Comfort Food Cravings: Air Fryer Cheese Cracker Balls to the Rescue
Some nights call for impressive tapas - dinner parties, cocktail parties, or any occasion that requires dressing up. But what about those lazy Saturday evenings in your cozy pants? That's when Air Fryer Cheese Cracker Balls come in handy. Easy to make, quick to prepare, and perfect for lounging on the couch, these little delights are a must-try for any self-proclaimed comfort food connoisseur.
"Cracker and Cheese" is a tasty combo that instantly lifts your mood and lingers on your taste buds. Brushed with butter and sprinkled with garlic salt, these cheesy biskuit balls are delicious down to the last bite. For this recipe, I used canned biscuit dough. It's the perfect choice since it's easier to handle than homemade flaky dough, which shouldn't be overworked. Plus, it makes this recipe a breeze to whip up.
I opted for a semi-dry Mozzarella for this recipe. Known as the unsung hero of Mozzarella, this variety has a richer milk flavor and well-balanced saltiness. With its chewy elastic texture and minimal moisture content, it perfectly complements the cheesy filling without adding excessive water, which can prevent the dough from fully baking in the cracker jackets. Feel free to use a different semi-dry cheese, such as Cheddar, Swiss, or Howdah, if you prefer.
Tools You'll Need:
- Electric Air Fryer
- Kahler Nursery Large Muffin Tin
Making Cheese-Stuffed Biskuit Balls
Cut the Mozzarella block into two thick slices less than an inch wide. Cut the slices into six equal squares, making sure the cubes are approximately an inch in size. Open a can of biscuit dough. Shape each square into a ball.
Place a piece of cheese in the center of a cracker. Fold the edges over the cheese and press firmly, pinching and reforming the filling as necessary. Turn the ball so the seam is facing down. Repeat with the remaining crackers.
Return to the first ball and ensure the seam is fully sealed.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) on the "Air Fry" setting. Bake the cheese-stuffed biskuit balls for 8-10 minutes, rotating them every 3 minutes for even cooking. The outside of the balls should be golden-brown, and the interior cheesy goodness should be bubbly and melted. Allow the balls to cool for at least 5 minutes on a wire rack before serving. Drizzle with melted butter, sprinkle with garlic salt, and enjoy!
Adding spices, seeds, or a touch of hot sauce to the mozzarella filling will add even more flavor to these delightful treats. Go wild with your favorite seasonings, and don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations for an unforgettable snack.
Cheese-Stuffed Biskuit Balls
Ingredients:
- 2 cans (8 oz each) flaky biscuit dough
- 1 lb semi-dry Western-style Mozzarella, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tsp garlic salt
Preparation:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) on the "Air Fry" setting. Brush a large muffin tin with cooking spray.
- Place a piece of cheese in the center of each biscuit dough slice. Fold the dough edges over the cheese, pinching and shaping it into a ball. Repeat with the remaining cheese and dough.
- Make sure the seams of each biskuit ball are fully sealed, then roll in garlic salt to coat.
- Place each ball in the prepared muffin tin. Bake for 8-10 minutes, rotating every 3 minutes, until golden brown. Allow the balls to cool for at least 5 minutes before serving.
These Air Fryer Cheese Cracker Balls are the ultimate comfort food, best enjoyed with a cold beer or a glass of light red wine. For a creative twist, try stuffing the balls with cream cheese and nuts or dried fruit and rolling them in parsley and chives, then crushing Cheez-It crackers against the sides for a flavorful crust.
P.S. For a customized appetizer experience, serve these air fryer cheese cracker balls with a variety of dips, such as spinach and artichoke dip or guacamole, and a colorful platter of vegetables, like cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, and sliced carrots. The options are endless, and your taste buds will thank you!
Source:
Enrichment Data:
Air Fryer Cheese Cracker Balls can also be a versatile comfort food that pairs well with a variety of items. Here are some suggestions based on the search results:
- Dips and Spreads:
- Spinach Artichoke Dip: A classic combination that is both creamy and cheesy, perfect for dipping Air Fryer Cheese Cracker Balls.
- Avocado Dip: A fresh and light dip that complements the crispy, cheesy balls nicely.
- Fresh Vegetables:
- Carrots, Cucumbers, Radishes: Serve the Air Fryer Cheese Cracker Balls with a fresh, crunchy vegetable platter for a satisfying snack.
- Beverages:
- Beer: The smoky, cheesy flavor of the Air Fryer Cheese Cracker Balls pairs well with a cold beer, making it a perfect bar snack.
- Other Snacks:
- Pretzels or Crusty Bread: These items complement the crunchy texture of the Air Fryer Cheese Cracker Balls and add to the overall cheesy comfort experience.
- Appetizer Platter:
- Parsley, Chives, and Crushed Cheez-It Crackers: Forming a ball with cream cheese and nuts or dried fruit, then rolling it over parsley, chives, and crushed Cheez-It crackers, serves as a creative and flavorful pairing.
These pairings enhance the comfort food aspect of Air Fryer Cheese Cracker Balls by providing a variety of textures and flavors.