Air-Fryer Mozzarella Balls: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Making mozzarella balls in an air fryer is a great way to enjoy a crispy, crunchy snack without the excess grease of deep frying. This recipe is perfect as an appetizer or snack and can be served with a variety of dips such as marinara sauce, ranch, or salsa. The key to this recipe is to use an egg wash to keep the gooey cheese inside and the breadcrumbs stuck to the sides. Freezing the cheese before cooking is also important to prevent the cheese from melting out of the crust. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy homemade mozzarella balls that are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside!

How to make the dough for mozzarella balls

To make the dough for mozzarella balls, you'll need the following ingredients:

• Mozzarella cheese
• Cornstarch
• Water
• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Parchment paper
• Pizza dough
• Butter
• Flour

Start by mixing shredded mozzarella cheese with cornstarch and water in a large bowl. Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls and place them on a parchment-covered baking sheet. Freeze until firm but not frozen solid.

Next, prepare three separate bowls. In one bowl, add beaten eggs. In the second bowl, combine breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning and a pinch of salt. The third bowl should contain flour.

Now, it's time to coat the mozzarella balls. Dip each solid cheese ball first in the flour, then in the egg, and finally, roll it in the breadcrumbs. Repeat the egg wash and breading steps for a double coating, which will help prevent the cheese from leaking out during cooking. Place the coated cheese balls back on the baking sheet and freeze for about 20 minutes.

At this stage, you can choose to freeze the coated cheese balls for later use. They can be stored in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to a week before air frying.

Preheat your air fryer to around 350°F to 360°F. Once preheated, place the mozzarella balls into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with some space between them. Spray the balls with cooking spray or brush them with oil to help achieve a golden brown colour.

Cook the mozzarella balls for about 5 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket every few minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Serve your homemade mozzarella balls with a simple marinara sauce or your favourite dipping sauce. Enjoy!

How to bread mozzarella balls

Mozzarella balls are a great snack, appetizer, or game-day treat. Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to bread mozzarella balls for that perfect crispy, crunchy texture:

Step 1: Prepare the Coatings

First, you'll need three separate bowls for the coatings. In the first bowl, mix the dry ingredients for the flour mixture: all-purpose flour, cornstarch (optional), and seasonings like salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning. You can also add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

In the second bowl, prepare an egg wash by whisking together eggs and a small amount of milk (optional).

The third bowl will contain the breadcrumbs. You can use regular breadcrumbs or Japanese-style Panko breadcrumbs, which are lighter, flakier, and absorb less oil. For extra flavour, use Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs or mix in some Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or Parmesan cheese.

Step 2: Coat the Cheese

Now it's time to coat your cheese! You can use either string cheese cut into bite-sized pieces or fresh mozzarella formed into small balls.

Take each piece of cheese and dredge it in the flour mixture, making sure to coat all sides. Then, dip it into the egg wash, followed by the breadcrumbs. For an extra crispy coating, double-dip by repeating the egg wash and breadcrumb steps.

Place the coated cheese pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet and set them in the freezer while you preheat your air fryer. This step will help prevent the cheese from melting too quickly and leaking out during cooking.

Step 3: Air Fry the Mozzarella Balls

Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 390°F. Place the mozzarella balls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't touch each other. Spray the balls liberally with cooking spray.

Cook the mozzarella balls for about 5 to 8 minutes, until they are golden brown and crispy. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and to check for doneness.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Mozzarella balls are best served hot and crispy straight out of the air fryer. You can serve them as-is or with a side of your favourite dipping sauce, such as marinara sauce or ranch dressing.

Tips for Success:

• Don't skip preheating the air fryer, as this is crucial for achieving that crispy texture.
• Always freeze the coated cheese before air frying to prevent the cheese from melting and leaking out.
• Use an oil mister or cooking spray to help the breadcrumbs brown and crisp up.
• Cook the mozzarella balls in a single layer to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
• Shake the air fryer basket periodically during cooking to promote even browning and cooking.
• If you're making a large batch, keep the cooked mozzarella balls warm in a low-temperature oven until ready to serve.

Now you're ready to bread and fry your own delicious mozzarella balls at home! Enjoy the cheesy, crispy goodness.

How to cook mozzarella balls in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Mozzarella cheese sticks
• Cornstarch
• Breadcrumbs (Italian, Panko, or regular)
• Eggs
• Flour
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Italian seasoning (optional)

Method

• Cut the mozzarella cheese sticks into thirds or halves to make bite-sized pieces.
• Prepare three separate bowls for dredging: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. For extra flavour, you can add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and/or Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs, and season with salt and pepper.
• Dip each piece of cheese first in flour, then in egg, and finally roll in the breadcrumbs. For best results, double-coat the cheese pieces by repeating the process.
• Place the coated cheese pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 15 minutes or up to overnight.
• Preheat your air fryer to between 350-390°F.
• Place the frozen cheese pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the basket. Spritz or spray with olive oil or cooking spray.
• Air fry for 5-8 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep an eye on the mozzarella balls to prevent overcooking, which can cause them to explode.
• Serve immediately with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.

Tips

• To prevent mozzarella sticks from exploding in the air fryer, it is important to double-bread them, ensuring that all sides of the cheese are coated with egg wash and breadcrumbs.
• Freezing the cheese pieces before air frying helps to prevent the cheese from melting out of the crust.
• If you have leftover mozzarella balls, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, but the breading may become soggy. To prevent this, keep them in a paper bag or place a paper towel in the container to absorb moisture.
• You can also freeze the uncooked, coated cheese pieces for up to a month and air fry them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

How to store mozzarella balls

Mozzarella balls are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, there are some steps you can take to store them. However, please note that they won't keep very well in the fridge, and the breading can get soggy fast.

If you need to store them, place them in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture. You can also use a closed paper bag to help draw out the moisture. With these methods, your mozzarella balls should last in the fridge for up to four days.

Alternatively, you can store them in the freezer. Freeze them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag once they're frozen solid. They'll keep for up to three months this way. When you're ready to enjoy them, there's no need to thaw—just pop them into your air fryer!

What to serve with mozzarella balls

There are many options for what to serve with mozzarella balls. Here are some ideas:

As a Side Dish

Mozzarella balls can be served as a side dish to a main course. They pair well with grilled vegetables, such as grilled marinated vegetables, or with a simple pasta dish like hot penne tossed with raw tomato and olive oil.

As an Appetizer

Mozzarella balls also make a great appetizer, especially when served with a dipping sauce. Try serving them with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or even a spicy option like Candied Jalapeno Ranch. For a more interactive appetizer, serve the mozzarella balls with a variety of dipping sauces and let your guests choose their favourite!

As Part of a Larger Meal

Mozzarella balls can also be incorporated into a larger meal, such as a charcuterie board or a simple salad with sliced raw produce like tomatoes, peaches, or cucumbers. For a heartier option, add some sliced salumi, cured sausage, or ham. Don't forget the bread! Mozzarella balls go well with crusty French bread or baguette.

Frequently asked questions