Description
These Airfryer Honey Goat Cheese Balls are a delightful appetizer combining creamy goat cheese with a crispy breadcrumb coating, air-fried to golden perfection and drizzled with a sweet honey and lemon glaze. Perfectly portioned and quick to prepare, they’re an impressive yet easy snack or party starter.
Ingredients
Scale
Goat 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
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for spraying)
Honey Drizzle
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice (optional, for added brightness)
Instructions
- Prepare the goat cheese: Using your hands, scoop out small portions of goat cheese (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll them into balls. Place them on a plate or tray and chill in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to firm up.
- Coat the goat cheese balls: Season the beaten egg with a pinch of salt and pepper. In a separate shallow dish, combine the seasoned breadcrumbs and dried thyme if using. Roll each goat cheese ball in the egg wash, then coat evenly with the breadcrumb mixture. Gently press the breadcrumbs onto the cheeses to ensure full coverage. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a double coating.
- Air fry the goat cheese balls: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the coated goat cheese balls spaced apart in the basket to allow even cooking. Air fry for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy, shaking the basket halfway through to cook evenly on all sides.
- Prepare the honey drizzle: While frying, mix the honey and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth to create a bright, sweet glaze.
- Serve: Remove the goat cheese balls from the air fryer once crispy and golden. Drizzle with the honey glaze just before serving and garnish with fresh herbs or extra thyme if desired for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Chilling the goat cheese balls before coating helps them hold their shape during cooking.
- Double coating the balls increases crispiness but adds extra calories.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crunchier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- Adjust the amount of honey drizzle to taste for preferred sweetness levels.
- Serve immediately for the best crispy texture; leftovers can be reheated briefly in the air fryer.
