Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years as a healthy alternative to deep frying. One of the most popular appetizers to make in an air fryer is cheeseballs. But how long should you cook cheeseballs in an air fryer to achieve the perfect golden, crispy exterior while keeping the interior melted and gooey? Here is a complete guide to air frying cheeseballs, including timing and tips for best results.
What are Cheeseballs?
Cheeseballs are a classic party appetizer made from cream cheese, shredded cheese, and other ingredients formed into balls and then breaded and fried. The breaded exterior becomes crispy when fried or air fried, while the interior remains creamy and rich from the cream cheese and shredded cheese. Popular additions to cheeseball mix include:
- Shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey jack cheese
- Crumbled blue cheese or Parmesan
- Chopped fresh herbs like chives, dill, or parsley
- Minced garlic
- Worcestershire or hot sauce
- Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts
- Crumbled bacon
- Ground pepper
The cheeseball mixture is chilled until firm before being formed into 1-2 inch balls. The balls are then rolled in a coating like panko breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, nuts, or shredded cheese before frying or air frying.
Benefits of Air Frying vs Deep Frying Cheeseballs
Traditionally, cheeseballs are deep fried in oil to achieve a crispy exterior. However, air frying offers some advantages over deep frying:
- Air frying uses little to no oil, reducing overall fat and calories.
- No need to monitor a pot of hot oil on the stovetop.
- Minimal mess and splatter compared to deep frying.
- Air fryers cook food quickly with hot circulating air.
- Cheeseballs come out crispy from the air fryer thanks to the convection heat.
For the crispiest results, you can lightly mist the cheeseballs with oil before air frying. But otherwise, air frying allows you to enjoy fried cheeseballs without all the excess grease of deep frying.
How Long to Air Fry Cheeseballs
Air fryer times can vary slightly depending on the model you have, size of the cheeseballs, and quantity you are cooking. But generally, here are air fryer guidelines for cheeseballs:
For 2-Inch Cheeseballs
- 6-8 minutes at 370°F for 2-4 cheeseballs
- 10-12 minutes at 370°F for 12-14 cheeseballs
- 15-18 minutes at 370°F for a full single layer batch
For 1-Inch Cheeseballs
- 4-5 minutes at 370°F for 2-4 cheeseballs
- 7-8 minutes at 370°F for 12-14 cheeseballs
- 10-12 minutes at 370°F for a full single layer batch
No matter what size your cheeseballs are, you generally want to cook them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, without overcrowding. This allows the hot air to circulate evenly around each cheeseball.
Shake the basket or flip the cheeseballs over halfway during cooking to ensure even browning. Also keep an eye on them towards the end of cooking time in case your air fryer runs hotter and they brown quicker than the minimum time.
Tips for the Best Air Fried Cheeseballs
Follow these tips for perfectly air fried cheeseballs every time:
- Use very cold cheeseball mix straight from the refrigerator so the balls hold their shape.
- Form balls that are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Chill cheeseballs in freezer for 15-30 minutes before coating to help coating stick.
- Press coating firmly onto surface of chilled cheeseballs to adhere.
- Mist cheeseballs lightly with oil before air frying for crispiest exterior.
- Use panko breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for the crispiest coating.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Air fry in batches for evenly cooked results.
- Flip cheeseballs over midway during cooking time.
- Check for doneness a couple minutes before minimum cook time.
- Let cheeseballs rest 1-2 minutes after cooking for easiest removal.
Air Fryer Cheeseballs Recipe
This recipe yields delicious air fried cheeseballs with a crispy panko coating and gooey cheese interior. Adjust batch sizes as needed to fit your air fryer.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1⁄4 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 2 Tbsp minced chives
- 1⁄4 tsp garlic powder
- 1⁄4 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil or cooking spray
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, cheddar, blue cheese, chives, garlic powder, and Worcestershire until well combined.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm.
- Scoop tablespoon sized portions of the cheese mixture and roll into 1 1⁄2 inch balls. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the panko and Parmesan. Working in batches, roll the chilled cheeseballs in the panko mixture pressing to adhere.
- Arrange coated cheeseballs in air fryer basket sprayed with oil. Air fry at 370°F for 6-8 minutes until golden brown, flipping halfway.
- Let cheeseballs cool for a minute before serving. Serve immediately or chill up to 3 days.
These crispy yet creamy cheeseballs are sure to be a hit at any party! Tweak the flavor additions to create your favorite variation.
FAQs
Can you freeze cheeseballs?
Yes, cheeseballs freeze well for longer term storage. Freeze the uncooked cheeseballs on a parchment lined baking sheet until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be kept frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before coating and frying or air frying.
How long do cheeseballs last in the refrigerator?
Properly stored in an airtight container, cheeseballs will last 3-5 days refrigerated. The flavored cream cheese mixture keeps longer than the breaded cheeseballs.
Can you make cheeseballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the cheeseball mixture up to 5 days in advance and store chilled until ready to form into balls. You can also shape the balls and coat in crumbs a day in advance and refrigerate until it’s time to fry them.
What is the best cheese for cheeseballs?
A blend of cream cheese and shredded cheddar or Monterey jack makes the best classic cheeseball base. But you can also add bolder cheeses like Parmesan, blue cheese, pepper jack, or goat cheese for more flavor.
What goes good with cheeseballs?
Cheeseballs pair well with crackers, bread slices, cut vegetables, and fruits like grapes or apple slices. They are also delicious served on small sandwich buns or mini rolls for sliders. For dipping sauces, try marinara, ranch, honey mustard, or cranberry sauce.
Conclusion
Air frying is the perfect way to cook up crispy, melted cheeseballs without all the fat and mess of deep frying. Allow 6-8 minutes for 2 inch balls and 4-5 minutes for 1 inch balls at 370°F. Using very cold cheeseball mix and chilled coated balls help them hold their shape during cooking. Let the cheeseballs rest before serving for the best results. Adjust cook times as needed based on your air fryer model. In no time, you’ll be whipping up perfectly crispy and gooey cheeseballs for any gathering.