Discover how to make crispy cheese bites in your air fryer! These cheese balls are the perfect snack, crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside. Whether you're eating them with the family or want a quick and easy dinner, this a great healthy option that will leave you wanting more.
These Air Fryer Cheese Bites always have a way of bringing my family together. After a long week, I love those moments when we gather around the couch, passing a bowl of these crispy, gooey bites while watching a movie. Game days are no different.
I can always count on the excitement in the room as I pull a fresh batch from the air fryer, watching everyone light up at the sight of these golden bites. They’re not just snacks to us—they’re part of the experience that turns an ordinary day into a memory.
What makes these bites unique is that they don’t just satisfy the craving for something cheesy and crunchy; they do it more healthily. The air fryer gives them that satisfying crunch without needing loads of oil, so I can feel good about serving them to my family.
It’s comforting to know that we’re enjoying a snack that’s lighter but still full of flavor, and my kids love them just as much as the deep-fried version. Plus, they’re super simple and easy on the budget—perfect for those weekend gatherings when you want something quick and tasty.
If you’ve never had cheese curds before, you’re in for a treat. They’re small, squeaky nuggets of fresh, unaged cheese with a texture that’s just fun to eat. When cooked in the air fryer, they get a crispy, golden exterior while staying wonderfully melty inside. These Air Fryer Cheese Bites are always a hit in our home, whether it’s after school, during a family movie night, or a game day spread.
Ingredients to make Air Fryer Cheese Balls
- Cheese Curds: The star of the show! Look for fresh cheese curds to ensure they have that delightful squeaky texture and rich flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: This helps create a light coating for the curds, providing that satisfying crunch we all love.
- Eggs: Beaten eggs act as the binder to help the flour adhere to the cheese curds.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These add an extra layer of crispiness and a satisfying crunch to each bite.
- Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavor, bringing out the rich taste of the cheese.
- Optional Seasonings: For a flavor twist, consider adding cayenne pepper, garlic powder, or ranch seasoning for a delicious kick.
See the recipe card for exact quantities.
Directions to Prepare Your Own Air Fryer Crispy Cheese Bites Recipe
Preheat the Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F. This step ensures that the cheese bites cook evenly and have a golden brown exterior.
Set Up the Breading Station
I set up my breading station while the air fryer was heating up. In one bowl, I place all-purpose flour; in a second bowl, I whisk the eggs until they’re well beaten; and in a third bowl, I add panko breadcrumbs seasoned with salt. This simple setup makes the breading process straightforward and efficient.
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Bread the Cheese Curds
Now it’s time for the fun part! I dredge each cheese curd in the flour, ensuring it’s well coated. Then, I dip it in the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, I coat the curd in the panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick. This creates that crispy layer that I love so much!
Prepare the Air Fryer
Spray the air fryer with cooking spray or line it with a baking sheet to minimize cleanup. I recommend using air fryer liners, as they make the process smoother.
Arrange in the Air Fryer
Once all the curds are breaded, I carefully arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It’s important not to overcrowd them; this way, they cook evenly and get that wonderful crunch all around.
Cook the Cheese Bites
I set the air fryer to cook for about 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The aroma fills the kitchen as they cook, and I can hardly wait to dig in! On Sundays, when we gather to watch our favorite sports teams, these bites are the highlight of the spread, bringing everyone together in anticipation of the deliciousness to come.
Serve and Enjoy
Once they are golden brown and crispy, I take the air fried appetizer out and let it cool slightly. I love to sprinkle them with additional seasonings for that extra flair. These cheese bites are perfect for serving hot and make an excellent snack for game day or a quick treat anytime! Serve on its own or with your favorite marinara sauce.
Storage Directions for Air Fryer Mozzarella Bites
If you have any leftovers (though they rarely last long!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes until they regain their crispiness.
Other Air Fryer Recipes that Puts a Smile on Everyone's Face
If you're looking for crisp, buttery greens to prepare alongside your cheese bites, you can't go wrong with my air fryer asparagus with almonds and capers. For more protein with your air fryer cheese bites, pop some marinated tofu with it into the air fryer. For more comfort food, I recommend trying my breakfast pizza recipe, dessert carrot casserole, or baked brie dip.
If you want to prepare a more hearty meal, try this chicken and date casserole or instant pot chicken and pepper stew. For a veggie-centric meal option, I recommend my eggplant moussaka recipe or creamy vegan broccoli casserole.
Recipe
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Air Fryer Cheese Bites
Equipment
- Set of small mixing bowls
- Air Fryer Liners
- Air Fryer
- cooking spray for the air fryer basket
Ingredients
- 1 lb cheese curds preferably at room temperature
- ½ cup gluten-free all-purpose-flour or regular flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika optional for extra flavor
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- In a small bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs until well combined.
- In a third bowl, place the gluten-free breadcrumbs or panko.
- Take each cheese curd and first coat it in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the floured curd into the beaten eggs, allowing the excess to drip off.
- Finally, roll the curd in the breadcrumbs until fully coated, shaking off any extra in the end. Set aside on a plate and repeat with the remaining cheese curds.
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Place the breaded cheese curds in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. You may need to work in batches, frying just a few curds at a time to not overcrow the pan depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Lightly spray the tops of the cheese curds with cooking spray. This will help them get a nice golden color.
- Cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the cheese curds are golden brown and crispy. Halfway through the cooking time, gently shake the basket or use tongs to turn the cheese curds to ensure even cooking.
- Once done, carefully remove the cheese curds from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute or two. They will be very hot inside.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara, ranch dressing, or a gluten-free spicy mayo.
