Air Fryer Pickle Balls Recipe
Introduction
Air Fryer Pickle Balls are a fun and flavorful snack that combines tangy pickles with creamy cheese and a crispy golden crust. Perfect for parties or a quick treat, these bite-sized delights come together quickly and cook evenly in the air fryer.
Ingredients
- ½ cup dill pickle chips (chopped and squeezed dry)
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- ⅔ cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- ¼ cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 large egg (whisked)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped pickles, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese. Mix until well blended.
- Step 2: Roll the mixture into small balls, around 1 inch in diameter.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix the Parmesan cheese with the panko bread crumbs. In another bowl, whisk the egg with a fork.
- Step 4: Dip each ball into the whisked egg, then roll it in the panko and Parmesan mixture to fully coat.
- Step 5: Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F (190°C). Place the coated pickle balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until golden and crispy, shaking the basket halfway through.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, double coat the pickle balls by dipping again in egg and panko mixture before air frying.
- Try adding a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika to the breading for added flavor.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicy twist.
Storage
Store leftover pickle balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350 degrees F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes until crispy and warmed through.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I bake these instead of using an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake the pickle balls in a preheated oven at 400 degrees F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until golden and crispy, turning halfway through.
What type of pickles work best in this recipe?
Dill pickle chips work best as they provide the classic tangy flavor. Be sure to squeeze out excess moisture to keep the mixture from becoming too wet.
PrintAir Fryer Pickle Balls Recipe
These Air Fryer Pickle Balls are a crispy, cheesy, and tangy appetizer perfect for parties or snack time. Made with a flavorful blend of dill pickles, cream cheese, cheddar, and Parmesan, coated in panko breadcrumbs and air-fried to golden perfection, they offer a delightful crunch and creamy center without the need for deep frying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 pickle balls 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Pickle Ball Mixture
- ½ cup dill pickle chips, chopped and squeezed dry
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ⅔ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Coating
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ¼ cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 large egg, whisked
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese and Pickle Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped dill pickles, softened cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well until all ingredients are fully blended into a uniform mixture.
- Form the Balls: Roll the cheese and pickle mixture into small balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter, ensuring they are compact and hold together well.
- Mix the Coating: In a separate bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese with the panko bread crumbs. In another bowl, whisk the egg thoroughly with a fork until smooth.
- Coat the Balls: Dip each pickle ball first into the whisked egg, allowing any excess to drip off, then roll it in the Parmesan and panko mixture to coat completely and evenly.
- Preheat and Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the coated pickle balls in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure they do not touch each other to ensure even cooking.
- Cook Until Golden: Air fry the pickle balls for 8 to 10 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to promote even browning and prevent sticking.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, carefully remove the pickle balls from the air fryer and serve warm as a delicious appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Make sure to squeeze excess moisture from the pickle chips to avoid soggy balls.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika to the cheese mixture.
- You can serve these pickle balls with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes until crispy.
Keywords: pickle balls, air fryer appetizers, cheesy snacks, crispy pickle bites, easy party recipes
