Name: Easy Air Fryer Cheese Balls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1 1/2 cups plain breadcrumbs; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon olive oil

Air Fryer Cheese Balls Recipe tastes like a cross between mozzarella sticks and cheesy garlic bread, with a crispy shell and a gooey, stretchy center. It works for busy weeknights, game day snacks, or kid-approved appetizers, and you can finish a batch in about 30 minutes from start to finish. I tested these on my own family of picky snack critics, and they vanished faster than I could plate them.

Why You Should Try This Air Fryer Cheese Balls Recipe

You get all the cheesy, melty goodness of fried appetizers without a pot of hot oil or a greasy kitchen. The air fryer gives the cheese balls a golden, crunchy crust while the inside stays soft and stretchy. You enjoy classic comfort food with less mess and less effort.

This recipe uses simple pantry ingredients that you probably already keep on hand. You can customize the flavor with different cheeses, herbs, or spices, so it never feels boring. Kids love the bite-size shape, and adults treat them like a fun party snack.

“These Easy Air Fryer Cheese Balls disappeared in minutes. Perfect crunch, super cheesy inside, and my kids asked when I would make them again before they even finished the first batch.”

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cheese mixture

1 ½ cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
- Use block cheese and shred it yourself for the best melt. Pre-shredded works in a pinch, but it often contains anti-caking starch.
½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Sharp cheddar adds flavor so the cheese balls do not taste bland.
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Use the shelf-stable green can for convenience or fresh grated for stronger flavor.
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- Full-fat cream cheese gives the best texture, but light cream cheese works if you want a lighter version.
1 large egg yolk
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried oregano
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika or regular paprika
½ teaspoon fine sea salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Breading

¾ cup all-purpose flour
- You can use a 1:1 gluten free flour blend if needed.
2 large eggs, beaten with 1 tablespoon water
1 ¼ cups plain breadcrumbs or panko
- Panko gives a lighter, crispier crust. Regular breadcrumbs give a more classic coating.
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

For the air fryer

Olive oil spray or avocado oil spray
- Use a spray without propellants if your air fryer basket has a nonstick coating.

Optional add-ins

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley or chives
Pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat
Small cubes of mozzarella instead of shreds if you want extra stretchy centers

Equipment

Air fryer
Mixing bowls
Fork or whisk
Small cookie scoop or tablespoon measure
Baking sheet or plate for chilling the cheese balls
Parchment paper (optional, for easier cleanup)
Tongs or a spatula for turning the cheese balls

Tips & Tricks

Chill the cheese mixture for at least 20 to 30 minutes so it firms up and rolls easily.
Use a small cookie scoop for even portions so the cheese balls cook at the same rate.
Lightly oil your hands when you roll the balls to prevent sticking.
Pack the cheese mixture firmly so it holds together and does not ooze too fast in the air fryer.
Double coat the cheese balls in breadcrumbs for extra crunch and better protection around the cheese.
Keep the cheese balls cold before air frying so the coating sets before the cheese melts.
Preheat the air fryer so the exterior starts crisping right away.
Do not overcrowd the basket; leave a little space between each cheese ball for better airflow.
Spray the cheese balls lightly with oil on all sides for even browning.
Check a test cheese ball a couple of minutes early; every air fryer runs a little different.
If any cheese leaks, line the basket with a small piece of perforated parchment for easier cleanup.
Serve the cheese balls hot for maximum stretch and gooey texture.

How to Make Air Fryer Cheese Balls

Step 1: Mix the cheese filling

Add mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, and cream cheese to a medium bowl. Mash and stir until the mixture looks smooth and well combined. Add egg yolk, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper, then stir until everything blends evenly. Fold in fresh herbs or red pepper flakes if you use them.

Step 2: Chill and shape the cheese balls

Cover the bowl and chill the cheese mixture for 20 to 30 minutes so it firms up. Line a plate or small baking sheet with parchment. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture at a time and roll into smooth balls with your hands. Place the cheese balls on the lined plate in a single layer.

Step 3: Set up the breading station

Place flour in one shallow bowl. Beat the 2 eggs with 1 tablespoon water in a second bowl. In a third bowl, mix breadcrumbs, salt, garlic powder, and Parmesan. Arrange the bowls in a row: flour, egg wash, then breadcrumbs.

Step 4: Bread the cheese balls

Roll each cheese ball in flour and shake off the extra. Dip it into the egg mixture and coat it completely. Roll it in the breadcrumb mixture and press gently so the crumbs stick. For a thicker crust, dip back into the egg and then breadcrumbs one more time.

Step 5: Chill again for best results

Place the breaded cheese balls back on the parchment-lined plate. Chill them for at least 15 minutes while you preheat the air fryer. This step helps the coating set and keeps the cheese inside longer while it cooks.

Step 6: Preheat the air fryer

Set the air fryer to 375°F and let it heat for 3 to 5 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with oil. If your air fryer tends to stick, place a small piece of perforated parchment in the basket and spray that as well.

Step 7: Air fry the cheese balls

Arrange the cheese balls in a single layer in the basket with a little space between each one. Spray the tops and sides lightly with oil. Air fry for 6 to 9 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the coating looks golden and crisp and you see just a hint of cheese starting to peek out. Remove them right away so the centers stay gooey and not completely blown out.

Step 8: Serve hot with dips

Transfer the cheese balls to a plate and let them sit for 1 to 2 minutes so the cheese settles slightly. Serve them hot with marinara sauce, ranch, garlic yogurt dip, or your favorite dipping sauce. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan or chopped parsley if you feel a little fancy.

What to Serve with Cheese Balls

Serve these Easy Air Fryer Cheese Balls with warm marinara, pizza sauce, or a simple garlic yogurt dip for a classic appetizer spread. Pair them with a big green salad, veggie sticks, or a tray of sliced cucumbers and cherry tomatoes to balance the richness. They also work with pasta dishes, homemade pizza night, or as a fun side with grilled chicken or turkey burgers. For kids, add fruit salad and a simple tomato soup for a cozy, diner-style meal.

Storage Options

Store leftover cheese balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
For freezing, place cooked cheese balls on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag and keep for up to 2 months.
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 4 to 6 minutes from the fridge, or 7 to 9 minutes from frozen, until hot and crisp again.
Avoid the microwave if possible, since it softens the coating and turns the cheese balls rubbery instead of crunchy.