Introduction

Chorizo & Mozzarella Cheese Balls are a flavorful, crispy snack perfect for sharing. With a gooey cheese center and spicy chorizo, these bites make a delicious appetizer or party treat. Using an air fryer keeps them light and crunchy without the extra oil.

Chorizo & Mozzarella Cheese Balls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

250g grated mozzarella
50g grated parmesan
50g grated or finely sliced chorizo
1 tbsp cornflour
2 tbsp water
100g plain flour
2 eggs, whisked
200g breadcrumbs
1 tbsp paprika

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, combine the grated mozzarella, grated parmesan, minced chorizo, cornflour, and water. Mix with a spoon, then knead the mixture with your hands until it forms a dough-like consistency that can be easily moulded.
Step 2: Tear off small pieces of the mixture and roll them into balls. You should be able to make around 8 balls. Set them aside.
Step 3: Prepare three plates: one with plain flour, one with the whisked eggs, and one with the breadcrumbs mixed with paprika. Roll each cheese and chorizo ball first in flour, then in egg, and lastly in the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat this coating process two to three times per ball for a thicker crust that prevents cheese from oozing out when frying.
Step 4: Preheat your air fryer to 205°C (400°F) for 5 minutes. Gently place the coated balls inside the air fryer basket and cook until golden and crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove carefully and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For extra spice, add a pinch of chili flakes to the breadcrumb mix.
Try swapping chorizo for cooked and crumbled spicy sausage or pepperoni for a different flavor.
If you don’t have an air fryer, these can be shallow fried in oil until golden and crispy.
Using fresh mozzarella will result in a softer center but may be harder to handle than grated cheese.

Storage

Store any leftover cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the coating soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the cheese balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and shape the balls in advance. Keep them refrigerated and coat with the breadcrumb mixture just before cooking for the best texture.

Can I freeze these cheese balls?

Yes, freeze the uncooked, coated balls on a baking tray until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag and cook from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the air frying time.

Chorizo & Mozzarella Cheese Balls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 87 reviews

These Chorizo & Mozzarella Cheese Balls are a deliciously crispy and cheesy appetizer perfect for sharing. With a flavorful combination of spicy chorizo and gooey mozzarella cheese, coated in a crunchy paprika-seasoned breadcrumb crust and air-fried to golden perfection, they’re a snack that’s both satisfying and easy to make.

Author: Dylan
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 8 cheese and chorizo balls 1x
Category: Snack/Appetizer
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: Spanish-inspired

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese & Chorizo Mixture

250g grated mozzarella
50g grated parmesan
50g grated or finely sliced chorizo
1 tbsp cornflour
2 tbsp water

Coating

100g plain flour
2 eggs, whisked
200g breadcrumbs
1 tbsp paprika

Instructions

Prepare the Cheese and Chorizo Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the grated mozzarella, grated parmesan, and finely sliced chorizo along with the cornflour and water. Mix everything thoroughly with a spoon before kneading the mixture with your hands until it forms a dough-like consistency that is easy to mold.
Form the Balls: Tear off small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls approximately the size of a walnut. This recipe yields about 8 cheese and chorizo balls. Set the shaped balls aside on a clean plate.
Coat the Balls: Prepare three plates: one with plain flour, one with the whisked eggs, and one with the breadcrumbs mixed with paprika. Roll each ball first in the flour, then dip it in the egg wash, and finally coat it well with the paprika-spiced breadcrumbs. Repeat this flour-egg-breadcrumb coating process two to three times per ball to ensure a thick and sturdy crust that prevents the cheese from oozing out during cooking.
Air Fry the Cheese Balls: Preheat your air fryer to 205°C (400°F) for 5 minutes. Carefully place the coated cheese and chorizo balls into the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other. Air fry for about 5 minutes or until the coating is golden brown and crispy. Remove from the air fryer, serve immediately, and enjoy your crispy, gooey cheese balls!

Notes

Ensure the balls are well coated by repeating the coating steps multiple times to keep the cheese from leaking out during cooking.
You can substitute chorizo with another spicy cured sausage if preferred.
Serve these balls hot for the best gooey cheese experience.
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili powder to the breadcrumb mixture.
If you do not have an air fryer, these can be deep-fried or baked, but cooking times and texture may vary.

Keywords: chorizo cheese balls, mozzarella cheese balls, air fryer appetizer, crispy cheese balls, Spanish snack