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Air Fryer Mozzarella Balls Recipe

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Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, these Air Fryer Mozzarella Balls make for a delightful appetizer or snack. Coated in a flavorful seasoned panko crust and air fried to golden perfection, they’re a healthier alternative to deep-fried cheese bites. Serve them with marinara sauce and fresh basil for a delicious Italian-inspired treat.

  • Total Time: 49 minutes
  • Yield: 22-24 mozzarella balls

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 8 oz mozzarella balls (around 22-24 balls), drained
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 egg, whisked
  • 2 cups 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 leaves

Instructions

  1. Pat Dry the Mozzarella Balls: Add the drained mini mozzarella balls onto a sheet of kitchen paper and pat them dry thoroughly to remove excess moisture, which helps the coating stick better.
  2. Prepare Breading Stations: Set up three separate 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.
  3. Coat the Mozzarella Balls: Working in batches of about 6 balls to avoid clumping, roll each mozzarella ball first in the flour, then dip into the egg wash, and finally coat thoroughly with the seasoned panko mixture. Repeat this entire breading process three times per ball to achieve a thick, crispy coating.
  4. Freeze the Coated Balls: Place the breaded mozzarella balls on a parchment-lined baking tray in a single layer and freeze for 30 minutes. This step helps the coating set and prevents the cheese from melting too quickly during cooking.
  5. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Spray the air fryer basket generously 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 don’t touch each other. Spray the tops generously with olive oil spray. Cook for 4 minutes or until the coating is golden and crispy.
  7. Serve: Remove the mozzarella balls carefully and serve immediately with warm marinara sauce and fresh basil leaves for garnish.

Notes

  • Ensuring the mozzarella balls are well-patted dry helps the breading adhere better.
  • Freezing the coated balls prior to air frying prevents the cheese from leaking out during cooking.
  • Spray olive oil both on the air fryer basket and on top of the balls to achieve an evenly crispy crust.
  • For a spicier twist, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the panko mixture.
  • Serve immediately for best texture, as the coating will soften if left out too long.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

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