Air Fryer Hack: Crispy Fried Cheese Balls

Fried cheese balls are a delicious snack, side dish, or appetizer, and can be made in an air fryer for a healthier, less messy alternative to deep-frying. The process is simple: form balls of your chosen cheese, coat them in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, and then place them in the air fryer for a few minutes until golden brown. The exact temperature and timing will depend on the type of cheese you use. For example, macaroni and cheese balls should be cooked at 350-380°F for 6-10 minutes, while goat cheese balls are cooked at 400°F for 5 minutes.

Characteristics of Air-Fried Cheese Balls

Choosing the right cheese

When making fried cheese balls in an air fryer, there are several types of cheese that will work well. The key is to choose a semi-firm cheese with a mild flavour that will melt nicely.

A popular choice for fried cheese balls is gouda, but other options include Edam, Swiss, cheddar, Monterrey Jack, mozzarella, parmesan, and goat cheese. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even mix and match different types of cheese to create your own unique flavour profile.

It's important to avoid using pre-shredded cheese, as it is coated with anti-caking powders that can affect the melting process. Instead, opt for fresh cheese and shred it yourself using a box grater or a food processor. This will ensure that your cheese balls have the perfect creamy texture.

When selecting a cheese, consider the other ingredients you plan to use. For example, if you're making macaroni and cheese balls, you'll want to choose a cheese that pairs well with the pasta. Or, if you're making potato cheese balls, you'll need a cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella or cheddar.

Additionally, if you have dietary restrictions or preferences, you can choose a cheese that fits your needs. For example, if you're gluten-intolerant, opt for a gluten-free cheese option.

Lastly, don't be afraid to experiment and try different types of cheese until you find the one that suits your taste preferences. After all, the best part about making fried cheese balls is getting to enjoy all that gooey, cheesy goodness!

Preparing the coating

The coating is a key part of the fried cheese balls as it will give them their crunch and golden colour. To prepare the coating, you will need three separate bowls. In the first bowl, whisk an egg with a fork. You can also add milk to this bowl and whisk to combine. The second bowl will contain the dry ingredients. Add panko breadcrumbs, garlic salt, salt, smoked paprika, dried Italian seasoning, and cooked chopped bacon (optional) to the second bowl and stir to combine. You can also add other dry seasonings of your choice to create different flavour profiles. The third bowl will be used for the flour.

Once you have your three bowls set up, you can start the coating process. First, roll the chilled cheese into balls of about two tablespoons each. Then, take a ball and roll it in the flour, making sure to shake off any excess. Next, dip the floured ball into the egg mixture, followed by the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure the ball is completely coated in the breadcrumbs. Repeat this process for the remaining balls.

Shaping the balls

Shaping the cheese mixture into balls is a crucial step in making fried cheese balls in an air fryer. Here is a detailed guide to help you achieve the perfect shape:

Start by preparing your cheese mixture. For macaroni and cheese balls, this involves cooking the macaroni, mixing in the cheese sauce, milk, and margarine, and then chilling the mixture in the refrigerator for at least a couple of hours. For goat cheese balls, simply divide the goat cheese into portions.

Once your cheese mixture is ready, it's time to shape it into balls. For macaroni and cheese balls, take large chunks of the chilled mixture, about 2 tablespoons each, and roll them into balls. Place the shaped balls on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. For goat cheese balls, use your hands to shape the portions into balls, and place them on a small baking sheet or plate lined with parchment or wax paper.

The next step is crucial to ensuring the cheese balls hold their shape: freezing. Place the shaped cheese balls in the freezer for at least 20 minutes to stiffen them. This will help them maintain their shape during the cooking process.

Now your cheese balls are shaped and ready for the next step—coating and air frying!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for fried cheese balls in an air fryer vary depending on the type of cheese used and the desired level of crispiness. Here is a detailed guide:

When making fried goat cheese balls in an air fryer, preheat the appliance to 400°F. This temperature setting ensures that the cheese balls will become hot and crispy in a short amount of time. Once preheated, place the coated cheese balls in the air fryer basket and cook for about 5 minutes. This cooking time is sufficient to achieve a golden brown and crispy exterior while maintaining a warm and gooey centre.

For air fryer mac and cheese balls, the cooking temperature is slightly lower, ranging from 350°F to 380°F. At 350°F, cook the mac and cheese balls for a total of 9 to 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. If using a higher temperature of 380°F, cook the mac and cheese balls for 6 minutes, flip them, and then cook for an additional 6 minutes or until they reach the desired level of golden brown crispiness.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of the cheese balls and the specific air fryer model. Therefore, it is recommended to keep a close eye on the cheese balls during the cooking process to prevent overcooking or burning. Additionally, some recipes suggest spraying the cheese balls with non-stick cooking spray before placing them in the air fryer to enhance the crispiness of the exterior.

When making air-fried cheese curds, preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Cut or break the cheese into large chunks, and then dip them into a flour, egg, and panko breadcrumb coating, repeating the process for a double coating. Place the coated cheese curds in the air fryer basket, spray with additional cooking spray, and air fry for 3 to 4 minutes, shaking the basket every minute to ensure even cooking.

Dipping sauces

When it comes to dipping sauces, you can get creative and experiment with different options to find your favourite combinations. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Sweet and Tangy

A simple mix of fresh lemon juice and honey drizzled over the fried cheese balls adds a tangy and sweet dimension to the creamy, crunchy, and gooey cheese.

Spicy and Savory

For a Latin-inspired flavour, a guava dipping sauce pairs well with the savoury cheese. The tangy sweetness of the guava perfectly complements the cheese balls, creating a unique and tasty appetizer.

Classic Combinations

Some classic sauces that go well with fried cheese include ranch, barbecue, and sweet Thai chili sauce. These familiar flavours are always a crowd-pleaser and offer something for everyone's taste buds.

Creamy and Tangy

A honey mustard dipping sauce is a great option to pair with fried cheese balls. The tanginess of the mustard combined with the sweetness of honey creates a delicious contrast that enhances the flavour of the cheese.

Savory and Spicy

For those who enjoy a kick, a spicy catsup sauce made with Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, and garlic salt is a perfect choice. It adds a savoury and slightly spicy dimension to the cheese balls.

Other Options

Other sauces that can be explored include comeback sauce, ranch dressing, Jezebel sauce, remoulade, sweet chili sauce, and even a simple marinara sauce.

Feel free to experiment with different sauces and find the perfect pairing for your fried cheese balls!

Frequently asked questions