Cooking Techniques
Airfryfeast
Air Fryer Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pao de Queijo)
By Airfryfeast Test KitchenReviewed by Airfryfeast Editorial TeamPublished Jun 13, 2026
Brazilian
27 mins
air-fryer-friendlysnacksgluten-freecheesekid-friendlyquickeasyparty-snack
Air fryer Brazilian cheese bread bakes into crisp little rolls with chewy tapioca centers and plenty of savory cheese flavor.
Prep
15 min
Cook
12 min
Total
27 min
Servings
12
Difficulty
easy
Cuisine
Brazilian
Ingredients
Servings
12
- 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
-
Preheat your air fryer to 375 F (190 C) for about 5 minutes.
-
In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, vegetable oil, and salt. Heat over medium until it just begins to boil.
-
Remove from heat and immediately stir in the tapioca flour all at once. Mix vigorously with a wooden spoon until smooth and slightly gelatinous.
-
Let the dough cool for 5 minutes until warm but not hot, to prevent scrambling the eggs.
-
Transfer dough to a mixing bowl. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. The dough will be sticky and elastic.
-
Fold in the grated parmesan cheese until evenly combined.
-
With wet or oiled hands, shape dough into 1 to 1.5-inch balls.
-
Arrange balls in the air fryer basket, spaced at least 1 inch apart for airflow.
-
Air fry for 10-12 minutes until puffed with a golden, crispy exterior.
-
Remove immediately and serve warm. Serve alone or with dipping sauces like garlic butter or chimichurri.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is pao de queijo gluten-free?
- Yes. Traditional pao de queijo uses tapioca flour, which is naturally gluten-free. Check cheese and baking ingredients for cross-contact if needed.
- 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.
Ingredient Replacements
Use these swaps when you need to keep the recipe close to its intended texture, timing, and dietary promise.
- Tapioca flour: Use tapioca starch only; cassava flour is not the same and will make the dough heavy instead of chewy.
- Whole milk: Use 2 percent milk for a lighter roll, or lactose-free milk if needed. Avoid thin plant milks unless you have tested the dough texture.
- Vegetable oil: Avocado oil or light olive oil works well without changing the timing.
- Parmesan cheese: Use a mix of Parmesan and low-moisture mozzarella for a softer center, or add aged cheddar for sharper flavor.
- Eggs: Eggs are structural here; egg substitutes usually make the rolls dense and are not recommended for this version.
Tips
Air Fryer Model Notes
Cheese bread expands as it cooks, so leave at least 1 inch between balls. Smaller basket models may need batches, while oven-style trays brown best on the middle rack.
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.
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