Cheese Puffs in the Air Fryer: Delicious 15-Minute Snack Recipe

Introduction

These delicious Cheese Puffs are light, airy, and packed with cheesy goodness. Ready in just 15 minutes in the air fryer, they make a perfect snack or appetizer that will impress your friends and family.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar, Gruyère, mozzarella, or a mix)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a surface to place the cheese puffs once shaped.
2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and milk over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the butter is fully melted and the mixture starts simmering. Remove from heat.
3. Step 3: Add the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and baking powder to the saucepan. Stir vigorously until the mixture forms a smooth dough.
4. Step 4: Let the dough cool for a couple of minutes, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth and shiny.
5. Step 5: Stir in the grated cheese evenly throughout the dough.
6. Step 6: Using a spoon or piping bag, drop spoonfuls of dough about 1 1/2 inches in diameter onto a piece of parchment paper or non-stick surface, leaving space between each puff.
7. Step 7: Carefully transfer the dough balls into the preheated air fryer basket in batches, ensuring they don’t touch. Air fry for 15 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
8. Step 8: Remove from the air fryer and let the cheese puffs cool slightly before serving warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add finely chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the dough.
• Try mixing different cheeses for a richer taste and varied texture.
• If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.
• Use a piping bag with a large round tip for perfectly shaped cheese puffs.

Storage

Store leftover cheese puffs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in the air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to restore their crispiness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cheese or milk for this recipe?

Yes, you can use low-fat cheese or milk, but keep in mind that full-fat versions will produce the best texture and flavor.

Can I freeze the cheese puffs?

Absolutely. Freeze baked cheese puffs in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Reheat in the air fryer or oven directly from frozen for best results.

Cheese Puffs in the Air Fryer: Delicious 15-Minute Snack Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 90 reviews

• Author: Lila
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 20 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These air fryer cheese puffs are a delightful and easy-to-make snack featuring a crispy exterior with a soft, cheesy interior. Made with a simple choux pastry base enriched with your choice of cheddar, Gruyère, mozzarella, or a mix of cheeses, they cook quickly in the air fryer for a perfect light treat in just 15 minutes. Ideal for parties, appetizers, or a tasty snack any time.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese Puffs Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar, Gruyère, mozzarella, or a mix)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the air fryer and dough base: Melt the butter and milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until fully melted and beginning to simmer. Remove from heat.
2. Create the dough: Stir in the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and baking powder vigorously until the mixture forms a smooth dough.
3. Incorporate eggs: Allow the dough to cool slightly for a few minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough becomes smooth, shiny, and elastic.
4. Add cheese and herbs: Fold in the grated cheese evenly throughout the dough. Optionally, mix in finely chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic touch.
5. Form puffs: Using a spoon or piping bag, drop spoonfuls of dough about 1 1/2 inches in diameter onto a parchment-lined air fryer basket or tray, leaving space between each to allow for puffing.
6. Air fry the puffs: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Cook the cheese puffs for 15 minutes or until they have puffed up and turned golden brown and crispy on the outside.
7. Cool and serve: Remove the puffs from the air fryer and allow them to cool slightly before serving warm to enjoy their full flavor and texture.

Notes

• You can use any combination of cheddar, Gruyère, mozzarella, or other melting cheeses you prefer for varied flavor.
• Adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary enhances the aroma and taste but is optional.
• If you don’t have an air fryer, these can also be baked in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.
• For best results, serve the cheese puffs warm when they are fresh and crispy.
• Keep the puffs spaced well during cooking to ensure even puffing and browning.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: French-inspired

Keywords: air fryer cheese puffs, cheese puffs recipe, quick cheese appetizer, air fryer snacks, cheesy puff pastries