The lemon mozzarella balls in the air fryer are a delicious appetizer or main course, perfect for any occasion, combining simplicity and taste in a single preparation. Ideal for a tasty appetizer, a light lunch, or a family dinner, these balls are a creative and original reinterpretation of classic meatballs. The main ingredient, mozzarella, gives a soft and stringy texture that captivates from the first bite, while cooking in the air fryer makes this dish even lighter and healthier than traditional frying.
The air fryer, in fact, allows you to achieve perfect crispness using a minimal amount of oil, keeping the flavors and lightness of the dish intact. Mozzarella balls cooked in the air fryer are therefore an excellent choice for those who want to indulge in a delicious treat without guilt.
Try them and let yourself be conquered by their irresistible goodness!
MEATBALL PASSION! If you love them as much as I do, try these recipes:
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Very Cheap
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 12
- Cooking methods: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All Seasons
- Energy 101.26 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 5.10 (g) of which sugars 0.30 (g)
- Proteins 6.32 (g)
- Fat 6.20 (g) of which saturated 3.52 (g)of which unsaturated 2.05 (g)
- Fibers 0.27 (g)
- Sodium 212.90 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 30 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients for Mozzarella Balls
- 9 oz mozzarella
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsps cornstarch
- 2 tbsps grated parmesan
- 1 egg
- to taste lemon zest
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- to taste parsley
- 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
Tools
- Blender
- Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Paper
How to Make Mozzarella Balls
To prepare the mozzarella balls, first, wash the lemon and parsley very well. Take the yellow part of the lemon peel and place it in the blender jar. Add the mozzarella and parsley as well. Close and blend for 1 or 2 minutes.
Add the egg, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
Finally, add the breadcrumbs and blend everything again. Add breadcrumbs little by little; you may not need it all, depending on the moisture of the mozzarella. You should get a homogeneous, soft but malleable mixture. Form the balls, about 1.4 oz each, and roll them in breadcrumbs on all sides.
Place them in the air fryer basket lined with parchment paper, spray with oil, and cook at 50°F for 15 minutes, turning halfway through. Consume hot. Enjoy your meal!
Storage
The lemon mozzarella balls can be stored in the fridge for 1 day, already cooked, in an airtight container.
Alternatively, you can freeze them and cook them directly from frozen in the air fryer, slightly increasing the cooking time.
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
Can I use another type of cheese instead of mozzarella?
Yes, you can replace mozzarella with other stringy cheeses like scamorza, provola, or even more flavorful cheeses like caciocavallo. Remember that the type of cheese will affect the texture and taste of the balls.
Can I prepare the mozzarella balls in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the balls in advance and store them in the refrigerator for a couple of hours before cooking.
Is it possible to bake the mozzarella balls instead of using the air fryer?
Yes, you can bake the mozzarella balls. Preheat the oven to 392°F and bake them for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy. For extra crispiness, turn them halfway through cooking.
What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
You can replace breadcrumbs with other ingredients like crushed corn flakes, panko, fresh bread crumbs, or cornmeal for a different crust. If you are gluten intolerant, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour suitable for this purpose.
Can I add vegetables to the mozzarella balls?
Absolutely yes! You can add grated vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or spinach to make the balls more nutritious. Be sure to squeeze the vegetables well to remove excess water before incorporating them into the mixture.
How can I make the balls spicier?
If you love spicy food, you can add chopped chili, hot paprika, or a dash of hot sauce to the ball mixture. Another option is to use a spicy cheese, like chili cheese.
Are mozzarella balls suitable for children?
Yes, mozzarella balls are generally very popular with children due to their soft texture and delicate flavor. You can omit or reduce salt and spices if cooking for little ones.
