Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these air fried goat cheese balls make for an easy and delicious appetizer! Made with just a few ingredients that likely are already in your pantry and fridge, this is a simple yet impressive recipe you’ll want to add to your repertoire.
I love serving these at parties and get-togethers as they make great finger food. But they would also pair nicely with salads or soups for a nice light meal.
No matter how you enjoy them, I think you’ll be delighted by how the air fryer renders these goat cheese balls beautifully crispy outside with a just-melted center.
💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Melt-In-Your-Mouth Creamy- The smooth, creamy goat cheese becomes even creamier when air fried to melty perfection. Each bite oozes with decadence that will have you closing your eyes in bliss.
Crunchy, Golden exterior- The panko breading creates a crispy outer layer that provides a delightful textural contrast to the lush interior. It adds crunch and visual appeal.
Simple Yet Elegant- With just a few easy steps and ingredients, these goat cheese balls transform into an elegant appetizer worthy of any party or get-together. Impress your guests with minimal effort.
✨ Recipe Ingredients
For this goat cheese balls air fryer recipe you will need:
- 8oz (225g) Goat Cheese
- 2/3 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1 Egg (large)
- 2 1/2 tablespoons Lemon Juice
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Honey
- Olive Oil Cooking Spray
👨🍳 How To Make
Easily air fry goat cheese balls! Follow this simple recipe:
Step 1
Divide the goat cheese into 10-12 portions. Roll each one into a ball, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Then, place the tray in the freezer for 25 minutes.
Step 2
Beat the egg in a small bowl. In a second bowl, add the flour. Then, add the breadcrumbs to a third bowl.
Step 3
Roll each frozen goat cheese ball in the flour, then dip it in the egg, and finish by coating it in the breadcrumbs. Make sure all balls are evenly coated.
Step 4
Preheat the air fryer to 390F (200C) and spray the basket with olive oil cooking spray. Once hot, add the goat cheese balls and air fry them for 5-6 minutes.
Step 5
Remove the cheese balls from the air fryer and drizzle some honey whisked with lemon juice on top of them. That’s it! Enjoy these delicious air fryer goat cheese balls!
💡Tips
1. Use Ice-Cold Ingredients for an Ultra Crispy Coating
For the crispiest exterior, make sure your egg wash and breadcrumbs are as cold as possible before coating. Cold egg wash better sets the flour dredge, while chilled panko crisps up beautifully in the hot air fryer without over-browning.
2. Chill the Goat Cheese Thoroughly Before Shaping
Chilling the goat cheese balls is crucial for easy shaping and ensuring the coating stays on during cooking. Allow at least 30 minutes in the freezer, up to overnight.
If you’re short on time, 15-20 minutes works but the balls may not hold their shape as nicely when coating and frying.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket
Be sure to leave ample room around each cheese ball for air circulation. Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking, soft textures, and fallen coatings. Work in batches for a perfectly crispy finish.
4. Allow Cheese Balls to Rest Before Serving
Briefly allowing the cooked cheese balls to rest, ideally on a wire rack, helps set the coating and prevents sticking. Rest for just 2 minutes before gently transferring to a platter or individual plates to finish with honey lemon drizzle.
5. Freeze Uncooked Cheese Balls for Later
Prepare cheese balls through breading stage then place back on parchment lined baking sheet and freeze completely. Transfer frozen, uncooked cheese balls to an airtight freezer bag.
When ready to cook, add frozen cheese balls straight to preheated air fryer. Add 1-2 minutes to cooking time.
6. Make Your Own Panko Mixture
For extra crispy panko coating, combine panko breadcrumbs with some grated parmesan and/or romano cheese. You can season panko further by adding dried Italian herbs or minced garlic. The cheese boosts flavor while the seasonings add flair.
Variations
Here are 7 variations to the air fried goat cheese balls recipe:
1. Pistachio-Crusted Goat Cheese Balls: For a nutty crunch, coat the goat cheese balls in chopped pistachios instead of panko breadcrumbs. Roll the flour-dipped, egg-washed balls into coarsely chopped shelled pistachios, patting to adhere. Fry as directed until deep golden brown. These nut-crusted morsels pair perfectly with fruit jam.
2. Red Pepper Goat Cheese Balls: Stir 2 tablespoons of diced roasted red peppers into the goat cheese before forming into balls for a flavorful twist. Roll in panko crumbs as directed and fry until crispy and browned. The subtle sweetness of bell peppers balances wonderfully with tangy goat cheese.
3. Lemon-Basil Goat Cheese Balls: Blend 2 tablespoons each of chopped fresh basil and lemon zest into the goat cheese for a summery taste sensation. The basil and lemon magnify the herbal qualities of the cheese. Roll in panko crumbs and fry as directed for bright, vibrant flavor in every bite.
4. Bacon-Wrapped Goat Cheese Balls: For an indulgent appetizer, wrap the panko-coated goat cheese balls with partially-cooked bacon before frying. The crisp salty bacon wonderfully complements the creamy centers. Fry, turning occasionally, until the bacon is browned and the cheese is melted.
