Chorizo & Mozzarella Cheese Balls Recipe

Introduction

Chorizo & Mozzarella Cheese Balls are a deliciously cheesy and savory snack that’s perfect for sharing. Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, these bite-sized treats combine spicy chorizo with melty mozzarella for an irresistible flavor.

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

1. 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 until it forms a dough-like consistency that can be easily moulded.
2. Step 2: Tear off small pieces of the mixture and roll them into balls. You should be able to make about 8 balls. Set them aside.
3. Step 3: Prepare three plates: one with plain flour, one with the whisked eggs, and one with the breadcrumbs mixed with paprika. Roll each ball first in flour, then dip in the egg, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat this coating process 2 or 3 times per ball to create a thicker crust that prevents cheese from oozing out while frying.
4. Step 4: Preheat your air fryer to 205°C (400°F) for 5 minutes. Gently place the coated cheese and chorizo balls inside and cook until golden and crisp. Once done, remove from the fryer and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.
• Try using smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor.
• If you don’t have an air fryer, these can be deep-fried or baked in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) until golden.

Storage

Store any leftover cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the air fryer or oven to retain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it may 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 ahead of time, then refrigerate them shortly before cooking. This helps save time on the day you want to serve them.

What can I substitute for chorizo?

If you don’t have chorizo, you can use any spicy sausage or even cooked bacon bits for a similar savory flavor.

Chorizo & Mozzarella Cheese Balls Recipe

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4.5 from 88 reviews

Deliciously crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, these Chorizo & Mozzarella Cheese Balls combine the smoky flavors of chorizo with melty mozzarella and parmesan, coated in a crunchy paprika-seasoned breadcrumb crust, air-fried to golden perfection for a quick and satisfying appetizer or snack.

• Author: Lily
• 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

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese & 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

1. Mix the cheese and chorizo: In a large bowl, combine the grated mozzarella, grated parmesan, and finely sliced or grated chorizo along with the cornflour and water. Mix thoroughly using a spoon, then knead the mixture with your hands until it forms a dough-like, moldable consistency.
2. Form the balls: Tear pieces from the mixture and roll them into small balls approximately the size of a golf ball. You should make about 8 balls. Place them aside on a plate.
3. Prepare the coating stations: Set up three shallow plates: one with plain flour, one with the whisked eggs, and one with the breadcrumbs mixed with paprika. This will be used for coating the balls.
4. Coat the balls: Roll each cheese and chorizo ball first in the flour, then dip into the whisked eggs, and finally roll thoroughly in the paprika-seasoned breadcrumbs. Repeat this flour-egg-breadcrumb coating step two or three times for each ball to create a thick protective crust that prevents cheese from oozing out during cooking.
5. Air fry the balls: Preheat your air fryer to 205°C (400°F) for about 5 minutes. Carefully place the coated cheese balls in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook for approximately 5 minutes or until the coating is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese inside is melted.
6. Serve: Remove the cheese balls from the air fryer carefully and serve immediately while hot and gooey. Enjoy as a flavorful appetizer or party snack.

Notes

• For best results, ensure the chorizo is finely grated or minced so it integrates well with the cheese mixture.
• Multiple coatings help maintain structure during air frying and provide crunch.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• You can substitute paprika with smoked paprika for a deeper smoky flavor.
• Serve with a dipping sauce such as spicy tomato salsa or garlic aioli for extra flavor.

Keywords: Chorizo cheese balls, mozzarella appetizers, air fryer snacks, crispy cheese balls, Spanish appetizer