Air Fryer Goat Cheese Balls
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Air Fryer Goat Cheese Balls are the easiest appetizer you’ll ever make, with just 4 ingredients and 10 minutes of prep! They’re delicious as is, with a drizzle of honey and some fresh herbs, or served with your favorite dipping sauces. This recipe makes enough for snacking and can be doubled or tripled for parties!
Air Fryer Goat Cheese Balls
Instead of the usual mozzarella sticks, elevate your fried cheese game with tangy goat’s cheese!
Make a dozen perfectly poppable bites in minutes that turn out golden and crunchy with the creamiest center.
Even better, you can make air fried goat cheese balls without any oil for all the crispy, crunchy deliciousness in a feel-good snack!
Pair air fryer goat cheese balls with sweet potato rounds (also made with goat cheese!) and bacon wrapped chicken bites for the ultimate starter spread at your holiday party, or enjoy them as part of an easy weeknight meal.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Goat Cheese – This is a soft, creamy cheese with a tangy flavor that can range from gamey to slightly sweet.
Mix it with softened cream cheese for a milder flavor and creamier texture. You can also combine it with equal parts feta or blue cheese for something different! - Breadcrumbs – I used regular, plain breadcrumbs, but feel free to swap in panko for a crispier texture — or use a mixture of both.
This is a great place to add in some seasonings too! Thyme, parsley, basil, rosemary… even ground spices would work. - Flour – Regular AP flour is perfect for this goat cheese balls air fryer recipe.
A 1:1 gluten free blend would also work, just be sure to use GF breadcrumbs or crushed GF crackers too. - Egg – If you have the time, bring this to room temperature before cracking. It’s a lot easier to beat it thoroughly that way!
Tips and Tricks to Air Fry Goat Cheese Balls
- Freeze the cheese first.
Roll out all of the cheese balls first and freeze them in a single layer until firm before adding the breadcrumb coating.
This prevents the cheese from softening too much as you’re handling it.
You may also want to double coat the balls, meaning you’ll dip them back in the egg after the breadcrumb layer, then again the breadcrumbs.
Doing so creates an extra crispy layer and prevents any cheese from oozing out when cooked.
- Get the crispest results.
Preheat your air fryer so your goat cheese balls start cooking right away.
Be sure to cook them in a single layer with some space between each, meaning you may need to cook these in batches.
It also helps to spray the breaded cheese balls with oil or cooking spray before adding them to the basket!
- Add seasonings for different flavor combinations.
Make spicy air fryer goat cheese balls by mixing cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the cheese. Finely chopped jalapenos would work too!
For something on the sweeter side, try cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice instead. Or, leave the cheese as-is but mix some brown sugar in with the breadcrumbs.
Prep Ahead
- Set up bowls with flour, whisked egg, and breadcrumbs
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F
Kitchen Tools You Will Need
- Air Fryer – Different brands and sizes may require different cooking times, so be familiar with your model and make adjustments as needed.
- Shallow Bowls for dredging. You’ll need 3 total — one for the flour, one for the egg, and the last for the breadcrumbs.
- Tongs – Use these for neatly getting your goat cheese balls in the air fryer, then back out when they’re done and too hot to handle!
Serving Suggestions
I love to add a drizzle of honey over these air fryer goat cheese balls, plus some freshly chopped thyme. The combination of flavors is incredible!
To keep things less sweet, you can just add some parsley or serve them with a savory dipping sauce.
Balsamic glaze and roasted tomato sauce would be delicious. Or, pair them with leftover cranberry sauce during the holidays!
You can also add air fried goat cheese balls to salads for some protein and crunch, or serve them with your favorite soups.
Personally, I think they’d be amazing with tomato bisque or squash soup.
Storing and Reheating Air Fried Goat Cheese Balls
If you manage to have leftovers (I never do!), transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
I wouldn’t recommend freezing them after they’ve been cooked — the texture just won’t be the same.
Reheat goat cheese balls in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F, or until hot and crispy.
Goat Cheese Balls Air Fryer FAQ
Sure! Prepare as directed and place the breaded cheese balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Be sure to leave some space between each one so they crisp up on all sides.
You could even set a wire rack inside the baking sheet so they cook all the way around! I’d still line the pan for easy cleanup.
Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy. It’s a good idea to give the pan a quick shake so the bottoms get some color too.
Make sure to freeze the goat cheese balls before breading and ensure they are well coated with the breadcrumbs. Roll them around in the bowl and gently press the crumbs into the surface to help them stick.
Also, air fry goat cheese balls in a single layer so they aren’t pressing on or squishing each other.
Yes, you can assemble the cheese balls up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to cook them.
These can also be frozen (uncooked) for an easy appetizer! Arrange breaded cheese balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and flash freeze until solid. Transfer to a storage bag and use within 3 months.
When you’re ready to eat, air fry goat cheese balls from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Enjoy!
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Air Fryer Goat Cheese Balls
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 ounces goat cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, I used regular
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- olive oil spray
Optional for garnish:
- honey
- fresh chopped herbs such as parsley or thyme
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
- Form the softened goat cheese into small balls about 1 inch in diameter.
- You are going to set up a dredging station with three bowls. One bowl with flour, the second bowl with the beaten egg, and breadcrumbs in the third bowl.
- Roll each goat cheese ball in the flour, then dip it into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the ball in breadcrumbs.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil.
- Place the goat cheese balls in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch each other.
- Lightly spray the tops of the goat cheese balls with olive oil.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes or until the goat cheese balls are golden brown and crispy outside.
- Remove the goat cheese balls from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve them warm with a dipping sauce like honey, balsamic glaze, or marinara sauce.
Donna’s Notes
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally published September 2024
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