Air Fryer Cauliflower Rice Balls

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These Air Fryer Cauliflower Rice Balls are the perfect snack or meal when you’re craving something hearty and satisfying. They’re packed with flavor, super easy to make, and can be made ahead of time. Plus, they’re low carb and keto friendly!

rice balls stacked on a plate with one cut in half.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You'll Need
Step-By-Step Instructions
Expert Tips
Variations
Storing & Freezing
Recipe FAQ‘s
More Air Fryer Recipes You'll Love
Air Fryer Cauliflower Rice Balls

Check out my Air Fryer Carrot Chips and my Air Fryer Edamame for more delicious air fryer recipes!

Cauliflower rice is all the rage right now, and for good reason. It’s a healthy, low-carb alternative to traditional white rice, and it’s perfect for making dishes like cauliflower fried rice or cauliflower pizza crust. These air fryer cauliflower rice balls are a great way to get your fix of comfort food without loading up on carbs.

These air fryer cauliflower rice balls are the perfect snack or meal when you’re craving something.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

They’re a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional rice balls.
They’re perfect for a quick and easy snack or meal.
Cauliflower rice balls are made with just a few simple ingredients.
These cauliflower rice balls can be easily customized to your liking.

Ingredients You'll Need

cauliflower rice balls labeled ingredients.

Cream Cheese: The cream cheese will work better at room temperature and soft.
Cauliflower Rice: This rice should be cooked and drained well.
Butter: The butter for this recipe will need to be softened.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: You can buy shredded cheese or shred it yourself.
Parmesan Cheese: You'll want to make sure that the parmesan cheese is grated.
Bacon Crumbled: A little bacon will go a long way in this recipe, but add as much or as little as you'd like.
Green Onions: Go ahead and chop up the green onions for this recipe.
Garlic powder: The flavor of garlic is important in the rice balls.
Crushed Pork Rind Crumbs: We're sticking with the low carb theme here and going with pork rinds.
Large Egg: To help hold everything together with the rice balls.
Salt & Pepper: You can add as much salt and pepper to taste as you'd like!

Step-By-Step Instructions

four image process making cauliflower rice balls.

Step 1:

Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F.

Step 2:

Add all of the ingredients, except for the pork rinds to a mixing bowl, and stir to combine well.

Step 3:

Spread the pork rind crumbs out over a large plate or shallow bowl.

Step 4:

Form the cauliflower mixture into 17 evenly sized balls.

Step 5:

Roll the balls into the pork rinds to coat them on all sides.

Step 6:

Place the cauliflower balls into the basket in the air fryer, and cook for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through.

NOTE: You can print the FULL recipe with all ingredients & detailed instructions below!

Expert Tips

If you want to make ahead and freeze these, simply form the balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for an hour or so, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. To cook, just place them frozen into the air fryer basket and cook for 2-3 minutes longer than the recipe states.
You can also bake these in the oven! Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
If you want to make a smaller batch, simply halve all of the ingredients. This will yield about 8-9 balls.

Variations

There are so many ways that you can change up this recipe to make it your own. Here are a few ideas:

Add in some chopped veggies like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
Switch up the cheeses! Try mozzarella, Swiss, or Pepper Jack.
Make them spicy by adding in some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
Add in some chopped herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme.
For a fun twist, try dipping them in marinara sauce or ranch dressing.

Storing & Freezing

Storing: Place the rice balls in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within 3-4 days.

Freezing: These can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating: There are a few ways that you can reheat these cauliflower balls. The easiest way is in the air fryer! Simply place them in the basket and cook for 2-3 minutes at 375 degrees F, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the oven or microwave.

Recipe FAQ‘s

How do you make cauliflower rice balls without an air fryer?

You can easily bake these in the oven! Preheat your oven to 400 degrees and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can certainly make these ahead of time. Simply form the balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them.

What can I dip these in?

There are so many delicious options! I love dipping them in marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or even a honey mustard sauce.

Can you fry frozen rice balls?

Yes, you can fry them frozen! Simply place them in the air fryer basket and cook for 2-3 minutes longer than the recipe states.

How do you cook frozen rice balls?

There are a few ways that you can reheat these cauliflower balls. The easiest way is in the air fryer! Simply place them in the basket and cook for 2-3 minutes at 375 degrees, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the oven or microwave.

More Air Fryer Recipes You'll Love

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Yield: 17 Servings

Air Fryer Cauliflower Rice Balls

These air fryer cauliflower rice balls are the perfect snack or meal when you’re craving something hearty and satisfying. They’re packed with flavor, super easy to make, and can be made ahead of time. Plus, they’re low carb and keto friendly!

Prep Time 25 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

2 ounces cream cheese, softened
3 cups cauliflower rice cooked and drained well
1 tablespoons butter, softened
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
⅓ cup crumbled bacon
2 tablespoons chopped green onions
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
2 cups crushed pork rind crumbs
1 large egg
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
Add all of the ingredients, except for the pork rinds, to a mixing bowl. Stir to combine well.
Spread the pork rind crumbs out over a large plate or shallow bowl.
Form the cauliflower mixture into 17 evenly sized balls.
Roll the balls into the pork rinds to coat them on all sides.
Place the cauliflower balls into a tray or basket in the air fryer, and cook for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through.

Notes

If you want to make ahead and freeze these, simply form the balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for an hour or so, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. To cook, just place them frozen into the air fryer basket and cook for 2-3 minutes longer than the recipe states.
You can also bake these in the oven! Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
If you want to make a smaller batch, simply halve all of the ingredients. This will yield about 8-9 balls.
Storing: Place the rice balls in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within 3-4 days.
Freezing: These can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: There are a few ways that you can reheat these cauliflower balls. The easiest way is in the air fryer! Simply place them in the basket and cook for 2-3 minutes at 375 degrees F, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the oven or microwave.