Name: Air Fryer Mozzarella Balls
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 16 min
Ingredients: 12 mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained and patted dry; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 large egg, beaten; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning; Cooking spray

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I love this recipe because it transforms gooey, cheesy goodness into a perfectly crispy bite using my air fryer—no deep frying needed! They come out golden, crunchy, and delightfully melty, with minimal mess and a lot of flavor.

Air Fryer Mozzarella Balls

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
I gather:

Mozzarella balls (bocconcini) or string cheese pieces
All-purpose flour
Eggs (for coating)
Breadcrumbs (panko preferred for extra crisp) mixed with seasonings like salt, garlic powder, Italian herb blend, or Parmesan
Cooking spray or olive oil (to help crisp the coating)

directions

I freeze the mozzarella balls briefly before breading to make sure they stay intact during cooking .
I set up a three-stage dredging station: first flour, then beaten egg, then breadcrumb seasoning mix. For better sealing, I dip again in egg and breadcrumbs for a double coating.
I preheat my air fryer to about 380 °F (190 °C) or 400 °F (200 °C) depending on the recipe.
I place the coated balls in a single layer in the basket—no touching—and lightly spray them with oil.
I air-fry them for 6–8 minutes, flipping or shaking halfway, until they turn golden brown and crispy .

Servings and timing

Prep Time: About 10–15 minutes (plus freezing time)
Cook Time: Around 6–8 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 20–25 minutes, including chilling
Yields: Varies by batch, but generally enough for sharing as a snack or appetizer.

Variations

I might experiment with these delightful twists:

Use mozzarella sticks cut into bite-sized chunks instead of balls.
Add extra flavor to the breadcrumbs with Parmesan, garlic powder, cayenne, or Italian seasoning.
Freeze prepped balls in batches for easy, on-demand cooking later.
For a doughy twist, I could use pizza dough wrapped around the cheese for a pillowy bite.

storage/reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2–3 days. To reheat and restore their crispness, I pop them back into the air fryer for a couple of minutes—deliciously revived. They also freeze well if breaded beforehand.

FAQs

Can I skip freezing before air frying?

While possible, freezing helps prevent explosions and keeps the cheese from leaking. I highly recommend it

Is a double coating necessary?

Yes—it helps seal in the cheese as it melts and ensures a crispy outer layer .

What air fryer temp works best?

Anywhere between 380–400 °F (190–200 °C) gives great results—just watch closely, as cook times may vary by model

What should I serve them with?

I always pair them with warm marinara, but they’re also fantastic with ranch, pesto, or even bold aiolis

Can I use different cheeses?

Yes—cheeses like halloumi or cheddar can work if they have a texture that melts well and holds up when breaded

Conclusion

I adore how Air Fryer Mozzarella Balls offer that perfect crunch on the outside and gooey melt on the inside—all in under 10 minutes with minimal oil and mess. Ideal for gatherings, snacks, or anytime I’m craving cheese, this recipe is cheesy bliss ready in a flash.