Air Fryer Pizza Dough Balls

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If you’re a fan of Pizza Express Dough Balls and looking for a healthier, easy-to-make version, these Air Fryer Pizza Dough Balls are just what you need! Made with simple ingredients and cooked in an air fryer, they’re a tasty snack or appetizer that’s quick to prepare.

Why Make This Recipe

Making pizza dough balls in the air fryer is a great way to enjoy a crispy, savory treat without the extra fat from deep frying. Plus, it’s a fun and easy way to use up leftover pizza dough. These dough balls are perfect for a quick snack, party appetizer, or just a delicious treat.

How to Make Air Fryer Pizza Dough Balls

Ingredients

Leftover pizza dough
1 tsp mustard
1 tsp garlic puree
100 g grated mozzarella cheese
50 g soft cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
Harissa sauce (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Dough: Take the leftover pizza dough out of the fridge and let it reach room temperature. Add a bit of flour and knead it for a few minutes until it’s soft and pliable.
Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine mustard, garlic puree, grated mozzarella, soft cheese, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful Italian paste.
Shape the Dough Balls: Break the pizza dough into eight equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a pancake shape. Place about 1/3 teaspoon of the cheese mixture in the center, then fold the dough around the filling and seal it, forming a ball. Repeat with all the pieces.
Air Fry the Dough Balls: Brush the dough balls with olive oil. Arrange them in the air fryer basket. Cook at 180°C (360°F) for 10 minutes, then lower the temperature to 160°C (320°F) and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Serve: Remove the dough balls from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can enjoy them on their own or with a side of harissa sauce for extra flavor.

How to Serve Air Fryer Pizza Dough Balls

These pizza dough balls are best served warm. They make a great snack or appetizer and can be paired with a variety of sauces. Try them with a marinara sauce, garlic butter, or a spicy harissa dip for added flavor.

How to Store Air Fryer Pizza Dough Balls

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.

Tips to Make Air Fryer Pizza Dough Balls

Ensure dough is at room temperature: This makes it easier to work with and ensures even cooking.
Seal the dough well: Make sure the dough is tightly sealed around the filling to prevent any cheese from leaking out during cooking.
Use parchment paper: If your air fryer has a non-stick basket, you might want to use parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easier cleanup.

Variation

Add herbs or spices: Experiment with different herbs or spices in the filling, like oregano, basil, or chili flakes, to customize the flavor to your liking.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh pizza dough instead of leftover dough?
Yes, fresh pizza dough works great for this recipe. Just follow the instructions for shaping and filling.

2. Can I freeze these dough balls before cooking?
Yes, you can freeze the dough balls before cooking. Just freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the air fryer time.

3. Can I make these dough balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and shape the dough balls in advance. Store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before cooking.