If you're looking for a quick and easy appetizer or snack, these Air Fryer Sausage Balls are the perfect solution! With a blend of three cheeses and a kick of breakfast sausage seasoning or Cajun seasoning, they're packed with flavor and cook up quickly in the air fryer. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with savory flavor. Whether you’re whipping them up for a high-protein breakfast, game day appetizer, or a quick snack, these sausage balls will soon become your go-to.
I love all things pork, but these pork sausage meatballs are one of my favorites. So, I knew I would want an air-fried version to make on busy mornings. The great thing is that you can also make these air-fried sausage balls ahead of time and reheat them in a few minutes in the morning.
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Why Make Sausage Balls in the Air Fryer?
Traditional sausage balls are usually baked in the oven, but the air fryer offers several advantages:
- Less grease: The air fryer allows excess fat to drain away, giving you a lighter but still flavorful snack.
- Faster cooking time: Your sausage balls will be ready in about half the time.
- Crispy texture: The air fryer ensures a perfectly crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
Ingredients for Breakfast Sausage Balls
To make these sausage balls, you only need a few simple ingredients:
- 1 pound ground pork or sausage (mild or spicy, your choice)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup Colby Jack cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Breakfast sausage seasoning - you can also use Cajun seasoning. If you are using a preseasoned pork sausage. Adjust seasoning to taste for more or less heat.
Instructions for how to Make Air Fryer Sausage Balls
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 1 - Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork or sausage, cream cheese, Colby Jack cheese, Parmesan cheese, and breakfast sausage seasoning. Use your hands or a spatula to thoroughly mix until everything is well combined.
- Step 2 - Form sausage balls: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls, making about 20-24 sausage balls depending on size.
- Step 3 - Arrange in air fryer: Place the sausage balls in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Be sure to leave some space between them so they cook evenly. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to work in batches.
- Step 4 - Cook: Air fry the sausage balls at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, turning them halfway through. They should be golden brown on the outside and fully cooked inside.
Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, ranch or spicy mustard.
These Air Fryer Sausage Balls are a breeze to make and incredibly versatile, making them ideal for a quick breakfast that is high in protein. Plus, using the air fryer cuts down on cooking time and mess, leaving you with deliciously crispy, flavorful sausage balls that will disappear fast. Try this recipe today, and let us know how they turned out!
Freeze leftovers: These sausage balls can be frozen before or after cooking. If freezing uncooked, simply air fry them straight from the freezer, adding an extra 2-3 minutes of cook time.
Substitutions
Ground Meat Options:
If you don’t have pork sausage on hand, try substituting it with:
- Ground turkey for a leaner version.
- Ground chicken for a lighter alternative.
- Spicy Italian sausage if you want to add extra flavor without Cajun seasoning.
Cheese Options:
- Instead of Colby Jack, use cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack for a similar flavor profile.
- Replace Parmesan with Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
Spice Alternatives:
- For less heat, omit the Cajun seasoning and use a mild Italian seasoning blend.iet.
- If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, substitute with a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne for a similar spicy kick.
Variations
Change up the air fryer sausage balls for any occasion. Check out these ideas.
- Spicy Jalapeño Sausage Balls: Add one finely diced jalapeño to the mixture for an extra burst of heat. You can also sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes into the sausage mix for even more spice.
- Bacon-Cheddar Sausage Balls: Add crispy bacon to the mix and shredded cheddar cheese for a smoky, savory twist.
- Herb-Infused Sausage Balls: Add freshly chopped herbs like parsley, thyme, or chives to the sausage mixture for a fresh and earthy flavor.
See this Jalapeno Popper Meatball with Cheese Sauce on my website!
Air Fryer Equipment
If you are still deciding whether to buy an air fryer, check out my recommendations for the best one and the ingredients for the recipes.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Sausage Balls
Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes to restore their crispy texture.
Freezer: These sausage balls can be frozen before or after cooking. Thaw the cooked sausage balls and reheat them like you would the refrigerator-stored leftovers.
You can freeze uncooked sausage balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to cook, air fry them from frozen at 375°F for 15-17 minutes.
Top Tips
- Don’t overmix: Overmixing can result in tough sausage balls, so mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Use cold ingredients: Using cold sausage and cheese will help the sausage balls hold their shape better when forming them.
- Customize the flavor: Want more flavor? Add in herbs like parsley or thyme, or try using a different type of cheese like pepper jack for a spicy twist.
- Room temperature cream cheese: Using softened cream cheese helps blend the ingredients smoothly.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Cooking in small batches ensures the sausage balls crisp up nicely.
FAQ
You can use mild, spicy, or any flavored sausage you prefer. Ground pork, ground chicken, and ground turkey with the cajun seasoning also works. Turkey or chicken sausage is also a great alternative if you’re looking for a lighter version
Yes! You can prepare the sausage mixture and roll them into balls up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
More Air Fryer Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
- Air Fryer Crescent Rolls Stuffed with Cheese
- Air Fryer Steak
- Air fryer Cube Steak Fingers
- Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes - Cubed, Diced, or Fries
More Breakfast Recipes
These are my favorite breakfast recipes you an make with these sausage balls:
- Easy Double Crust Crescent Roll Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- High Protein Peaches and Cream Overnight Oats
- Quick and Easy High-Protein Microwave Cottage Cheese Egg Bites Recipe
- High Protein Cottage Cheese Egg Bites
๐ Recipe
Air Fryer Sausage balls
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground pork or breakfast sausage
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup colby jack shredded cheese
- ยฝ cup parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon cajun or BBQ seasoning omit if using breakfast sausage
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a bowl. Using a mix and chop or your hands, completely incorporate all the ingredients together.
- Roll into 1 to 2 inch sized meatballs.
- Place the sausage balls in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Be sure to leave space between them to ensure even cooking. Work in batches if necessary.
- Air fry the sausage balls at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, turning them halfway through. They should be golden brown on the outside and fully cooked inside.
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