Chorizo & Mozzarella Cheese Balls Recipe
Introduction
These Chorizo & Mozzarella Cheese Balls are a deliciously cheesy and spicy snack, perfect for sharing or enjoying as a tasty appetizer. Crispy on the outside with a gooey, flavorful center, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
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 to form 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 the flour, then in the egg mixture, and finally in the breadcrumb mixture. For a thicker coating that prevents oozing, repeat this coating process two or three times per ball.
- Step 4: Preheat your air fryer to 205°C (400°F) for 5 minutes. Gently place the coated balls into the air fryer basket and cook until golden and crispy. Remove from the fryer, serve immediately, and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For extra spice, add a pinch of chili flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
- These cheese balls can also be fried in hot oil if you don’t have an air fryer; cook until golden and crispy.
- Swap chorizo for cooked spicy sausage or pepperoni if preferred.
- Serve with a dipping sauce like aioli or a spicy tomato salsa for added flavor.
Storage
Store any leftover cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven or air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for about 5 minutes to regain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these cheese balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and coat the balls in advance, then refrigerate them for a few hours before cooking. For best results, cook them fresh to maintain their crispy texture.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can deep-fry or shallow-fry the balls in hot oil until golden brown and crispy. Alternatively, bake them in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through.
PrintChorizo & Mozzarella Cheese Balls Recipe
Deliciously crispy on the outside and irresistibly gooey on the inside, these Chorizo & Mozzarella Cheese Balls combine savory chorizo with melted mozzarella and parmesan, coated in flavorful paprika breadcrumbs and air-fried to perfection for a quick and satisfying snack or appetizer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 cheese balls 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Spanish
Ingredients
Cheese and 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
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the grated mozzarella, grated parmesan, and minced chorizo with cornflour and water. Use a spoon initially, then knead with your hands until the mixture forms a dough-like consistency that can be easily shaped.
- Form Balls: Tear off small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls, aiming for around 8 pieces. Set these aside to prepare for coating.
- Coat Thoroughly: Arrange three plates: one with plain flour, one with the whisked eggs, and one with the breadcrumb and paprika mixture. Roll each cheese and chorizo ball first in flour, then dip in the egg wash, followed by the paprika-seasoned breadcrumbs. Repeat this process 2-3 times per ball to create a thick coating that will hold in the cheese during cooking.
- Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 205°C (400°F) for 5 minutes. Carefully place the coated balls in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook until golden and crisp, which should take approximately 5 minutes. Remove from the fryer, serve immediately, and enjoy the melty, savory delight!
Notes
- Ensure the coating is thick enough by repeating the flour, egg, and breadcrumb steps multiple times to prevent cheese leakage during cooking.
- Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and texture.
- Adjust air frying time slightly depending on your air fryer model for perfect crispiness.
- Serve these cheese balls hot for the best flavor and texture experience.
- Optional: Serve with a side of marinara sauce or a spicy aioli for dipping.
Keywords: Cheese balls, mozzarella cheese balls, chorizo appetizer, air fryer recipes, crispy snacks, cheesy snacks, Spanish appetizer, party snacks
