Crispy Parmesan Cheese Balls

Name: Crispy Parmesan Cheese Balls (Air-Fryer)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups grated parmesan cheese; 5 tbsp egg whites; 1/2 cup marinara sauce, for serving

Crispy Parmesan Cheese Balls are a two-ingredient appetizer made with grated parmesan and egg whites, air-fried until golden brown and served with marinara. They're quick, minimal-ingredient, and deliver a salty-savory bite perfect for entertaining.

🌍American 🏷️Parmesan cheese balls 🏷️Cheese balls 🏷️Appetizer 🏷️Snack 2-ingredient

🏷️

🏷️Easy-recipe

-0:00

milanarussianwifeonTikTok

Total

2h 20m

Servings

12

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$10–$16

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by milanarussianwife

-0:00

milanarussianwifeonTikTok

Ingredients

2 cups grated parmesan cheese
5 tbsp egg whites
1/2 cup marinara sauce, for servingoptional

3 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
In a medium bowl, combine the grated parmesan cheese and egg whites.
2
Mix with a fork until a dough-like consistency forms.
3
Line a freezer-safe plate or cutting board with parchment paper.
4
Using a tablespoon as a guide, scoop and roll the mixture into small balls. Place them on the prepared parchment paper. The recipe should yield about 12 balls.
5
Place the tray of cheese balls in the freezer for 2 hours until firm.
6
Arrange the frozen cheese balls in the basket of an air fryer.
7
Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
8
Serve immediately with marinara sauce for dipping.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Use block parmesan cheese freshly grated; pre-shredded varieties contain anti-caking agents that prevent proper binding.
Chill the parmesan-egg white mixture for 15–20 minutes before forming balls to improve structure and prevent spreading during cooking.
Air-fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even browning on all sides.
Watch carefully in the final 2 minutes—cheese can go from golden to burnt quickly once it starts browning.

Substitutions

Egg whites → 1 tablespoon aquafaba per egg white (chickpea liquid; use 5 tbsp total for binding)

Storage & make-ahead

Store cooled cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes until warmed through.

Equipment

air fryer

Common Questions

Can I make these cheese balls without an air fryer?

Yes. Bake at 375°F for 12–15 minutes on a parchment-lined sheet until golden, checking halfway through to prevent over-browning.

What's the best way to prevent the cheese balls from falling apart?

Use fresh grated parmesan (not pre-shredded) and egg whites at room temperature. Chill the mixture for 15–20 minutes before forming balls for better binding.