Name: Cheese Puffs Air Fryer Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: N/A
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or any cheese of your choice); 1/2 cup milk; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional); 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; Sour cream; Chopped chives or parsley

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Get ready for your new favorite snack obsession: Cheese Puffs Air Fryer! These little golden bites are crisp and airy on the outside, fluffy inside, and absolutely packed with cheesy goodness. Best of all, they come together in just 20 minutes, so you don’t have to wait long when the craving strikes. Whether you’re sharing them at a gathering or sneaking a midnight snack, this foolproof Cheese Puffs Air Fryer recipe will wow anyone who loves a quick and irresistible treat.

Cheese Puffs Air Fryer Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients are the secret to these delicious puffs. Every component adds something special—cheesy flavor, tender crumb, or a hint of spice. Grab these staples from your kitchen and get ready for cheesy, puffy perfection!

All-purpose flour: Forms the essential structure and keeps the puffs light while providing just the right chew.
Shredded cheddar cheese (or any cheese): Cheddar gives that unmistakable sharpness, but experimenting with other cheeses keeps things exciting.
Milk: Adds moisture, ensuring the inside stays pillowy and tender.
Large eggs: Bind the ingredients and help the puffs rise beautifully in the air fryer.
Baking powder: The secret to achieving that irresistible, airy lift.
Salt: Balances flavors and makes every cheesy bite sing.
Garlic powder (optional): For a gentle, savory kick that elevates these to snack-time stardom.
Black pepper: Adds a modest warmth and depth to round out the savory notes.
Unsalted butter, melted: Boosts richness and helps deliver that golden finish.
Sour cream (optional, for serving): Offers a cool, tangy contrast to hot, cheesy puffs.
Chopped chives or parsley (optional, for serving): A pop of fresh color and herby brightness.

How to Make

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together your flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. This distributes all those crucial flavors and ensures your Cheese Puffs Air Fryer have that perfectly seasoned bite in every puff.

Step 2: Add the Cheese and Coat

Toss your shredded cheese into the flour mixture and give it a quick stir. This simple, often-overlooked step coats the cheese in flour and helps prevent clumping, so you get even cheesy flavor throughout every puff.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a smaller bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and melted butter until silky-smooth. This liquid trio helps bind everything together and ensures the puffs rise and bake up just right in the air fryer.

Step 4: Combine and Mix

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir just until a thick, cohesive batter forms. Be careful not to overmix. The batter should be scoopable—think slightly thicker than typical muffin batter.

Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for about five minutes. A hot air fryer ensures those Cheese Puffs Air Fryer start cooking immediately and develop that crave-worthy golden exterior.

Step 6: Shape the Cheese Puffs

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the batter and roll them gently into balls. Arrange the cheese puffs in your air fryer basket or on parchment paper, spacing them apart so hot air can swirl and puff them up evenly.

Step 7: Air Fry Until Perfect

Let the magic happen! Air fry the cheese puffs at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. When they emerge, they should be gorgeously golden and visibly puffed.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Give your cheese puffs a couple of minutes to cool slightly so they’re easy to handle (and so you don’t burn your tongue in your eagerness). Serve with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or enjoy them just as they are—cheese heaven!

How to Serve

Garnishes

These puffs love a little dressing up! Try scattering chopped chives or parsley over the top while they’re still warm, or set out a bowl of cool sour cream for dipping. The herby freshness and creamy tang pair perfectly with the melted cheese center.

Side Dishes

For a party or game night, pair Cheese Puffs Air Fryer with a light salad, a bowl of tomato soup, or your favorite crudités. These airy puffs are just the thing to break up heavier dishes or provide an enticing appetizer before a main meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Go beyond the plate: serve these cheese puffs threaded onto skewers as fun party snacks, stack them high in a breadbasket with parchment, or tuck a few into a lunch box. For gatherings, you might even make a “puff tower” as the centerpiece—edible decor that’ll vanish before the party’s halfway over!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If by some miracle you have leftovers, store cooled Cheese Puffs Air Fryer in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’re just as tempting cold, but hold onto that crispy edge by keeping them dry and tightly sealed.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the fully baked cheese puffs on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to a month. Just grab one or a few whenever the craving hits—no need to thaw before reheating!

Reheating

To revive that fresh-from-the-air-fryer texture, pop the cheese puffs directly into your air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for just 2-3 minutes. This warms them through and crisps the outside beautifully, so no one will guess they’re leftover.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese for Cheese Puffs Air Fryer?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a bit of Parmesan for extra punch. The only rule: use a cheese that melts well, so you get that signature gooey center.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can still enjoy these puffs! Bake them in a conventional oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-14 minutes, turning once if you can. The results will be close, though slightly less crisp.

Can I make Cheese Puffs Air Fryer gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend suited for baking. Check that your baking powder is also gluten-free to keep things completely safe and delicious.

Why did my cheese puffs turn out flat?

This usually means the batter was overmixed or your baking powder was past its prime. Make sure to handle the batter gently, and always use fresh leaveners for the best rise.

Are these Cheese Puffs Air Fryer good for kids?

Kids adore them! These puffs are bite-sized, fun to dip, and mild enough for most palates. They’re perfect for little hands—and adults tend to sneak more than a few, too.

Final Thoughts

Once you try Cheese Puffs Air Fryer, you’ll be hooked on their cheesy, puffed-up delightfulness. Don’t be surprised if these become your most-requested party snack or late-night treat. Grab your air fryer and a bag of cheese, and let’s get snacking—because homemade cheesy happiness is just minutes away!