If you love cheesy snacks, you’ll fall in love with this air fryer mozzarella balls recipe. These little bites are everything you want in a party appetizer: crispy on the outside, gooey and melty on the inside, and bursting with flavor. The air fryer makes them golden and crunchy with a fraction of the oil used in deep frying. Whether you’re hosting a game day, movie night, or just craving a savory treat, these mozzarella balls are sure to be a hit.
Making mozzarella balls in the air fryer is quick, easy, and mess-free. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a batch in under 30 minutes. Plus, you can prep them ahead and freeze, so you’re always ready for snack time. Serve them with marinara sauce, ranch, or your favorite dip, and watch them disappear!
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Mozzarella Balls?
- Crispy outside, gooey inside: The perfect cheesy bite every time.
- Healthier than deep-fried: Less oil, less mess, and still super crunchy.
- Quick and easy: Ready in about 20 minutes from start to finish.
- Make ahead: Freeze before air frying for a convenient snack anytime.
- Crowd-pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike!
Ingredients
For the Mozzarella Balls
- 8 oz mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine size), drained and patted dry
Or use mozzarella sticks cut into bite-sized pieces if you can’t find balls - 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and flavor)
- Olive oil spray
For Serving
- Marinara sauce, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
How to Make Air Fryer Mozzarella Balls
Step 1: Prep the Mozzarella
- Drain the mozzarella balls and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels.
Removing moisture helps the breading stick and prevents soggy bites.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
- Place the flour in a shallow bowl.
- Beat the eggs in a second bowl.
- In a third bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and paprika.
Step 3: Bread the Mozzarella Balls
- Roll each mozzarella ball in flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip in beaten egg, then roll in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture.
- For extra crunch and to prevent cheese leaks, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a double coating.
- Place breaded balls on a parchment-lined tray.
Step 4: Freeze the Balls
- Freeze the breaded mozzarella balls for at least 30 minutes.
This step helps the coating stick and keeps the cheese from melting out in the air fryer.
Step 5: Air Fry
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil.
- Arrange mozzarella balls in a single layer, not touching.
- Spray the tops lightly with olive oil spray.
- Air fry for 5–7 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crispy.
Watch closely in the last minute—cheese can ooze out if overcooked!
Step 6: Serve
- Let cool for 2–3 minutes, then serve warm with marinara or your favorite dip.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Mozzarella Balls
- Dry the cheese well: Moisture prevents the breading from sticking.
- Double breading: Ensures a thick, crunchy shell and keeps cheese inside.
- Don’t skip freezing: This is key for gooey centers and no leaks.
- Cook in batches: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer; give each ball space to crisp up.
- Customize the seasoning: Add chili flakes, parmesan, or herbs to the breadcrumb mix for extra flavor.
Variations
Cheese Options
- Try smoked mozzarella, cheddar, or pepper jack for a twist.
Coating Options
- Use crushed tortilla chips or seasoned crackers instead of panko for a different crunch.
Spice It Up
- Add cayenne or chipotle powder to the breadcrumbs for a spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic: With warm marinara sauce
- Party platter: With ranch, garlic aioli, or honey mustard
- Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh basil, parsley, or grated parmesan
Storage and Reheating
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes until hot and crispy.
- Freeze: Bread and freeze uncooked balls for up to 2 months. Air fry straight from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the cook time.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Solution |
| Cheese leaks out | Freeze longer and double coat the balls |
| Soggy coating | Dry cheese well and air fry in a single layer |
| Uneven browning | Shake basket halfway and spray with oil |
| Breading falls off | Press breadcrumbs on firmly and double coat |
FAQs
1. Can I use mozzarella sticks instead of balls?
Yes! Cut mozzarella sticks into bite-sized pieces and bread them the same way. The texture and taste will be just as delicious.
2. Why is my cheese leaking out?
This usually happens if you skip the freezing step or don’t double-coat the balls. Make sure to freeze for at least 30 minutes and coat well.
3. Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers for breading.
4. How do I keep the breading from falling off?
Pat the cheese dry, press the breadcrumbs on firmly, and double coat for best results. Freezing also helps the coating stay on during air frying.
5. What’s the best dipping sauce for mozzarella balls?
Marinara is a classic, but ranch, garlic aioli, honey mustard, or even spicy sriracha mayo are all tasty options.
Why This Air Fryer Mozzarella Balls Recipe Works
Air fryer mozzarella balls are the ultimate snack—crispy, cheesy, and so easy to make. The double breading creates a sturdy shell that keeps the cheese inside, while the air fryer delivers a golden crunch without the mess of deep frying. Freezing the balls before cooking is the secret to gooey centers and no leaks. With endless seasoning and dipping possibilities, this recipe is sure to become a favorite for parties, family nights, or anytime you need a cheesy fix.
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- Shrimp Avocado Salad Recipe
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Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a fun, crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack, this air fryer mozzarella balls recipe is a must-try. It’s simple, quick, and delivers all the cheesy goodness of restaurant-style bites—right from your own kitchen. Customize them with your favorite seasonings, serve with a variety of dips, and enjoy every crispy, melty bite. Happy air frying!
Air Fryer Mozzarella Balls Recipe
Ingredients
- 20 mozzarella balls bocconcini or ciliegine, drained and patted dry
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs beaten
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Pat mozzarella balls completely dry with paper towels.
- Dredge each ball in flour, then dip in egg, then coat in breadcrumb mix.
- Repeat egg and breadcrumb coating for extra crispiness.
- Place on a tray and freeze for 20–30 minutes to set coating.
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Spray air fryer basket with olive oil spray.
- Place balls in a single layer in the basket (don’t overcrowd).
- Spray the tops lightly with more oil.
- Air fry for 5–6 minutes, until golden and melted inside.
- Serve immediately with warm marinara or dipping sauce.
Notes
- Double coating helps prevent cheese from leaking.
- Freezing is key to keeping the cheese from exploding in the air fryer.
- Use panko for extra crunch if desired.
- Best served hot and fresh.
