If you’re searching for a show-stopping appetizer that’s ready in minutes yet looks like it came straight from a fancy Italian bistro, Air Fryer Burrata is about to be your new go-to. Imagine a crispy, golden exterior with a luxuriously creamy cheese center just waiting to ooze onto your plate. This irresistible combination transforms humble burrata into something spectacular with just a handful of supermarket staples and your trusty air fryer. Whether you’re entertaining guests, planning a special dinner, or simply treating yourself, Air Fryer Burrata brings that touch of restaurant-worthy magic right to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Air Fryer Burrata so tempting is its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an important role, from delivering that trademark crunch to complementing the gooey cheese inside. Here’s what you need and why you shouldn’t skip a step:
- Burrata balls: These fresh, creamy beauties are the star; their soft center becomes irresistibly gooey after cooking.
- All-purpose flour: Creates the crucial first layer for your coating to stick, ensuring an even, crisp crust.
- Large egg (beaten): Acts as the glue, binding the crumb layer to the delicate burrata exterior.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Delivers that coveted crunch thanks to its light, airy texture.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds rich, nutty flavor and helps the coating brown beautifully.
- Garlic powder: Infuses a subtle, savory depth without overpowering the cheese.
- Italian seasoning: Brings a herby brightness that pairs perfectly with the mild burrata.
- Olive oil spray: Ensures a golden, crispy finish without heavy oiliness.
How to Make Air Fryer Burrata
Step 1: Freeze the Burrata
Start by gently patting the fresh burrata dry with paper towels—this helps everything stick later. Place the cheese in the freezer for about 30 minutes. Freezing is a little-known secret that prevents the burrata from bursting open as it cooks, giving you that ideal, lava-like center without any mess.
Step 2: Prepare the Dredging Station
Set up three shallow bowls. Add flour to the first, a beaten egg to the second, and in the third, mix together panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. This easy assembly line makes coating the burrata quick and mess-free, so everything’s ready to go.
Step 3: Coat the Burrata
Remove the chilled burrata from the freezer. Working gently—these guys are delicate!—coat each ball in flour first, then dip into the egg, and finally roll in that tasty panko mixture. For an extra thick crunch, repeat both the egg and breadcrumb steps. This double coating is the secret to a shell that stays crisp while the inside melts.
Step 4: Air Fry the Burrata
Arrange the breaded burrata in your air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t touching. Give them a light spray of olive oil, which helps them go gorgeously golden while keeping things light. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the crust is crisp and deeply golden. The hardest part will be not diving in immediately!
Step 5: Serve Immediately
For the best experience, enjoy your Air Fryer Burrata as soon as it comes out—slice it open to reveal the molten, creamy center. It’s delicious on its own, or you can dress it up with your favorite accompaniments for a truly mouthwatering appetizer.
How to Serve Air Fryer Burrata
Garnishes
Air Fryer Burrata is a fantastic canvas for bold, bright garnishes. Top it with peppery arugula, scatter some juicy cherry tomatoes around, and finish with a drizzle of thick balsamic glaze. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley adds color and a burst of freshness that balances out the richness perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair your Air Fryer Burrata with toasted slices of crusty sourdough or focaccia—ideal for scooping up all that creamy cheese. For something a bit lighter, serve alongside a simple Italian salad or a platter of marinated veggies to bring a pop of zest and texture to each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative with your serving! Try placing a ball of crisped burrata over a bed of warm marinara for a saucy twist, or set out a grazing board with grilled vegetables and olives. For a fun appetizer, slice Air Fryer Burrata and use it as the star in a caprese-style slider or nestled on crostini with a touch of honey and chili flakes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Air Fryer Burrata left (though that’s a rare occurrence!), refrigerate it in an airtight container. For the best texture, enjoy leftovers within a day, as the crispiness will start to soften over time.
Freezing
While fresh burrata is best, you can freeze the pre-breaded, uncooked balls for up to a month for a quick appetizer anytime. Let them thaw just enough that they’re not rock solid before cooking, then proceed as usual in the air fryer.
Reheating
To bring back some of that irresistible crunch, reheat Air Fryer Burrata in your air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make the coating soggy and the cheese too runny.
FAQs
Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
You can substitute regular breadcrumbs, but panko gives Air Fryer Burrata its signature crunch and lighter texture. Standard breadcrumbs will make the crust denser and less crispy, but it’ll still taste great!
Why do you freeze the burrata before cooking?
Freezing the burrata helps it hold its shape and prevents the cheese from leaking out during air frying. This step also makes coating and handling easier, so you end up with a perfect molten center inside a crispy shell.
Is Air Fryer Burrata gluten-free?
This recipe isn’t naturally gluten-free since it uses flour and panko. However, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour and gluten-free panko—the taste and texture are still deliciously satisfying!
Can I double or triple the recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket so each burrata ball cooks evenly. You may need to air fry in batches for larger quantities.
What’s the best way to serve Air Fryer Burrata as a party appetizer?
For parties, slice the crispy burrata into wedges and arrange on a platter with toothpicks, fresh herbs, and small bowls of dipping sauces like balsamic reduction or pesto for a crowd-pleasing, interactive snack.
Final Thoughts
Life’s too short to miss out on gooey, golden bites of Air Fryer Burrata. With just a few pantry ingredients and quick steps, you’ll have an appetizer that wows at any gathering or brightens an ordinary evening. Give it a try, share it with your friends and family, and get ready for all the “wow” moments this delicious dish brings!
Print
Air Fryer Burrata Recipe
- Total Time: 18 minutes (plus freezing)
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make deliciously crispy Air Fryer Burrata, a perfect appetizer that combines the creaminess of burrata with a golden, crunchy coating. This easy recipe is sure to impress your guests!
Ingredients
Burrata:
- 2 fresh burrata balls (about 4 oz each)
Breading:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Others:
- olive oil spray
Instructions
- Prep Burrata: Pat dry burrata and freeze for 30 minutes.
- Prepare Breading: Set up bowls with flour, egg, and breadcrumb mixture.
- Coat Burrata: Dip burrata in flour, egg, breadcrumbs, and repeat.
- Air Fry: Spray with olive oil and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 6–8 minutes.
- Serve: Enjoy the crispy burrata immediately.
Notes
- Serve over arugula with cherry tomatoes and balsamic glaze for an elegant appetizer.
- Freezing before air frying helps the burrata hold its shape and prevents bursting.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 30 minutes freeze time)
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burrata ball
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
