These Air Fryer Cheese Balls are golden and crispy on the outside with a gooey, melty cheese center inside. Made without deep frying and ready in minutes, they’re the perfect air fryer appetizer for parties, game day, or snack cravings. Learn how to make cheese balls in the air fryer that stay crispy and don’t leak. Save this easy air fryer snack recipe for later.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & easy – ready in under 15 minutes
- Crispy without deep frying
- Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing
- Budget-friendly with simple ingredients
- Customizable with different cheeses
Ingredients
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray
Optional Add-Ins
- Chopped jalapeños
- Italian seasoning
- Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix mozzarella, cheddar, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the egg and mix until the cheese mixture sticks together.
- Scoop and roll into small balls (about 1 tablespoon each).
- Roll each ball in breadcrumbs until fully coated.
- Place cheese balls in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them.
- Lightly spray with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 6–8 minutes, shaking once, until golden and crispy.
- Let cool for 1–2 minutes before serving.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Spoon or cookie scoop
- Cooking spray
Tips & Variations
- Chill the cheese balls for 15 minutes before cooking to prevent melting.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket cook in batches if needed.
- Swap mozzarella for pepper jack, gouda, or a cheese blend.
- Add crushed red pepper for a spicy kick.
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in the fridge up to 2 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 2–3 minutes.
- Avoid microwaving (they’ll lose crispiness).
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with marinara sauce, ranch, or spicy mayo.
- Add to an appetizer platter with wings and sliders.
- Perfect for parties, movie nights, or game day.
Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving)
- Calories: 190
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Protein: 9g
- Fat: 13g
(Nutrition varies based on the cheese and breadcrumbs used.)
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Cheese Balls are crispy, cheesy, and incredibly easy to make an instant crowd favorite. Save this recipe for parties or quick snacks, share it with fellow air fryer fans, and enjoy gooey perfection without the mess of frying.
FAQ – Air Fryer Cheese Balls
Can I freeze cheese balls?
Yes Freeze them before cooking, then air fry straight from frozen.
Why did my cheese balls leak?
They may be too warm or under-coated chilling helps a lot.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes, prep and refrigerate them up to 24 hours before cooking.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Mozzarella melts best, but mixing cheeses adds flavor.
Do I need oil?
Only a light spray to help them crisp evenly.