Name: The Best Air Fryer Pepperoni Cheese Balls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 53 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup chopped pepperoni; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; For the Breading:; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 egg; 2 tablespoons milk; 1 cup flour; Salt and pepper; Nonstick cooking spray; Marinara sauce for serving

These Air Fryer Pepperoni Pizza Cheese Balls are so yummy and great for a game day or after school treat! Simple ingredients for a yummy pizza snack!

What are pizza balls?

Pizza balls are a fun and convenient way to enjoy pizza. They are small balls of breading that have been stuffed with pepperoni and cheese, then baked in the oven until golden brown.

They make a great snack or appetizer for any occasion, from game day gatherings to after school snacks. Pizza balls can be served as-is or with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. With just a few simple ingredients, they are quick and easy to prepare!

What ingredients do I need to make pepperoni pizza balls?

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup chopped pepperoni
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Breading:
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 egg
2 tablespoons milk
1 cup flour
Salt and pepper
Nonstick cooking spray
Marinara sauce for serving

What do you serve with these delicious pizza balls?

Pizza balls are delicious served with a side of marinara sauce for dipping or as finger food on its own. They can also be paired with other sides such as salad, garlic bread, or even some roasted vegetables.

Pizza balls are also great for meal prepping and make the perfect lunch box addition! For a full dinner option, you can pair them with a simple side salad and pasta dish. They also make great additions to antipasto platters, making them the perfect party snack! Whatever you choose, you are sure to enjoy this tasty treat.

How do I store my leftover cheesy pizza balls?

Leftover pizza balls should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy again, simply reheat in a 350 degree oven for 5-7 minutes or until warm and crispy. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months; simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Enjoy!

What are some helpful tips for making Air Fryer Pepperoni Cheese Balls?

Using an air fryer is a great way to make these delicious pizza balls. To ensure a perfectly crispy exterior, spray your air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray before adding the prepared pizza balls. Cook at 375-400 degrees for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

If you would like extra crispiness, use a higher temperature and cook for an extra minute or two. And remember, be sure to keep a close eye on your pizza balls in the air fryer, as they can burn quickly!

Where should I serve these air fryer pepperoni cheese balls?

These air fryer pepperoni cheese balls are perfect for any occasion- game day gatherings, family get-togethers, even after school snacks. They also make great additions to antipasto platters and can be served as an appetizer or main course at dinner parties.

Check out the recipe card and more fun appetizer recipes below!

Yield: 12 Cheese Balls

The Best Air Fryer Pepperoni Cheese Balls

These delicious Air Fryer Pepperoni Cheese balls are so good and delicious for game day or anytime!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 8 minutes

Additional Time 30 minutes

Total Time 53 minutes

Ingredients

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup chopped pepperoni
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Breading:
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 egg
2 tablespoons milk
1 cup flour
Salt and pepper
Nonstick cooking spray
Marinara sauce for serving

Instructions

Stir together the cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
Use a one-inch cookie scoop to scoop out the mixture and roll it into a ball. Place the balls on a lined plate or baking sheet. Freeze the balls for at least 30 minutes, until they’re frozen solid.
When ready to cook the cheese balls, preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees.
Prepare the breading ingredients by stirring together the panko breadcrumbs and Italian seasoning in one bowl. Add the egg, milk, salt and pepper to a separate bowl and whisk to combine. Pour the flour in a third bowl.
Place each frozen cheese ball in the egg mixture, then dip it into the flour to coat. Dip the ball back in the egg mixture, then roll it into the breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs into place and transfer each coated ball to the air fryer basket.
Spray each ball with nonstick cooking spray and cook in the air fryer for 8 to 10 minutes, until the breadcrumbs are golden brown.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 210Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 393mgCarbohydrates: 18gFiber: 1gSugar: 3gProtein: 7g