Welcome back, culinary explorers! Today, I’m excited to introduce you to a game-changer in the world of keto-friendly snacking, just in time for the Super Bowl!: our Air-Fried Cheesy Keto Burger Bombs. Imagine juicy, flavourful medium ground beef mingling with a trio of melty cheeses—mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar—all brought together with a touch of garlic and fresh herbs. Then, picture each bite cloaked in a delightful and savoury almond flour crust that crisps up perfectly in an air fryer.
This recipe marries the indulgence of a classic cheese burger with a modern, health-conscious twist, ensuring that every bite is as satisfying as it is innovative. Whether you’re whipping up a quick snack for yourself or impressing guests at your next gathering, these bite-sized keto cheeseburgers promise a burst of flavor and a crunch that will leave you craving more. Ready to to give them a try? Let’s dive in!
Ingredients:
For the Cheese Burger Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 Medium ground for best flavour)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese grated (reserve 1/2 to roll bites in before crust) **Optional but you’ll thank me if you do this step!**
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or oregano for extra flavour
For the Crust:
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
Directions:
- Prepare the Burger Filling:
- In the bowl with the ground beef, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and any herbs, add 1/2 of the shredded cheddar cheese. This will bring a rich flavor and gooey texture to the filling.
2. Form the Bites:
- With clean hands, form the beef mixture into small bite-sized balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and set them aside.
3. Roll in Cheddar: option for even more cheesy goodness
- If preferred, after forming the beef balls, roll each ball in additional shredded cheddar cheese before wrapping them in the crust. This will create a cheesy outer layer.
4. Prepare the Garlic Butter:
- In a small bowl, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and mix in 1 clove of minced garlic. Optionally, also add a sprinkle of parsley for freshness.
5. Make the Crust:
- In a separate bowl, combine almond flour, garlic powder, onion powder, grated Parmesan, and salt. Add the egg and mix until it forms a dough-like consistency.
6. Wrap the Bites:
- Take a small amount of the crust mixture and flatten it in the palm of your hand. Place one beef ball in the center and wrap the crust around it, sealing it well. Repeat with all the remaining mixture.
7. Air Fry:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). (every machine is different if yours runs hot lower temp to 365.)
- Arrange the wrapped bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Brush the tops with the garlic butter mixture before air frying. Optionally, sprinkle extra grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.
- Cook for about 7-10 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temp of 160 degrees. I would suggest checking at the 7 minute mark and then adjust from there.
8. Serve:
- Allow cooling slightly. Serve with any preferred dipping sauce or enjoy them plain, as the garlic butter and cheese enhance the overall taste.
Tips:
- Consider adding spices like paprika or cayenne for extra flavor.
- Ensure a good seal around the bites to prevent any leakage during cooking.
- To elevate these little balls of crunchy-cheesy-goodness even further, consider dipping them in a ranch or marinara sauce! Yummm.
A note about air fryers:
If you are not yet very familiar with your particular air fryer, I highly suggest running a small test batch of one ball to test the temp and times. I mention this as I have recently acquired a new air fryer and boy oh boy, I ruined quite a few dishes in the test kitchen to find the right settings for this new one! It’s a great machine but it required vast adjustments on cooking times and temperatures. Now that I know it a whole lot better my results are near perfect every time, but it did take some adjustments!
