Air Fryer Cheese Balls: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a great way to cook cheese balls, and the cooking time will depend on the type of cheese ball and the fryer quality. For example, macaroni and cheese balls will take around 8-10 minutes, while plain goat cheese balls will take 6-8 minutes. Frozen cheese balls can be cooked in an air fryer, but it is recommended to defrost them first for the best results. The cooking time for frozen cheese balls is around 5-7 minutes.

Macaroni and cheese balls

Ingredients

• Leftover macaroni and cheese
• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs (panko or plain)
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Grated sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
• Olive oil or avocado oil spray
• Dipping sauces (optional)

Method

• Prepare your macaroni and cheese according to the packet instructions or a recipe. It's important to use a recipe that will create a thick sauce, as this will help the balls hold together.
• Allow the macaroni and cheese to cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until completely chilled and firm.
• Line a baking sheet or tray with parchment paper and set aside.
• If desired, stir in some grated sharp cheddar cheese until evenly combined. This will make the macaroni and cheese balls extra cheesy.
• Using a small scoop or tablespoon, portion out the macaroni and cheese and roll into balls, squeezing so they hold together. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour.
• In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Whisk the eggs in a separate bowl and set aside.
• Remove the baking sheet from the freezer and dip each macaroni and cheese ball into the egg mixture, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
• Place the coated balls into the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each ball to allow for air circulation. You may need to cook in batches.
• Spray the macaroni and cheese balls with olive oil or avocado oil spray to help them crisp up.
• Air fry at between 350°F and 380°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time.
• Serve immediately with your favourite dipping sauce, such as BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, fry sauce, or blue cheese dressing.

Tips

• If you are making the macaroni and cheese on the same day, it will need to be refrigerated for at least 4 hours to ensure it holds together when rolled into balls.
• If your macaroni and cheese is not firm enough to roll into balls, place the balls in the freezer to firm up for 30 minutes before air frying.
• If you don't have an air fryer, you can bake the macaroni and cheese balls in the oven at 400°F for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, or pan-fry them in a skillet for 3-4 minutes.
• This recipe is a great way to use up leftover macaroni and cheese, but if you don't have any leftovers, you can use a boxed mix or make a fresh batch.

Goat cheese balls

Ingredients:

• Goat cheese (8 oz)
• Flour (2-3 tbsp)
• Egg
• Panko breadcrumbs (2/3-1/2 cup)
• Olive oil/cooking spray
• Honey (optional)
• Thyme (optional)

Instructions:

Start by dividing the goat cheese into 12 equal portions and rolling them into balls. Place them on a plate or baking sheet and freeze for at least 20 minutes.

Next, create a dredging station with three small bowls. Add flour to the first bowl, beat the egg in the second bowl, and put the breadcrumbs in the third bowl.

Take the goat cheese balls out of the freezer and roll each ball in the flour, followed by the egg, and finally, the breadcrumbs. Make sure each ball is evenly coated. Return the coated balls to the baking sheet and repeat the process until all the balls are breaded.

For the best results, spray the goat cheese balls with a light coat of olive oil or cooking spray. This step will help the balls crisp up and turn golden brown.

Place the goat cheese balls in a single layer in your air fryer basket and cook at 370-400°F for 5-8 minutes, until they are golden brown.

You can serve the goat cheese balls as-is, or drizzle them with honey and garnish with thyme for an added touch of flavor. Enjoy!

Tips:

• Do not skip freezing the goat cheese balls, as this step helps prevent the cheese from melting and the balls from falling apart during cooking.
• You can use regular or gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs, depending on your preference or dietary needs.
• If you want to get creative, try using flavored goat cheese, such as garlic and herb or honey. You can also stir in additional mix-ins to the cheese before rolling it into balls.
• Goat cheese balls can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer for up to two weeks. When ready to serve, simply air fry them for about 8 minutes.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week and reheated in the air fryer.

Crispy cheese bites

These crispy cheese bites are the perfect snack for any occasion. They are super easy to make and will be gone in a flash!

