Crispy Spinach and Cheese Balls are a savory, bite-sized snack perfect for any occasion. These golden, crunchy balls are filled with a flavorful mix of spinach, creamy cheese, and aromatic herbs. Air-fried for a healthier twist, they offer the same indulgent texture and taste without the added oil. Perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or side dish, these cheese balls pair wonderfully with your favorite dipping sauce.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plus extra for coating)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil spray
Instructions:
- Prepare the Mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
- Form the Balls:
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a small ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture. You should have about 12-15 balls.
- Coat the Balls:
- Roll each ball in breadcrumbs to create an even coating.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Air Fry the Balls:
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Place the balls in the basket in a single layer, leaving space between them. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the balls are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve:
- Remove the spinach and cheese balls from the air fryer and serve warm with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or your favorite dip.
Time:
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
- Total Time: ~20 minutes
Servings:
- Makes 12-15 balls, serving 4 people.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving, Approximate):
- Calories: ~120
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: ~250mg
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Key Notes:
- Customizable Ingredients: Add chopped cooked bacon or diced sun-dried tomatoes to the mixture for added flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Ensure Parmesan cheese is vegetarian, or use a plant-based alternative.
- Crispiness Tip: For an extra crispy texture, spray the balls lightly with olive oil before air frying.
- Storage: Store leftover balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Freezing: These balls can be frozen before air frying. Cook from frozen in the air fryer at 350°F for 12-14 minutes.
These Crispy Spinach and Cheese Balls are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s easy to make and packed with flavor!