Sausage Balls Recipe | Easy Sausage Cheese Balls

PUBLISHED November 17, 2025· MODIFIED November 17, 2025 · by the author listed in the recipe card 1303 words. · About 7 minutes to read this article.· This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases· Leave a Comment

If you’re a fan of savory bites packed with flavor, get ready to enjoy the delightful taste of Air Fryer Sausage Balls. These bite-sized treats are perfect for breakfast, brunch, parties, or anytime you crave a savory snack. Learn how to make this irresistible appetizer that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Why You’ll Love This Tasty Appetizer

Quick & Easy. Ready in under 30 minutes with the help of your air fryer.
Versatile. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, appetizers, or party snacks.
Crowd-Pleaser. Loved by both kids and adults alike.
Customizable. Easily adaptable to suit your taste preferences.

With the convenience of the air fryer, you’ll achieve perfectly cooked bites that are full of flavor and sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Why Are My Sausage Balls So Dry?

To prevent dry sausage balls, consider using a fattier sausage, being careful not to overmix the ingredients, and ensuring they’re baked just until cooked through.

Additionally, you might experiment with adding a bit more cheese or fat to the mixture to improve moisture retention.

What Are Sausage Balls Made Of?

Ground Sausage– This is the primary ingredient and provides the base flavor and texture for the balls. The ground sausage is typically a seasoned mixture of ground pork with added spices like salt, pepper, and other seasonings.
Biscuit Baking Mix– The biscuit baking mix serves as the binder and helps hold them together. It also adds some volume and texture to the mixture. Biscuit baking mix typically contains flour, leavening agents (such as baking powder), salt, and sometimes shortening.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese– The shredded cheddar cheese adds richness, flavor, and moisture to the sausage balls. As the cheese melts during baking, it contributes to the gooey, cheesy texture of them.
Garlic Powder– Garlic powder adds savory depth and flavor to the sausage balls. It enhances the overall taste profile and complements the other seasonings used in the recipe.
Onion Powder– Similar to garlic powder, onion powder provides additional savory flavor to the balls. It adds a subtle oniony taste without the texture of fresh onions.
Black Pepper– Ground black pepper adds a subtle spicy kick and enhances the overall flavor of the sausage balls. It also adds depth to the savory profile of the dish.
Cooking Spray- Cooking spray is used to grease the baking sheet or pan before baking the sausage bites. This prevents the balls from sticking to the pan and ensures they cook evenly without burning.

Overall, these ingredients work together to create flavorful, moist, and tender sausage balls that are perfect for serving as appetizers, snacks, or party food.

Adjustments can be made to the seasonings and cheese type based on personal preference to customize the flavor profile of the sausage balls.

How To Make Sausage Balls

Preheat the Air Fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
Mix Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage, biscuit baking mix, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
Form Balls. Using your hands, shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a plate or tray.
Air Fry. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other.
Air Fry. Cook the sausage in the preheated air fryer for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through, flipping halfway through the cooking time for even browning.
Serve. Once cooked, remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving platter. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips And Tricks

Making Air Fryer Sausage Balls is a breeze, but here are a few tips to ensure they turn out perfect every time:

Use Good Quality Sausage. Choose high-quality ground sausage for the best flavor and texture.
Don’t Overmix. Mix the ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can result in dense bites.
Ensure Even Cooking. Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispy exteriors.
Check for Doneness. The sausage balls should be golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.

Variations

Sausage balls are a versatile and delicious snack or appetizer, and there are many variations you can try to customize the flavors to your liking. Here are some tasty variations to try:

Spicy- For a kick of heat, add diced jalapenos, crushed red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the sausage mixture. You can adjust the amount of spice according to your preference.
Sweet and Savory- Add a touch of sweetness by mixing in ingredients like maple syrup, brown sugar, or honey. This combination of sweet and savory flavors adds depth and makes them irresistible.
Vegetable- Incorporate finely chopped vegetables such as onions, bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms into the sausage mixture for added texture and nutrition. Sauté the vegetables before adding them to the sausage mixture for enhanced flavor.

What Do You Eat With Sausage Balls?

Sausage balls are delicious on their own, but here are some tasty accompaniments:

Dipping Sauces– Serve with a variety of dipping sauces such as marinara, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing.
Fresh Vegetables– Pair with fresh vegetable sticks like celery, carrots, and bell peppers for a crunchy contrast.
Fruit Platter– Serve alongside a fruit platter for a refreshing and colorful addition.

How Long Do They Last?

Store leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave until warmed through before serving.

Can You Freeze Them?

Yes, you can freeze sausage balls for later enjoyment. Freezing sausage balls is a convenient way to preserve them for future meals or snacks.

Place sealed freezer bags or containers with the sausage balls in the freezer where they can be stored for up to 2-3 months.

When ready to enjoy the sausage balls, remove the desired amount from the freezer and thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, reheat them in the oven, microwave, or air fryer until warmed through.

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