Description
These Airfryer Honey Goat Cheese Balls are a delightful appetizer featuring creamy goat cheese coated in a crispy seasoned breadcrumb crust, perfectly golden and drizzled with sweet honey and a hint of fresh lemon. Ready in under 20 minutes, they offer an elegant and easy-to-make snack or starter that’s bursting with flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Balls
- 8 oz goat cheese (soft, chilled)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (Panko works great for extra crispiness)
- 1 tsp dried thyme (optional, for extra flavor)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Finishing
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for spraying)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice (optional, for added brightness)
Instructions
- Prepare the goat cheese mixture: Begin by taking the chilled goat cheese and ensure it is soft enough to work with but still firm. Place it in a bowl and season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and dried thyme if using. Mix gently to combine the flavors evenly throughout the cheese.
- Shape the cheese balls: Using your hands or a small scoop, portion the goat cheese into evenly sized balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Aim for uniform size to ensure even cooking.
- Coat the cheese balls: Dip each cheese ball into the beaten egg ensuring full coverage, then roll it in the seasoned breadcrumbs until completely coated. Set aside on a plate or tray.
- Preheat and prepare the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking and to help the cheese balls crisp up.
- Air fry the cheese balls: Place the coated cheese balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch to allow proper air circulation. Spray the tops lightly with olive oil. Cook for 6-7 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Add honey and lemon: While the cheese balls are cooking, mix the honey with the fresh lemon juice (if using) in a small bowl to combine the flavors.
- Serve: Remove the cheese balls carefully from the air fryer and transfer to a serving plate. Drizzle with the honey-lemon mixture immediately to add a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory cheese balls. Serve warm for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the goat cheese is cold but soft enough to shape easily.
- Panko breadcrumbs are preferred for a crispier texture.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow even cooking.
- Honey and lemon juice can be adjusted to taste – more honey for sweetness or a bit more lemon for brightness.
- Can be served with fresh herbs or a light salad for an elegant appetizer.
