Crispy Fried Goat Cheese Balls (Air Fryer Option) Recipe
These Crispy Fried Goat Cheese Balls deliver a perfect combination of a creamy, tangy goat cheese center with a crunchy, golden crust. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, you can enjoy them deep-fried for a traditional crispy bite or opt for a healthier alternative by air frying. Enhanced with garlic powder and fresh thyme, these bite-sized treats are easy to make and sure to impress at any gathering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 cheese balls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cheese Ball Coating
- 8 oz goat cheese log
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme
Frying
- 1 quart canola oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Balls: Start by slicing the goat cheese log into bite-sized pieces. Roll each piece gently into a ball shape using your hands to create uniform sizes for even cooking.
- Set Up Coating Stations: In three separate shallow dishes, place the flour mixed with garlic powder and kosher salt in the first, whisk together the egg and milk in the second, and combine the panko breadcrumbs with minced fresh thyme in the third.
- Coat the Cheese Balls: Roll each goat cheese ball first in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Then dip it into the egg wash, ensuring it’s well coated, followed by rolling it thoroughly in the breadcrumb and thyme mixture to form a crisp crust.
- Chill the Balls: Place the coated cheese balls on a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the coating set and prevents the cheese from melting too quickly during cooking.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat the canola oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain consistent temperature for perfect frying results.
- Fry the Cheese Balls: Carefully drop a few cheese balls into the hot oil without overcrowding. Fry for about 2-3 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Alternative Air Frying Method: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the cheese balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, lightly spray with cooking oil, and cook for 8-10 minutes until golden and crisp, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
- Serve: Serve the crispy fried goat cheese balls warm with your choice of dipping sauces or alongside fresh herbs for an elegant appetizer.
Notes
- Chilling the cheese balls before frying is essential to maintain shape and prevent leaking.
- Be cautious not to overcrowd the frying vessel to keep oil temperature stable and achieve even crispiness.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
- Herbs like fresh thyme add a lovely aromatic flavor but can be replaced with rosemary or oregano as desired.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat in an air fryer or oven to maintain crispness.
