the taste experience to the next level.

Frequently asked questions