Last Updated on February 11, 2026
These cheesy balls are one of those recipes that feels like cheating because they’re ridiculously easy but taste like you tried way harder. Canned biscuits stuffed with mozzarella, air fried until golden, and served with marinara for dunking. That’s it. The outside gets crispy and golden while the cheese inside melts into gooey perfection. My kids call these “pizza balls” and ask for them constantly. They’re perfect for after-school snacks, game day appetizers, or just when you need something warm and cheesy in under 15 minutes.
Quick Highlights
- Ready in 15 minutes - perfect for quick snacks
- Only 3 main ingredients plus marinara
- Crispy outside, melty cheese inside
Choosing Your Biscuits & Cheese
What size biscuits should I use? Jumbo biscuits work best because they give you enough dough to wrap around the cheese cube without being too thin. Regular-sized biscuits can work, but you’ll need to use smaller cheese cubes.
Can I use different cheese? Mozzarella is classic because it melts beautifully and tastes like pizza, but cheddar, pepper jack, or even cream cheese cubes work great too.
Do I need fresh mozzarella? Nope, block mozzarella from the deli section is perfect. Just cut it into cubes about ¾ to 1 inch in size.
The Secret to No Leaks
Flatten evenly: Use a rolling pin to flatten the biscuits to about twice their original size. You want them thin enough to wrap easily but not so thin they tear.
Seal tightly: This is the most important step. Pinch those edges together really well, then roll the ball between your palms to smooth out any seams. Any gaps mean melted cheese will leak out.
Don’t skip the spray: Coating each ball with cooking spray helps them get that golden, crispy exterior. It also helps seal any tiny gaps you might have missed.
Give them space: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. The balls need room for air to circulate around them. If they’re touching, they won’t get evenly crispy.
Fun Ways to Switch It Up
- Pizza bombs: Add a pepperoni slice with the cheese before sealing
- Garlic butter finish: Brush with melted garlic butter after cooking
- Italian style: Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and Parmesan after air frying
- Breakfast version: Use cheddar and add cooked bacon bits
- Spicy kick: Use pepper jack cheese or add jalapeño slices
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
Best Fresh
These are absolutely best served hot right out of the air fryer when the cheese is super melty.
Fridge
Up to 2 days in an airtight container.
Reheating
Air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes brings back that crispy exterior. Skip the microwave-it makes them soggy.
📋 Recipe
Cheesy Balls
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Ingredients
- 1 can jumbo biscuit
- Mozzarella cheese cut into cubes
- Cooking spray
- Marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Spread the biscuits out on a non-stick surface and use a rolling pin to flatten them slightly.
- You want them about twice their original size but not paper-thin.
- Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center of each flattened biscuit.
- Gather the edges of the dough up and around the cheese, pinching them together firmly.
- Roll into a smooth ball shape, making sure the cheese is completely sealed inside with no gaps.
- Spray each ball generously with cooking spray on all sides.
- Arrange the balls in the air fryer basket with space between each one-don't let them touch.
- Air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, until the biscuits turn golden brown and are cooked through. The cheese inside should be melted and gooey.
- Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
