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Crispy Air Fryer Football Cheese Bites: Best Game Day Appetizer

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These crispy air fryer football-shaped cheese bites are the ultimate game day appetizer. Made with simple ingredients and ready in under 20 minutes, they are crunchy on the outside, warm and gooey on the inside, and guaranteed to disappear fast.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces low-moisture mozzarella cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • Cooking spray (avocado or olive oil)
  • 1 stick string cheese, cut into thin strips (optional, for laces)
  • Marinara sauce, for serving (optional)
  • Ranch dressing, for serving (optional)
  • Buffalo sauce, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cut the mozzarella into 1-inch cubes. Pat dry with a paper towel if moist.
  2. Soften the cream cheese (let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes or microwave for 10 seconds). Mix with a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth.
  3. Set up a breading station: one bowl with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper mixed together.
  4. Shape each mozzarella cube into an oval football shape. Use a tiny bit of cream cheese to help it stick if needed. Place on a parchment-lined tray.
  5. Bread each football: roll in flour, dip in egg, then coat in panko mixture, pressing gently. Place back on tray.
  6. Optional: press a thin strip of string cheese onto the top of each breaded football to resemble laces.
  7. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
  8. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange bites in a single layer without touching (cook in batches if needed).
  9. Spray tops with cooking spray. Air fry at 375°F for 5 minutes. Flip with tongs, spray again, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until deep golden brown.
  10. Let rest in the basket for 1 minute, then transfer to a serving plate. Serve immediately with desired dipping sauces.

Notes

For best results, freeze the breaded bites for 15 minutes before air frying to prevent cheese from leaking. Do not use pre-shredded mozzarella. Adjust cooking time based on your air fryer model. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and panko. For keto, use crushed pork rinds or almond flour instead of panko.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer cheese bites, football shaped cheese bites, game day appetizer, crispy cheese bites, easy appetizer

Find it online: https://twirltaste.com/crispy-air-fryer-football-cheese-bites-best-game-day-appetizer/