Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Cheese Puffs made in the Air Fryer are crispy on the outside, cheesy on the inside, and incredibly easy to make! With just a few ingredients, you can whip up these savory treats in no time. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a side dish, these puffs are a guaranteed hit. The best part? They’re lighter and less greasy compared to traditional fried cheese puffs!

Cheese Puffs Air Fryer

Ingredients

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup milk
Olive oil spray for coating

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, melted butter, and milk together until fully combined.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until a dough-like mixture forms.
Scoop small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls, about the size of a tablespoon.
Lightly spray the Air Fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the cheese puff balls in the basket, making sure they don’t touch each other for even cooking.
Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. You may need to shake the basket halfway through the cooking time for even crispiness.
Remove from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

Different Cheese: You can use any cheese you prefer, like mozzarella, gouda, or Monterey Jack, for a different flavor profile.
Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the mixture for a spicy kick.
Herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley into the dough for extra flavor.
Flour Substitute: For a gluten-free option, use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover cheese puffs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
Reheating: To keep them crispy, reheat the cheese puffs in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use any cheese of your choice, such as mozzarella, gouda, or a cheese blend, to give your cheese puffs a unique flavor.

2. Can I freeze the cheese puffs before cooking?

Yes, you can freeze the uncooked cheese puff balls for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, air fry them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

3. Do I need to preheat the Air Fryer?

Yes, preheating your Air Fryer ensures that the cheese puffs cook evenly and become crispy on the outside.

4. How do I prevent the cheese puffs from sticking to the Air Fryer basket?

Lightly spray the Air Fryer basket with olive oil before adding the cheese puff balls. You can also line the basket with parchment paper specifically designed for Air Fryers.

5. Can I make these without eggs?

Eggs help bind the ingredients together, but you can try substituting with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) or a store-bought egg replacer.

6. How can I make these cheese puffs even crispier?

For extra crispiness, you can brush the cheese puffs with a small amount of melted butter or olive oil before air frying.

7. What can I serve with these cheese puffs?

Cheese puffs are great on their own, but they also pair well with dipping sauces like marinara, ranch dressing, or a spicy sriracha mayo.

8. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cheese puff dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before forming and air frying the puffs.

9. Can I use a regular oven instead of an Air Fryer?

Yes, you can bake the cheese puffs in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes until golden brown.

10. Are these cheese puffs gluten-free?

You can make them gluten-free by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour.

Conclusion

Cheese Puffs made in the Air Fryer are an easy and healthier alternative to traditional fried snacks. With their irresistible crispy exterior and gooey cheesy interior, these puffs make for the perfect appetizer or snack. Customize them with different cheeses and spices to suit your taste. Whether you’re making them for a party or enjoying them as a quick treat, these Cheese Puffs will surely become a favorite in your kitchen!