5. Blue Cheese Goat Cheese Balls: Crumble 1⁄4 cup of blue cheese into the goat cheese for an extra punch of flavor. The tangy blue cheese pairs divinely with mellow goat cheese. Form into balls, coat in panko crumbs and fry until heated through and golden. The complex blend of flavors is sure to impress guests.
Keto / Low Carb Version
To make this air fryer goat cheese balls recipe friendly for a keto or low carb diet, there are a few simple substitutions we can make:
Instead of using breadcrumbs and all-purpose flour to coat the balls, substitute almond flour, coconut flour or crushed pork rinds which are very low in carbs.
Rather than drizzling honey on top at the end, use a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. A squeeze of lemon will still give it some nice brightness.
Additionally, you could roll the fried goat cheese balls in chopped nuts like pecans or almonds to add crunch. This will keep the carb count low.
And that’s it! With these small tweaks, you can transform this appetizer into a keto-friendly snack that fits into a low carb lifestyle.
Gluten Free Version
Instead of regular all-purpose flour, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Common brands include Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur.
For the panko breadcrumbs, use gluten-free panko style breadcrumbs. Again, Bob’s Red Mill is a readily available brand for gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. You can also make your own by pulsing gluten-free bread into crumbs.
Check that the goat cheese used is certified gluten-free, just to be safe. Some cheese brands may contain small traces of gluten.
Storage
These air fried goat cheese balls will keep best by storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the uncooked goat cheese balls after shaping and rolling them in flour for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before continuing with dipping in egg and breadcrumbs. Then cook as directed.
The cooked goat cheese balls can also be frozen for up to 1 month. Let them cool completely after air frying, then place in a freezer bag or airtight container with parchment paper between layers.
Reheat frozen balls directly from frozen in the air fryer at 390°F for 4-5 minutes until heated through. Drizzle with honey lemon mixture just before serving.
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If you liked my air fried goat cheese recipe, make sure to check out these delicious recipes as well:
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What can I use instead of panko breadcrumbs?
Panko breadcrumbs add a lovely airy texture, but feel free to experiment with other options! Crushed crackers, cornflakes, chopped nuts, or even crumbled polenta can provide different textures and flavors.
2. What can I serve with the goat cheese balls?
The goat cheese balls pair well with jam, fresh fruit, toasted baguette slices, crackers, or honey. You can also add them to salads or grain bowls. Their versatility makes them easy to incorporate into various meals.
3. Can I bake these goat cheese balls instead of air frying?
Yes, you can bake the breaded goat cheese balls instead. Preheat oven to 400°F and bake for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden brown. Monitor closely to avoid overbaking.
4. Should I use a different cheese instead of goat cheese?
Goat cheese provides the signature tang and creamy texture these cheese balls are known for. However, you could substitute cream cheese or feta for a variation. The cook time may need to be adjusted. Goat cheese holds its shape the best when fried.
Air Fryer vs. Deep Frying
Goat cheese balls are a delicious appetizer, but deep frying them loads the dish with extra fat and calories. A healthier cooking method is to air fry the goat cheese balls, which produces a crispy texture without the greasiness of deep frying.
Air frying relies on super heated air rather than oil to cook the food, meaning little to no extra fat is added to the goat cheese balls during cooking. This slashes the calories per serving to a fraction compared to their deep fried counterpart. For those watching their fat intake due to heart health or weight concerns, air fried goat cheese balls make for a more diet-friendly appetizer option.
Air frying also gives these cheese balls an evenly crisp outside without saturating the interior the way deep frying does. The result is a lighter bite that places more emphasis on the subtle tang of the goat cheese rather than just the outer crunch of the fried batter.
For a healthier appetizer that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or texture, air fried goat cheese balls are a excellent alternative to enjoy the beloved indulgence while sparing oneself from excess calories, cholesterol, and other pitfalls common with deep frying. A small change can make a big difference for health.
These crispy, lemon-honey goat cheese balls are an easy and delicious appetizer you can make in your air fryer. The combination of tangy goat cheese rolled in crispy panko breadcrumbs is a real crowd-pleaser.
Be sure to check out more air fryer recipes on my website, and let me know in the comments if you have any questions about making these tasty bites! I hope you’ll give this air fryer goat cheese balls recipe a try soon.
Air Fryer Goat Cheese Balls
- 8 oz Goat Cheese (225g)
- 2/3 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1 Egg (large)
- 2 1/2 tablespoons Lemon Juice
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Honey
- Olive Oil Cooking Spray
- Divide the goat cheese into 10-12 portions. Roll each one into a ball, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Then, place the tray in the freezer for 25 minutes.
- Beat the egg in a small bowl. In a second bowl, add the flour. Then, add the breadcrumbs to a third bowl.
- Roll each frozen cheese ball in the flour, then dip it in the egg, and finish by coating it in the breadcrumbs. Make sure all balls are evenly coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390F (200C) and spray the basket with olive oil cooking spray. Once the air fryer is hot, add the goat cheese balls and air fry them for 5-6 minutes.
- emove the cheese balls from the air fryer and drizzle some honey whisked with lemon juice on top of them. Enjoy.
