If you’re on the hunt for a quick, crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack, air fryer sausage balls are a game changer. These bite-sized delights combine savory sausage, sharp cheddar cheese, and fluffy biscuit mix into perfectly golden, crispy morsels.
Thanks to the magic of the air fryer, you get that irresistible crunch without the mess of deep frying or the long wait of baking. Whether it’s game day, a holiday party, or just a casual get-together, sausage balls are always a hit.
Plus, they’re super easy to customize with your favorite spices or add-ins. Today, I’ll walk you through a simple yet delicious recipe to create these tasty treats in your air fryer.
Get ready to impress your friends and family with this quick, flavorful snack that’s sure to disappear fast!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This air fryer sausage balls recipe is a perfect blend of convenience, flavor, and texture. First, using the air fryer means you can enjoy perfectly cooked sausage balls in under 20 minutes, with minimal cleanup.
The sausage stays juicy, the cheese melts beautifully, and the outside crisps up nicely without any added oil. Plus, these sausage balls are incredibly versatile — you can make them spicy or mild, add herbs or even a bit of heat with jalapeños.
They’re also great for meal prep or making ahead of time and reheating. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a savory snack on hand, these sausage balls deliver big on taste and convenience.
Plus, they’re kid-friendly and freezer-friendly, making them an ideal go-to recipe for busy days.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground breakfast sausage (mild or spicy depending on preference)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ cups baking biscuit mix (such as Bisquick)
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for smoky flavor)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Equipment
- Air fryer (5-6 quart capacity preferred)
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Baking sheet or plate (for resting before cooking)
- Optional: Parchment paper (for easy cleanup)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Combine the sausage, shredded cheddar, biscuit mix, and milk in a large mixing bowl. Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly but gently until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form the mixture into bite-sized balls, roughly 1-inch in diameter. You should get about 24-28 balls depending on the size.
- Arrange the sausage balls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they aren’t touching. You may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size.
- Cook the sausage balls at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket or turning the balls halfway through cooking to promote even browning.
- Check for doneness: The sausage balls should be golden brown and cooked through with an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Add 2-3 extra minutes if needed.
- Remove from the air fryer and let cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps them firm up and keeps them from being too hot to enjoy.
Tips & Variations
“For extra flavor, try mixing in chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives, or add a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.”
- Use spicy sausage if you want a little heat or mild for a more traditional flavor.
- Substitute cheddar cheese with pepper jack or mozzarella for a different cheese experience.
- Add finely diced jalapeños or green chilies to the mix for extra zest.
- Try gluten-free biscuit mix if you need a gluten-free option.
- To make these ahead, freeze formed sausage balls on a tray then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the air fryer time.
- For a crispier exterior, lightly spray the sausage balls with cooking spray before air frying.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (3 sausage balls) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 |
| Protein | 12g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 6g |
| Fiber | 0.5g |
| Sodium | 480mg |
Serving Suggestions
Air fryer sausage balls are wonderfully versatile and pair well with a variety of dips and sides. Serve them with a classic honey mustard or spicy sriracha mayo for dipping.
They also make a great addition to a brunch spread alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit. For a party platter, add some sliced veggies and cheese cubes to round out your offerings.
Looking for more delicious recipes to complement your sausage balls? Check out our Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide for a hearty vegetarian rice dish, or try the Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas to add some fresh greens to your table.
If you’re in the mood for a warm, comforting soup, the Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food is a perfect choice.
Conclusion
Making sausage balls in the air fryer is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic Southern snack with less fuss and faster cooking time. This recipe delivers a perfect balance of juicy sausage, melty cheese, and a crispy exterior that’s sure to please any crowd.
Whether you’re preparing for a party, a quick snack, or a family appetizer, these air fryer sausage balls are sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
With simple ingredients, easy steps, and plenty of room for customization, this recipe invites you to get creative and make it your own. Don’t forget to experiment with different cheeses, spices, or dipping sauces to keep things exciting.
Enjoy the convenience and deliciousness of this crowd-pleaser any day of the week!
📖 Recipe Card: Air Fryer Sausage Balls
Description: These crispy and savory sausage balls are perfect for a quick snack or appetizer. Made with sausage, cheese, and biscuit mix, they cook perfectly in the air fryer.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT12M
Total Time: PT22M
Servings: 24 sausage balls
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground breakfast sausage
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups biscuit baking mix
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine sausage, cheddar cheese, biscuit mix, Parmesan, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper.
- Mix until well blended.
- Roll mixture into 1-inch balls.
- Lightly spray air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Place sausage balls in basket in a single layer, not touching.
- Cook for 12 minutes, shaking basket halfway through.
- Remove when golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve warm.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 | Protein: 8g | Fat: 12g | Carbs: 4g
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