Once I had tried cooking my sausage balls in the air fryer there was no going back. Crispy outside, soft and juicy inside - air fryer sausage balls are going to be your new favorite party food.

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I normally like to bring out the sausage balls for game day and super bowl, or parties where finger food is the norm.

You could even serve it as a delicious appetizer, depends on the setting. They're a massive crowd pleaser.

What makes this recipe so yummy

• You can have these sausage cheese balls in your air fryer in 5 minutes. It's quick, super quick.
• What's more addictive than breakfast sausage? I tell you, I don't know. These sausage balls are literally my favorite snack.
• These are perfect as make ahead breakfast snacks.
• As it is an air fryer recipe it's a healthier option.
• Make these for your next party, they also make the perfect appetizer.
• They're perfect for the holiday season.

Groceries you'll need: Ingredients

• Breakfast sausage
• Pancake Mix (like Bisquick)
• Cream Cheese
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese (freshly shredded cheese)
• Parsley
• Garlic Powder

See recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities.

Recipe walkthrough: Instructions

This is an overview of the recipe steps. For more detailed instructions visit the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

• Step 1: Preheat your air fryer. Add all ingredients to the bowl of your stand mixer and mix sausage until totally combined. (Or add to a large mixing bowl and use your hands).
• Step 2: Take 2 tablespoons of the sausage mixture and using your hands roll into about 1-½ inch balls. Repeat with the rest of the mixture.
• Step 3: Lightly spray the basket for your air fryer with cooking spray. Lay out the sausage balls 1" apart in a single layer in the air fryer basket (you may need to cook in 2 batches depending on the size of your air fryer).
• Step 4: Air fry sausage balls for 10 minutes until golden brown. Once cooked, if you're cooking 2 batches, use tongs and place the cooked sausage balls on a baking sheet while you cook the rest.

Recipe variations and substitute ideas

• Italian Sausage - Italian ground sausage instead of breakfast sausage.
• Spicy Sausage - if you like a little heat try using a spicy sausage.
• Almond Flour - For a keto version replace the cup of bisquick with almond flour.
• Red Pepper Flakes - Add a little heat by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Monterey Jack - Swap out the cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack (or any other favorite cheese).
• Sour Cream - try swapping out a little cream cheese for sour cream.
• Turkey Sausage - a little healthier option.
• Rosemary Leaves - another herb I've heard people like to add.
• Pork Sausages - you could use pork sausages but you'll have to increase the amount of spices you add.
• Crescent Roll Dough - try using this instead of the pancake mix.
• Maple Syrup - this tastes great added.
• Hot Sausage - if you like the heat.

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Necessary gear: Equipment

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I have a link to the type of air fryer I use, in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

More air fryer recipes I think you'll love

• Air Fryer Crab Cakes
• Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Wings
• Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Bites
• Air Fryer Corn Dogs
• Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
• Ham and Cheese Bites

You should also try these cheddar bay sausage balls with my southern white gravy. They're delicious. Or try making these Natchitoches Meat Pies.

How to store leftovers

Once cooled completely store the cheesy sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator, for up to 4 days.

Place in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

Mel's kitchen notes

To reheat bring back to room temperature then pop them back into the air fryer again for 1-2 minutes to stay crispy.

If you’ve tried these Air Fryer Sausage Balls or any other great recipe on my site, let me know in the comment section below, how it turned out, we love hearing from our readers!

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