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Air Fryer Mozzarella Balls Recipe

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Gooey and crispy, these Air Fryer Mozzarella Balls transform simple cheese into a savory, crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack. This easy recipe uses the air fryer to achieve a perfectly golden, crispy exterior with melty cheese inside, making it ideal for parties, game days, or a quick flavorful treat.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 8 oz mozzarella balls (around 22-24 balls), drained
  • 3/4 cup all purpose flour
  • 1 egg, whisked
  • 2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 3/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 1/4 tsp paprika
  • Olive oil spray

To Serve

  • Marinara sauce
  • Fresh basil

Instructions

  1. Pat Dry Mozzarella Balls: Add the drained mini mozzarella balls to a sheet of kitchen paper and pat dry thoroughly to remove excess moisture, ensuring the breading will stick properly.
  2. Prepare Breading Stations: Set up three bowls: Bowl 1 with all-purpose flour, Bowl 2 with the whisked egg, and Bowl 3 with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, kosher salt, and paprika combined.
  3. Bread the Mozzarella: Roll each mozzarella ball first in the flour, then dip into the egg wash, and finally coat with the seasoned panko mixture. Repeat this breading process 3 times per ball in small batches (about 6 at a time) to build a thick, crispy coating while preventing clumping.
  4. Freeze to Set the Coating: Place the breaded mozzarella balls on a parchment-lined baking tray and freeze for 30 minutes. This step helps the breading adhere better and prevents the cheese from melting too quickly during cooking.
  5. Preheat and Prepare Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking.
  6. Air Fry the Mozzarella Balls: Arrange the frozen mozzarella balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket making sure they do not touch. Generously spray them all over with olive oil spray. Air fry for 4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  7. Serve: Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately with marinara sauce and fresh basil for dipping and garnish.

Notes

  • Pat the mozzarella dry to prevent soggy breading and ensure proper adhesion.
  • Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; leave space between the balls to allow even cooking and browning.
  • If fresh mozzarella balls are unavailable, cut mozzarella cheese sticks into bite-sized pieces and follow the breading and air frying steps.
  • Freezing the breaded mozzarella balls for 30 minutes solidifies the coating and stops premature melting. You can freeze them longer in an airtight container and air fry straight from frozen later.

Find it online: https://yumntasty.com/air-fryer-mozzarella-balls-recipe/