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Crispy Air Fryer Cheese Bites

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These Crispy Air Fryer Cheese Bites are perfectly crunchy on the outside with a warm, gooey cheese center. They’re an easy appetizer or snack made with a crispy breadcrumb coating and served with your favorite dipping sauce.

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Cooking spray
  • Marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic aioli for serving

Instructions

  1. Cut the mozzarella into bite-sized cubes and freeze them for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Place the flour in one shallow bowl.
  3. Whisk together the eggs and milk in a second shallow bowl.
  4. In a third bowl, combine the Italian-style breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
  5. Coat each cheese cube in flour, dip it into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture.
  6. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating for an extra crispy crust.
  7. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
  8. Arrange the coated cheese bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece.
  9. Lightly spray the cheese bites with cooking spray.
  10. Air fry for 5–7 minutes until the coating is golden brown and crispy, watching carefully to prevent the cheese from leaking.
  11. Let cool for 1–2 minutes before serving with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic aioli.

Notes

  • Freeze the cheese cubes before breading to help prevent the cheese from melting out during cooking.
  • Try cheddar, pepper jack, gouda, or Monterey Jack for different flavors.
  • Add cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or dried herbs to the coating for extra flavor.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to restore crispiness.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/crispy-air-fryer-cheese-bites/