Imagine indulging in the gooey, cheesy delight of mozzarella balls made effortlessly in an Air Fryer. Perfectly golden and crisp on the outside, these air fryer mozzarella balls will win your heart and make hosting dinner parties a breeze. This delightful and easy snack is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you’ll find yourself making again and again.
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Growing up, my family adored having mozzarella balls for every special occasion. My grandmother would make them the old-fashioned way, deep-fried and delicious, catering to our cheese-laden appetites. One day, determined to recreate her magic but in a healthier way, I decided to try using the Air Fryer. Not only did it dramatically cut down on the oil usage, but it also brought a fresh twist to an old family favorite without compromising on flavor. Now, it’s my family’s hallmark dish during cozy get-togethers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and cooking time, you’ll have a tasty snack ready in under 30 minutes.
Healthier Option: Enjoy the cheesy goodness with reducing excess oil thanks to the Air Fryer technique.
Kid-Friendly: Perfect for little hands, these finger foods are a hit with kids.
Ingredients Notes
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Mozzarella Balls: Opt for bite-sized fresh mozzarella balls for best results.
- Bread Crumbs: Use panko for extra crunch, or regular bread crumbs for a softer texture.
- Eggs: Essential for coating the mozzarella balls to ensure the breadcrumbs stick.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty and salty flavor to the breadcrumb coating.
- Spices: Garlic powder, oregano, and a pinch of salt enhance the flavor profile.
Recipe Steps
Step 1
Preheat your Air Fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking from start to finish.
Step 2
Prepare a breading station: In one bowl, beat the eggs. In a second bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and oregano.
Step 3
Pat dry the mozzarella balls with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This prevents the coating from sliding off.
Step 4
Dip each mozzarella ball in the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then coat it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat for a double coating if desired for extra crunch.
Step 5
Place the coated mozzarella balls in the Air Fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Serve immediately.
Storage Options
Store any leftover mozzarella balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispiness. For freezing, flash freeze uncooked breaded mozzarella balls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Cook from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the air fryer time.
Variations & Substitutions
To cater to dietary restrictions or add a flavor twist, consider using gluten-free breadcrumbs. For a spicier kick, mix cayenne pepper or chili flakes into the breadcrumb mixture. Alternatively, switch out the mozzarella for cheddar or pepper jack for different cheese options.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delectable mozzarella balls as appetizers during dinner parties or as a movie night snack with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. They make a perfect addition to any game day spread or picnic as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these mozzarella balls without an air fryer? Absolutely! You can bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs? No worries. Regular breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes are good alternatives that will still provide a satisfying crunch.
Can these be made in advance? Yes, you can prepare and bread the mozzarella balls in advance, then place them in the refrigerator for a few hours before cooking. Or, freeze them as mentioned above for a convenient make-ahead option. Adjust the cooking time if chilled or frozen before air frying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Air Fryer Mozzarella Balls
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz Mozzarella balls Preferably bocconcini
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs Italian seasoned
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 2 large Eggs Lightly beaten
- 1 cup Marinara sauce For dipping
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your air fryer to 370°F.
- Set up a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs in separate bowls.
- Dredge each mozzarella ball in flour, then eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs.
- Arrange the balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 8–10 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce.
