Goat Cheese Balls: Air Fryer Magic!

Air fryer goat cheese balls are a quick and easy snack or appetiser that can be made with just a few simple ingredients. The creamy goat cheese is coated in a crispy breading and cooked to golden perfection in an air fryer, providing a delicious contrast in textures. This recipe is perfect for those looking for a healthier alternative to deep-fried cheese balls, without compromising on taste.

How to Make Goat Cheese Balls in an Air Fryer

How to make the goat cheese into balls

To make the goat cheese into balls, start by dividing the goat cheese into 12 portions and rolling them into balls. You can use a melon baller to make them a uniform size. Place the goat cheese balls on a baking sheet or plate lined with parchment or wax paper and freeze them for 20 minutes.

Next, set up your breading station. Add flour to a small bowl, beat an egg in a second small bowl, and add breadcrumbs to a third small bowl. Panko breadcrumbs are recommended for a crispy texture, but regular breadcrumbs will also work. You can also add different herbs and spices to the flour for extra flavour.

Now, it's time to bread the goat cheese balls. Roll each frozen ball of goat cheese in the flour, dip it in the egg, and then coat it with the breadcrumbs. Make sure to coat the balls thoroughly at each step. Return the coated goat cheese balls to the baking sheet and repeat the process with the remaining balls.

At this point, you can choose to freeze the goat cheese balls again until you are ready to cook them. Freezing the balls helps to prevent the cheese from melting or oozing out during cooking.

When you are ready to cook, preheat your air fryer to 390-400°F (approximately 200°C). Spray the coated balls with cooking spray or olive oil, then place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each ball. Cook the goat cheese balls for 5-8 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

How to coat the goat cheese balls

To coat the goat cheese balls, you will need to set up a dredging station with three bowls. One bowl should contain flour, the second bowl should contain a beaten egg, and the third bowl should contain breadcrumbs.

First, roll the goat cheese into balls and place them on a plate or tray lined with parchment paper. Freeze the goat cheese balls for 20-30 minutes. This step is important as it helps the cheese balls keep their shape when fried.

Next, remove the goat cheese balls from the freezer. One by one, dredge or roll each ball in the flour, making sure to coat it thoroughly. Then, dip the floured cheese ball into the beaten egg, followed by the breadcrumbs. Place the coated cheese balls on a plate or tray.

Finally, spray the coated balls with a light coat of olive oil or cooking spray. This step will help the cheese balls crisp up and brown evenly when fried.

How to cook the goat cheese balls in the air fryer

How to Cook Goat Cheese Balls in an Air Fryer

Ingredients

• Goat cheese (8 oz)
• Flour (1/4 to 1/3 cup)
• Panko breadcrumbs (1/2 to 2/3 cup)
• 1 large egg
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Honey (optional)
• Thyme (optional)

Utensils

• Air fryer
• Small baking tray or plate
• 3 small bowls

Method

• Line a small baking tray or plate with parchment or wax paper.
• Divide the goat cheese into 12 to 24 portions and roll into balls.
• Place the balls on the lined tray or plate and freeze for 20 to 30 minutes.
• Add flour to the first small bowl. Beat the egg in the second small bowl. Add the breadcrumbs to the third small bowl.
• Remove the goat cheese balls from the freezer. One by one, roll each ball in the flour, then dip it in the egg, and finally, coat it in the breadcrumbs. Return the coated ball to the tray or plate and repeat the process with the remaining balls.
• Place the coated balls in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them. You may need to cook them in batches.
• Spray the balls with a light coat of olive oil or cooking spray.
• Set the air fryer to 390°F to 400°F and cook for 5 to 8 minutes, until golden brown.
• Optional: Drizzle the goat cheese balls with honey and garnish with thyme before serving.

Tips

• You can make the goat cheese balls ahead of time and store them in the freezer for up to a month.
• If you're making the balls in advance, coat them with the breadcrumbs first, then store them in a sealable plastic bag or airtight container in the freezer.
• If cooking the goat cheese balls from frozen, you may need to add a couple of minutes to the cooking time.

How to store and reheat the goat cheese balls

How to Store and Reheat Goat Cheese Balls

Goat cheese balls are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be made ahead and stored for later. If you plan to cook them within 48 hours, you can store the uncooked, coated goat cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For longer storage, it is best to freeze them. Place the coated cheese balls on a parchment paper-lined sheet pan and freeze for 1-2 hours until hard, then transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you are ready to cook the frozen goat cheese balls, you can air fry them directly from frozen. It may take a minute or two longer to cook, or you can let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.

If you have leftover cooked goat cheese balls, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can place them in the air fryer for about 4 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also heat a bit of oil in a large saute pan over medium heat and give the goat cheese balls a quick pan-fry until they are crispy on the outside and warmed through.

What to serve the goat cheese balls with

Goat cheese balls are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas on what to serve them with:

As an Appetizer or Snack

The crispy, creamy, warm, and gooey goat cheese balls can be served as a delicious appetizer or snack on their own. Their small, bite-sized form makes them perfect for popping into your mouth.

With Dips and Drizzles

A popular way to serve goat cheese balls is with a drizzle of honey, which complements the salty cheese with its sweetness. For a more indulgent option, try truffle honey. If you're not a fan of honey, you can also try classic dips like Tzatziki, Mutabbal, Smoky Barbecue Sauce, Honey Teriyaki, or Asian Plum Sauce. For a spicy kick, don't forget to try Harissa Paste.

Additionally, you can sprinkle the goat cheese balls with herbs like thyme or parsley for a pop of color, an earthy flavor, and an extra savory touch.

On a Salad

Goat cheese balls can be a delicious addition to a salad, providing a creamy and crunchy contrast to the greens and other ingredients. You can also pair them with a lemon-honey dressing, made by whisking together lemon juice and honey, to drizzle over the salad.

As Part of a Charcuterie Board

Goat cheese balls can be a tasty addition to a charcuterie board, offering a different texture and flavor to the selection of meats, cheeses, and other accompaniments.

With Fruit and Vegetable Sides

Goat cheese balls can be served with fruit or vegetable sides, like julienned carrots and cucumber, for a refreshing and healthy option. You can also toss these vegetables in a mango sauce for extra flavor.

As a Topping

These crispy cheese balls can be used as a topping for various dishes, such as pizzas, pastas, or bowls. They add a creamy, crunchy element that elevates the dish.

With Wine

If you're looking for the perfect beverage pairing, consider a glass of Sancerre, a Sauvignon blanc from the Loire valley. The same soil that grows the grapes for this wine is also home to many goats, so the flavors of the wine and goat cheese naturally complement each other.

For a red wine option, Cabernet Franc or Beaujolais are safe choices that will pair well with the goat cheese balls.

Frequently asked questions