Crispy Fried Goat Cheese Balls (in the Air Fryer)

Why you’re going to love these

• Simple: All you need is 5 ingredients, plus optional garnishes, to create a stunning appetizer. There is no need to be an expert in the kitchen, but your guests will certainly think you are!
• Quick: With the help of the air fryer, these fried goat cheese balls are fully cooked in 6 minutes and require very little hands-on preparation. The entire recipe is ready to be served in 30 minutes or less.
• Crowd pleaser: Anyone who’s tried these always asks for the recipe. You may need to make a double batch because they disappear much too quickly!
• Healthier: Since the goat cheese balls are cooked in an air fryer, you can rest assured this recipe is a much healthier option compared to traditional frying methods. Maybe even enjoy a few extra!

What are fried goat cheese balls?

Fried goat cheese balls are a quick way to transform mild and creamy goat cheese into a golden-brown and flavor-packed snack. Roll the goat cheese, coat it in a simple breading, then air fry it to crispy perfection. It’s that easy!

I love the contrasting flavors of honey and thyme for garnishes, but you can serve these balls with just about any herb or drizzle you prefer. I even like to switch up the variety of goat cheese for unique variations.

Whether you’re making them for a party or garnishing a salad, the final result is crispy, creamy, and completely addicting (you’ve been warned)! 

Ingredient notes

Full ingredient quantities and instructions are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

• Goat cheese: Make sure you have a log of goat cheese, not goat cheese crumbles sold in a container. It sticks together much better than the crumbled variety. I kept things simple with plain goat cheese, but you can also use herbed goat cheese.
• Panko: To coat the very outside, creating a perfectly crispy, crunchy texture. If you are celiac or have gluten sensitivities, swap in gluten-free panko. You can also use regular breadcrumbs, but your fried goat cheese balls will not turn out quite as crispy.
• All-purpose flour: To dredge the goat cheese balls in, helping the egg wash stick. Use regular all-purpose flour, or a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Eggs: The egg wash allows the panko layer to stick, resulting in a light and crispy breading.
• Vegetable oil spray: Use a neutral vegetable oil spray like canola oil, vegetable oil, or sunflower oil. My favorite for the air fryer is avocado oil.
• Honey: The perfect accompaniment to contrast the savory, fried flavors is a drizzle of honey! If you prefer, you can replace honey with agave or coconut nectar instead.
• Thyme: Adds a pop of color and an earthy, savory, slightly minty element. Swap in parsley for more fresh, vibrant, and peppery notes.

How to make fried goat cheese balls

Full instructions are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. First, line a small baking tray with parchment paper. Cut the log of goat cheese in half lengthwise, then cut each half into 10 equal pieces.
2. Roll each piece of goat cheese between the palms of your hands until it is shaped like a ball. Place the goat cheese balls, spaced apart, on the prepared baking tray.
3. Chill the tray in the freezer until the cheese balls are solid, which typically takes anywhere from 20-30 minutes.

4. In the meantime, set up your breading station. Add the flour, beaten egg, and panko to three separate bowls.
5. Organize the flour bowl first, then the egg bowl, and lastly the panko bowl. Add a plate to the end of the row of bowls.

6. Remove the tray of hardened cheese balls from the freezer and place it at the front of the row.
7. Working with one at a time, roll each cheese ball in the flour, then the egg wash, and finally the breadcrumbs. Make sure to thoroughly coat the balls with each layer.
8. Once they are breaded, place the balls on the plate at the end of the row. Spray the basket of the air fryer lightly with oil, and preheat it to 400°F.
9. Transfer the breaded cheese balls to the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them. Just note, you will probably need to cook them in two batches, so don’t overcrowd the basket on the first go.

4. Spray the cheeseballs lightly with cooking oil, then close the air fryer and cook them for 6 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
5. Remove the fried goat cheese balls from the air fryer onto a serving plate. Drizzle them with honey and garnish with thyme. Serve them immediately while they are still hot.

Storage & reheating

Whether you’re making fried goat cheese balls all at once or prepping them in advance, keep these storage tips in mind:

• Make ahead: Cut and roll the goat cheese into balls, then store them in a freezer-safe bag or container in the freezer for up to a week. When you’re ready to make them, pick up where you left off in the recipe instructions.
• Fridge: Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 6-7 days. Realize they won’t be quite as crispy as when they were first made, but you can achieve fairly crispy results by reheating them.
• Reheating: Reheat the fried goat cheese balls in your air fryer for 4 minutes, or until warmed through. Just remember to rotate them about halfway through cooking.

Variations

• Nuts: Add finely chopped nuts to the panko crumb mixture for added crunch and buttery flavor. Pecans, walnuts, or almonds make great choices, but my personal favorite is pistachios.
• Cheese: Swap in flavored goat cheese like garlic herb, tomato basil, or jalapeño. You can also try sweet goat cheese varieties infused with blueberry, fig, or cranberries.
• Seasonings: Mix different herbs and spices into the flour for another way to incorporate flavor. Some options include Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, cumin, paprika, coriander, or cinnamon for a dessert-inspired snack.

Helpful tips

• Let the balls chill: Allow ample amounts of time for the goat cheese balls to harden in the freezer. This will make breading them much easier, and prevent them from turning into a melted mess in the air fryer!
• Keep your hands separate: Remember to keep one hand reserved for rolling the balls in flour and panko and one hand for coating them in the egg wash. 
• Work in batches: Bread just enough goat cheese balls that will fit in your air fryer basket, then leave the rest in the freezer to stay cold. After you’ve added the breaded cheese balls to your air fryer, start working on the second batch.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket: For a perfectly crispy exterior, you really shouldn’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Remember to leave lots of space between each breaded ball!

Common questions