Air Fryer Mozzarella Balls

Introduction

Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside – these Air Fryer Mozzarella Balls are a bite-sized snack that brings restaurant-quality results to your kitchen with minimal effort. The secret lies in how the air fryer creates a crunchy shell without the need for deep frying, making this classic appetizer lighter and faster to prepare.

Perfect for game day gatherings, parties, or an indulgent snack night, these mozzarella balls will have everyone reaching for seconds.

The Ultimate Air Fryer Appetizer

What sets this recipe apart is its balance of crispiness and melt-in-your-mouth cheese. The intense heat circulation in an COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1 ensures an even, golden crust—achieving that crave-worthy crunch while keeping the cheese perfectly gooey inside. Using pre-sliced mozzarella or fresh hand-rolled string cheese makes this recipe both versatile and accessible.

Secrets to Perfect Breading and Crunch

A triple-coating process—flour, egg wash, then breadcrumbs—creates the ideal shell. Make sure to pat your mozzarella balls dry before breading, so your layers adhere well and seal in the cheese during air frying.

For neat preparation and quick cleanup, set up a breading station on a large cutting board, such as the set of Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen. This keeps everything organized and helps avoid messes as you work through batches.

Getting the Most from Your Air Fryer

Line your fryer basket with nonstick Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll to prevent sticking and to make post-snack cleanup a breeze. For perfect even browning, arrange the mozzarella balls in a single, spaced-out layer and spritz them lightly with an Olive Oil Sprayer for Cooking. This adds flavor and helps achieve that irresistible golden crust.

If making a large batch, cook in multiple rounds rather than overcrowding your fryer basket for the best results.

Dipping and Serving Ideas

Serve your mozzarella balls hot and fresh with a side of warm marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or pesto for dipping. For gatherings, pile them high on a platter or pack them in a stylish Bentgo Salad Container and take them to potlucks and picnics without fuss.

These mozzarella balls pair beautifully with sparkling water, lemonade, or even a chilled glass of white wine.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields around 20 mozzarella balls – perfect for four as a snack or appetizer. Each serving contains roughly 180–220 calories, depending on the cheese and coating size. They’re a satisfying, lower-oil alternative to fried cheese bites.

Air Fryer Mozzarella Balls (Recap)

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just satisfying a cheesy craving, these air-fried mozzarella balls boast a deliciously crisp coating and irresistibly melty centers. With just a few simple tricks and the right tools, your snack game will never be the same!

Instructions

1. Pat the mozzarella balls dry with paper towels. If using mozzarella sticks, cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces.
2. Set up your breading station: Place flour in one shallow bowl; beat eggs in a second; mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, herbs, salt, and pepper in a third.
3. Roll each mozzarella ball in flour, dip in beaten egg, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. For a thicker, crunchier coating, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps.
4. Arrange the coated balls on a lined tray and freeze for 15–20 minutes to prevent cheese oozing out during cooking.
5. Preheat your COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1 to 380°F. Line the basket with a square of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for easy cleanup.
6. Place frozen mozzarella balls in the basket in a single layer. Lightly spritz with an Olive Oil Sprayer for Cooking. Air fry for 6–7 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crispy.
7. Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce, arranged on a platter or packed in a Bentgo Salad Container to keep them warm on the go.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Freezing Time: 15–20 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes

Enjoy your cheesy, crispy, and perfectly golden air fryer mozzarella balls—impressive, easy, and sure to disappear fast!