AirFryFeast
Air Fryer Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pao de Queijo)
Air fryer Brazilian cheese bread bakes into crisp little rolls with chewy tapioca centers and plenty of savory cheese flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups tapioca flour (also called tapioca starch)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups grated parmesan cheese (or a mix of parmesan and mozzarella for creaminess)
Instructions
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Preheat your air fryer to 375 F (190 C) for about 5 minutes.
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In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, vegetable oil, and salt. Heat over medium until it just begins to boil.
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Remove from heat and immediately stir in the tapioca flour all at once. Mix vigorously with a wooden spoon until smooth and slightly gelatinous.
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Let the dough cool for 5 minutes until warm but not hot, to prevent scrambling the eggs.
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Transfer dough to a mixing bowl. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. The dough will be sticky and elastic.
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Fold in the grated parmesan cheese until evenly combined.
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With wet or oiled hands, shape dough into 1 to 1.5-inch balls.
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Arrange balls in the air fryer basket, spaced at least 1 inch apart for airflow.
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Air fry for 10-12 minutes until puffed with a golden, crispy exterior.
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Remove immediately and serve warm. Serve alone or with dipping sauces like garlic butter or chimichurri.
Recipe guidance
Crispiness Control
Start with a fully preheated air fryer and shape evenly sized balls. If the outsides brown too quickly, lower the temperature by 10 F for the next batch while keeping the centers chewy.
Reheat In The Air Fryer
Reheat at 325 F for 3 to 4 minutes until the outside crisps again and the center softens. Serve immediately, because the chewy texture is best warm.
What To Serve With This In The Air Fryer
Serve as a party snack with chimichurri, garlic butter, tomato soup, or grilled meats. For a snack board, pair with olives, roasted peppers, and crisp vegetables.
Storage
Store cooled cheese bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let the rolls cool fully first so trapped steam does not soften the crust.
Freeze baked rolls in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer at 320 F for 5 to 7 minutes, until the centers are warm and the outside is crisp again.
For best texture, serve soon after reheating because tapioca-based rolls are chewiest while warm.
FAQ
Why is my dough sticky?
Tapioca dough is naturally sticky and elastic. Wet or lightly oiled hands make shaping much easier.
Can I freeze the dough balls?
Yes. Freeze shaped balls on a tray, then store in a freezer bag. Air fry from frozen with a few extra minutes.
Can I use mozzarella only?
You can, but the flavor will be milder. Parmesan or another aged cheese gives the bread its savory punch.
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