Crispy Air Fryer Boudin Balls made with pork, rice, and Cajun spices—golden, flavorful, and perfect for snacking or sharing. Quick & easy!
Let me take you back for a sec—Louisiana, a road trip with questionable GPS directions, and a gas station that didn’t look like much from the outside. But oh man, inside? A food lover’s dream. That’s where I had my first bite of a boudin ball. Crispy, spicy, savory—basically love at first bite.
But here’s the thing—I’m not into deep frying at home. The oil splatters, the smell, the whole mess? Yeah, no thanks. That’s when my air fryer came to the rescue. Crispy boudin balls without the oily chaos? Yes, please.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Boudin Balls Recipe?
- No Deep Fryer, No Problem: All the crunch, none of the greasy aftermath.
- Quick & Effortless: Straight from the freezer to crispy in under 20 minutes.
- Perfect Party Food: Game nights, BBQs, or lazy Sundays—they fit in anywhere.
- Snack-Worthy or Meal-Worthy: Because sometimes, snacks are the meal.
- Healthier Twist: Air frying = less oil, more flavor, and zero guilt.
Ingredient Notes:
- Frozen Boudin Balls: Pick ‘em up from the store or your local butcher. Bonus points if they’re homemade.
- Cooking Spray or Oil (Optional): A light mist helps achieve that epic golden crust.
- Dipping Sauce: Ranch? Remoulade? Spicy mustard? You do you.
Hot Tip: Want to DIY? Make your own boudin balls with cooked pork, rice, green onions, and Cajun spices. It’s a project, but totally worth it.
How To Make Air Fryer Boudin Balls?
Step 1. Preheat the
Set your
Step 2. Load the Basket
Place the frozen boudin balls in the
Step 3. Get That Golden Crunch
Air fry for 12-15 minutes, giving the basket a shake halfway through. This helps every side crisp up perfectly.
Feeling extra? Spritz the boudin balls with cooking spray before air frying for a seriously golden crust.
Step 4. Time to Feast
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Once crispy and golden, pull them out, let them cool for a minute (if you can wait), and then dive in with your fave dipping sauce.
Storage Options:
If you somehow end up with leftovers (honestly, doubtful), here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheat Like a Pro: Air fry at 375°F for 5-7 minutes to bring that crispy magic back.
Variations and Substitutions:
- DIY Boudin Balls: Feeling adventurous? Mix cooked pork, rice, green onions, Cajun spices, and a dash of hot sauce. Roll into balls, chill, then air fry.
- Spicy Bites: Love heat? Add chopped jalapeños or extra cayenne to the mix.
- Gluten-Free Swap: Opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs if making from scratch.
- Plant-Based Twist: Use plant-based sausage and rice for a meatless version.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Boudin Balls?
-
Perfect Pairings:
- Tangy Remoulade Sauce
- Creamy Ranch
- Spicy Sriracha Aioli
- Classic Honey Mustard
-
What to Serve With:
- Crispy Cajun Fries
- Coleslaw
- Pickles (because salty + spicy = perfection)
-
Drinks That Hit Just Right:
- Iced Sweet Tea
- Cold Lager
- A Bold Bloody Mary
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I air fry fresh boudin balls instead of frozen?
Absolutely. Chill them first so they hold their shape, then air fry at 400°F for about 12 minutes.
Do I need to flip them halfway through?
Not mandatory, but flipping or shaking the basket gives you an even golden crust.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Totally! Cook, cool, freeze, and then reheat in the
Go Make These!
Air Fryer Boudin Balls are crispy, flavorful, and just plain fun to eat. Whether you’re whipping them up for a game night or sneaking a few for a midnight snack (I see you), they’ll hit the spot every time.
Give them a try and let me know—what’s your ultimate dipping sauce? Or better yet, share your secret spice blends. I’m all ears.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Air Fryer Boudin Balls
Ingredients
- 1 package frozen boudin balls
- Cooking spray or a light brush of oil optional
- Dipping sauce of choice e.g., remoulade, ranch, or spicy aioli
Instructions
Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Begin by preheating the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for approximately 5 minutes. This ensures an even cooking environment and a crispier texture.
Prepare the Boudin Balls:
- Remove the frozen boudin balls from the packaging and arrange them in the air fryer basket. Ensure they are placed in a single layer to promote even air circulation and uniform cooking. Do not overcrowd the basket.
Apply Cooking Spray (Optional):
- For enhanced crispiness and a golden-brown finish, lightly spray the boudin balls with cooking spray or brush them with a minimal amount of oil.
Air Fry the Boudin Balls:
- Cook the boudin balls at 400°F (200°C) for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the balls halfway through the cooking process. Continue until the boudin balls are thoroughly heated and the exterior is crispy.
Serve:
- Carefully remove the boudin balls from the air fryer and allow them to cool slightly. Serve warm with your preferred dipping sauce for an optimal snacking experience.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!