Michelle Cooks

This is one of those recipes I made a lot in our younger days when we didn’t care that things were deep fried in a pot of oil. I like to think we’ve matured. But when I was cleaning up some stuff in my kitchen, I came across the recipe and thought, why not see if I can bring back our old favorite using the air fryer?

Yes, I did and everyone was thrilled to see it back for game day!

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • Dash of cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp ranch seasoning
  • 3 egg whites
  • 1 cup plain bread crumbs

Let’s Cook!

  • In a large bowl, toss the cheddar cheese and the spices
  • In a small bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form
  • Gently fold the egg whites into the cheese and spices
  • Shape the mixture into small balls using two teaspoons (don’t panic if they look like they’re flat)
  • Roll into the bread crumbs, using the spoons to re-shape them into balls
  • Place in a single layer in the air fryer
  • Spray with a light coat of olive oil
  • Air fry for 5-8 minutes at 370 degrees until they’re golden brown
  • Serve warm and enjoy

Don’t worry if you have some cheese leak out, it just means they’re going to be good (see picture if you don’t believe me!)

The egg whites work their magical powers in the air fryer to make them so airy inside (which is a bad thing for impulse control) while the outside has that perfect crunch. The spices give them just the right amount of kick that if you’ve never had them before you stop and think about what you’re tasting!

Do you have a favorite recipe from days gone by that you’ve given a new twist? Let us know so we can try too!

Eat well friends!

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