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

Air fryers are a fantastic way to cook a wide variety of foods, from chicken to fish to vegetables and even desserts. They are also a great way to make cheese bites, which are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. You can use a variety of cheeses, such as mozzarella, goat cheese, cheddar, or gouda, and the bites can be served as an appetizer or a snack. The preparation is simple and only requires a few common ingredients. The cheese is cut into portions and frozen, then coated in flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs before being cooked in the air fryer. The result is a delicious, crispy, and cheesy treat that can be served with a variety of dipping sauces.

Mac and cheese bites

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of leftover mac and cheese
• 1 cup of Italian breadcrumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon of paprika
• 1/2 cup of marinara sauce for dipping
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• Nonstick cooking spray
• Salt, to taste

Method:

• Using cold leftover mac and cheese and a cookie scoop, scoop out the mac and cheese and roll it into a ball using the palm of your hand. Place them on a piece of parchment paper.
• Once they are all rolled, place the balls in the freezer for 30 minutes to an hour.
• In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, dried parsley, paprika, and salt.
• In another small bowl, beat the eggs and set aside.
• When the mac and cheese balls are chilled, roll them first in the egg mixture, then in the breadcrumb mixture.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray the tops of the bites with nonstick cooking spray to make them extra crispy.
• Place the mac and cheese balls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't touch.
• Air fry for 5 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until golden.
• Serve immediately with marinara sauce on the side, if desired.

Tips:

• Spray the tops of the bites with nonstick cooking spray before cooking to make them extra crispy.
• Don't take the leftover mac and cheese out of the refrigerator until you're ready to form the bites. Keeping the pasta chilled will help them hold together more easily.
• Leave space between each of the mac and cheese bites in the air fryer basket so the hot air can properly circulate and fry the exteriors.

Goat cheese bites

Air Fryer Goat Cheese Bites

Ingredients:

• Goat cheese (at room temperature)
• All-purpose flour
• Garlic powder
• Eggs
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Olive oil
• Honey (optional)
• Fresh parsley (optional)

Optional extras for serving:

• Pizza sauce
• Ranch sauce
• Spicy honey (mix honey with Tabasco sauce)

Utensils:

• Air fryer
• Shallow dishes/bowls
• Fork
• Plate/baking sheet
• Paper towels

Method:

Start by preparing the goat cheese. Divide the goat cheese into small, equal portions, each roughly the size of ½ tablespoon. Then, roll each piece into a ball using your hands. Place the goat cheese balls onto a parchment paper-lined plate and freeze for 1 hour.

Next, prepare the flour mixture. Place the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, ground pepper, and salt in a shallow dish and mix until well combined. In a separate shallow dish, place the beaten egg. In another shallow dish, add the panko breadcrumbs.

Remove the cheese balls from the freezer. Dip each ball into the beaten egg, then transfer to the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating. Dip the cheese balls into the egg again, and then into the panko, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick.

Place the coated cheese balls into the air fryer basket and spray with a thin layer of olive oil. Turn the balls and spray the other side. Air fry at 390ºF for 6 minutes, or until golden brown, turning halfway through.

Before serving, move the goat cheese balls onto a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Allow to cool for 5 minutes, then serve. For an extra touch, drizzle with honey and garnish with fresh parsley.

Tips:

• If you prefer your goat cheese a little softer, let it sit at room temperature for about an hour before using it.
• You can make these cheese bites in advance and freeze them, cooking them only when you're ready to eat.
• Don't forget to freeze the cheese bites before air-frying them—this will help them hold their shape.
• If you're making a big batch, you can freeze the cheese bites again after breading, just to be safe.
• If you're reheating the cheese bites and they're a little soggy, try air-frying them at a lower temperature (around 350ºF) to help them crisp up.
• You can store leftover goat cheese bites in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Enjoy!

Crispy cheese bites

These air-fried cheese bites are the perfect snack or appetizer for any occasion. They are crispy, crunchy, and gooey—a delicious combination! This recipe will guide you through the simple process of making these mouth-watering treats using an air fryer.

Ingredients

• Mozzarella string cheese sticks or goat cheese
• All-purpose flour
• Breadcrumbs or panko
• Italian herbs or garlic powder
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Dipping sauce of your choice (optional)

Instructions

Start by cutting the cheese sticks into even pieces. Place the flour in one bowl, whisk the eggs with water in a second bowl, and combine the breadcrumbs, Italian herbs or garlic powder, and salt in a third bowl. Create an assembly line with these bowls.

Now, it's time to coat your cheese cubes! First, dip them in the flour and tap off any excess. Then, coat them with the egg mixture, followed by the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure each cube is thoroughly coated before placing them in the air fryer basket.

Lightly coat the cheese cubes with cooking spray or olive oil. This will help them achieve that desirable crispy texture. Place them in the air fryer at 350-390 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as you don't want the cheese to melt too much!

Finally, serve these crispy cheese bites with your favourite dipping sauce. They are best enjoyed warm, straight out of the air fryer!

Tips and Variations

• For an extra crispy coating, freeze the cheese cubes for about an hour before coating them.
• If you're making these ahead of time, freeze the coated cheese cubes and air-fry them just before serving.
• Get creative with your cheese choices! You can use mozzarella, goat cheese, pepper jack, white cheddar, or any other cheese that melts well.
• Experiment with different dipping sauces to find your perfect pairing. Some popular options include marinara sauce, pizza sauce, or ranch.

Freezing and reheating cheese bites

Freezing cheese bites is a great way to make them ahead of time and have them on hand for a quick snack or appetizer. Here is a detailed guide on freezing and reheating cheese bites:

Freezing Cheese Bites:

• Prepare the cheese bites according to your chosen recipe. This could include making goat cheese balls, mac and cheese balls, or cutting mozzarella sticks into bite-sized pieces.
• Freeze the cheese bites in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined plate or baking sheet. This prevents them from sticking together and makes it easier to store them.
• Once frozen solid, transfer the cheese bites to an airtight container or freezer bag. Label the container with the date and store them in the freezer for up to two months.

Reheating Cheese Bites:

There are a few different methods you can use to reheat your frozen cheese bites:

• Air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F to 390°F. Place the frozen cheese bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 5-8 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the frozen cheese bites on a foil-lined or parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for a few minutes until warm and crispy.
• Microwave: Place the frozen cheese bites on a microwave-safe plate and heat on medium power for 3 minutes, or until heated through.

Keep in mind that the cooking times may vary depending on the size and type of cheese bites you are reheating. Always keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking or melting.

Now you can enjoy your delicious, crispy cheese bites any time you crave them!

Dipping sauces

Air fryer cheese bites are a versatile snack, perfect for any occasion. They can be served as a snack, an appetiser, or a side dish. The best part is that you can experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, goat cheese, pepper jack, or white cheddar.

The cheese bites are crispy, crunchy, and gooey, with a melty cheese centre. They pair well with a variety of dipping sauces, including:

• Marinara sauce
• Pizza sauce
• Ranch dressing
• Honey
• Hot honey
• Blue cheese dressing
• Buffalo sauce
• Honey Sriracha sauce
• BBQ sauce

For a spicier option, you can even serve the cheese bites with a zesty marinara sauce, mixed with crushed red pepper.

Frequently asked questions