Ingredients

• Mozzarella string cheese sticks
• Flour
• Eggs
• Water
• Breadcrumbs or panko
• Italian herbs
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Marinara sauce or other dipping sauce

Optional Ingredients

• Bacon
• Garlic powder
• Salt

Method

• Cut each cheese stick into four even pieces to make 24 pieces in total.
• Place the flour in one bowl.
• Whisk the eggs and water in a separate bowl.
• Whisk the breadcrumbs or panko, Italian herbs, and salt in a third bowl. You can also add in some garlic powder and bacon for extra flavour.
• Dip each cheese cube in flour and tap off any excess, then dip them in the egg, and finally into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure they are thoroughly coated.
• Place the coated cheese cubes into the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer and not touching.
• Spray the cheese cubes with cooking spray and cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden.
• Serve with your favourite dipping sauce and enjoy!

Tips

• If you want to make these cheese bites ahead of time, you can freeze them after coating with the breading. Then, when you are ready to serve, pop them into your air fryer for about 8 minutes.
• For an extra crispy texture, spray the cheese bites with a light mist of olive oil or cooking spray before air frying.

Frozen cheese balls

Cooking Frozen Cheese Balls in an Air Fryer

Cheese balls are a popular dish worldwide, often eaten for breakfast or lunch. They can be cooked in a variety of ways, but one of the best methods is to use an air fryer, which evenly distributes heat for a perfectly cooked result. This guide will outline the steps for cooking frozen cheese balls in an air fryer, including the ideal temperature and timing, as well as some useful tips for achieving the best results.

Ingredients and Preparation

The ingredients for frozen cheese balls can vary according to personal preference. Some common options include olive or vegetable oil, and vegetables such as cabbage and cauliflower. You can also add meat to your cheese balls. Before cooking, it is recommended to thaw the frozen cheese balls for 3-5 minutes and apply some olive oil to ensure even cooking.

Cooking Instructions

Start by preheating your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes suggest cooking cheese balls at temperatures between 350°F and 390°F. Place the cheese balls in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not touching. This helps to ensure even cooking.

Cooking time can vary depending on the type of cheese ball and the specifications of your air fryer. For simple vegetable cheese balls, 5 minutes may be sufficient, while more complex varieties may require up to 10 minutes. It is always a good idea to keep an eye on your cheese balls to avoid overcooking.

Tips for Success

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Cook in batches if necessary.
• There is no need to add oil spray to the cheese balls before cooking, as this is already included in the crust.
• For a crispier texture, cook the cheese balls directly from frozen without thawing them first.
• Serve your cheese balls with your favourite dipping sauce, such as marinara, ranch, or BBQ sauce.

Cooking frozen cheese balls in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy this popular dish. By following the steps outlined above, you can achieve perfectly cooked cheese balls with a crispy exterior and a melted, cheesy interior. So, get your air fryer ready and enjoy this delicious treat!

Cooking time

The cooking time for cheese balls in an air fryer varies depending on the type of cheese ball and the desired level of doneness. Here is a detailed breakdown of the cooking times for different types of cheese balls:

Mac and Cheese Balls

For air-fried mac and cheese balls, the cooking time generally ranges from 6 to 10 minutes. This timing ensures that the exterior of the balls becomes golden brown while the inside remains warm and soft. It is important to note that the specific time may vary depending on the efficiency and model of your air fryer.

Frozen Cheese Balls

When cooking frozen cheese balls in an air fryer, the recommended cooking time is around 10 minutes. This timing ensures that the cheese balls are cooked through and crispy. However, it is always a good idea to keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Goat Cheese Balls

Goat cheese balls typically require a cooking time of 6 to 8 minutes in the air fryer. Freezing the goat cheese balls before cooking helps to prevent the cheese from oozing out, ensuring a neat final product.

Crispy Cheese Bites

For crispy cheese bites made with mozzarella string cheese, a cooking time of 8 to 10 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended. This results in a crunchy exterior and a gooey, melted cheese center.

General Tips:

• It is important to ensure that the cheese balls are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket and are placed in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
• Preheating the air fryer before adding the cheese balls is crucial for optimal cooking results.
• For an even crispier texture, consider spraying the cheese balls with a light coating of olive oil or cooking spray before air frying.
• Depending on your desired level of doneness, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Keep a close eye on the cheese balls during the final minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking or burning.
• Always refer to the specific recipe you are following for precise cooking instructions, as different recipes may have slight variations in ingredients or preparation methods that can affect cooking time.

Frequently asked questions