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Air Fryer Cheese Balls

These air fryer cheese balls are a crispy, cheesy snack that cooks up in about 10 minutes, featuring a golden breadcrumb exterior and a soft, gooey interior. Perfect for entertaining or as a quick side dish.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cheese Mixture
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix) Choose your favorite cheese mix for flavor.
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened This adds creaminess to the filling.
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs Use for coating the cheese balls.
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds flavor and helps with browning.
  • 1 large egg, beaten Binds the mixture together.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder For flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder For flavor.
  • Salt and pepper to taste Season according to preference.
  • Oil spray for frying To help with browning.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cheese, softened cream cheese, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until evenly combined.
  2. Check the texture: add breadcrumbs if too wet, or add cream cheese if too dry, aiming for a cohesive, slightly tacky mixture.
  3. Scoop and roll into small, uniform balls about 1 inch in diameter.
Cooking
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C) to help the exterior brown quickly.
  2. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil and arrange the cheese balls in a single layer, leaving a little space between them.
  3. Lightly spray the tops of the cheese balls with oil spray.
  4. Air fry for 8–10 minutes until golden brown and the center feels soft and tender.
  5. Carefully remove with tongs or a small spatula and serve warm.

Notes

Don’t overcrowd the basket for even cooking. You can add smoked paprika or cayenne for extra flavor. These cheese balls pair well with marinara, ranch, or a lemony yogurt dip.