Air-Fried Boudin Balls: A Tasty, Quick Treat

Boudin balls are a popular Cajun dish made of rice, pork, and spices that are deep-fried and served with a dipping sauce. They can be time-consuming to make, but with an air fryer, they’re much easier and healthier. Air fryer boudin balls are just as crispy and delicious as the deep-fried version, but without the mess and hassle. Here is a guide on how to make boudin balls in an air fryer.

How to make the boudin mixture

To make the boudin mixture, you'll need to combine pork, rice, and spices. You can either make your own boudin from scratch or use store-bought boudin sausages and remove the casing. If your boudin is crumbly, add a bit of water and place it in the freezer for 10 minutes before forming it into balls.

If you want to make your own boudin, you'll need boneless pork shoulder, chicken livers, onion, celery, poblano pepper, jalapeno pepper, garlic, salt, ground black pepper, chili powder, cayenne pepper, cooked rice, parsley, and green onion. Start by stirring together the pork shoulder, livers, onion, celery, poblano pepper, jalapeno pepper, garlic, salt, ground black pepper, chili powder, and cayenne pepper. Cover and refrigerate this mixture for 2 hours to overnight.

Next, add enough water to cover the mixture by 2 inches, bring it to a boil, and then reduce the heat to low. Simmer until the meat is tender, about 1.5 hours. Remove from the heat and pour the mixture through a strainer, reserving the strained liquid and meat separately. Finely chop the drained meat mixture and stir it together with the rice, parsley, and green onion.

Gradually add the reserved cooking liquid to the meat and rice mixture, stirring until completely incorporated, until the mixture has a paste-like consistency. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, at least 2 hours to overnight.

Once your boudin mixture is ready, you can start forming it into small balls. If you're using store-bought boudin, simply shape the mixture into balls. If you want to bread your boudin balls, you can use a flour, egg, and breadcrumb coating. Gently press a ball into a flour mixture, shake off the excess flour, dip it into a beaten egg, and then press it into the breadcrumbs.

Forming the boudin balls

Another method is to simply form the boudin mixture into small balls and place them directly in the air fryer. This method is quicker and easier, but the balls may not have the same crispy texture as those that are breaded. You can also spray the balls with a light coating of oil before air frying to help them crisp up.

It's important to note that boudin balls can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer for up to three months if they are homemade, or six months if they are store-bought. When you're ready to cook them, simply place them in the air fryer frozen for the best results.

Breading the boudin balls

Take one of your boudin balls and gently press it into the flour mixture to coat it. Shake off any excess flour, then dip the ball into the beaten egg. Finally, press the ball into the breadcrumbs. Set the breaded ball aside on a plate and repeat the breading process with the remaining balls.

Once all the balls are breaded, they're ready to be cooked in the air fryer. Lightly spray them with oil and air fry for about 12 minutes at 400°F. Keep an eye on them, and they're done when they're golden brown and crispy.

Cooking the boudin balls in the air fryer

If you are making your own boudin mixture, form it into small balls and set them aside. You can also bread your boudin balls before frying. To do this, dip each ball in flour, then egg, and finally, breadcrumbs. Set them aside while you prepare the rest.

When you are ready to cook, place the boudin balls in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer. If you are using a Cosori air fryer, you don't need to spray the basket with cooking spray. However, if you are using a different type of air fryer, you may want to lightly coat the basket to prevent sticking.

Set the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 9 to 15 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your boudin balls. Keep an eye on them while they cook to ensure they don't burn. The boudin balls are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and no longer pink on the inside.

Serve your boudin balls immediately while they are still hot and crispy, with your favourite dipping sauce.

Serving suggestions

Boudin balls are a popular Cajun dish that can be served as an appetizer or a main course. They are delicious and easy to make in an air fryer, with a crispy exterior and a moist, savoury inside. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your boudin balls:

Dipping Sauces:

The most popular way to serve boudin balls is with a dipping sauce. You can offer a variety of sauces to suit different tastes, such as:

• Remoulade sauce, a traditional French sauce made with mayonnaise, mustard, and herbs, is a classic pairing with boudin balls.
• Ranch dressing, a creamy and tangy sauce, can add a refreshing twist to the spicy boudin balls.
• Hot sauce, for those who enjoy an extra kick, will enhance the Cajun flavours of the dish.

Side Dishes:

If serving boudin balls as a main course, consider pairing them with side dishes that complement their hearty and flavourful nature:

• Broccoli Rabe with Onions and Red Pepper Flakes: This side dish adds a healthy and spicy kick to your meal.
• Creamy Parmesan-Polenta: A creamy and cheesy polenta can balance out the spiciness of the boudin balls.
• Sautéed Peppers and Onions: These vegetables provide a sweet and savoury contrast to the rich boudin balls.
• Small salads: A light salad can be a refreshing accompaniment to the hearty boudin balls.
• Simply cooked vegetables: Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or carrots can add a healthy and colourful touch to your plate.

Presentation Ideas:

The presentation of your boudin balls can also enhance their appeal:

• Serve them in a large bowl with a generous amount of sauce in the centre, inviting guests to dip and enjoy.
• Skewer the boudin balls and arrange them on a platter with the dipping sauce on the side, for a fun and interactive presentation.
• For a heartier meal, place the boudin balls in a hot dog bun with garnishes like sautéed onions or peppers.

With these serving suggestions, you can elevate your air-fried boudin balls into a delicious and impressive dish!

Frequently asked questions