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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
