Air Fryer Burrata

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Freezing the burrata before and after dredging helps keep it from splitting open while frying.

Air Fryer Burrata
Photo:

Food & Wine / Photo by Brie Goldman / Food Styling by Lauren McAnelly / Prop Styling by Gabriel Greco

Active Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
40 mins
Servings:
4 to 6

If you have been hesitant to buy an air-fryer, this gooey, cheesy recipe may help you change your mind. We coat cream-filled burrata with breadcrumbs and then bake it in the air fryer until it is crispy on the outside and melty inside. We serve it here with pesto and toasted bread, but feel free to swap in your favorite marinara or romesco instead. After serving it, gently break it open to reveal the curds and cream inside.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is burrata?

    Burrata is a soft ball of cow’s milk cheese that resembles a ball of fresh mozzarella. The outer shell is made with mozzarella, and the center is a gooey mixture of cream and cheese curds called stracciatella. Stracciatella is shreds of fresh mozzarella that’s been soaked in cream, though is also the name for an Italian soup and gelato. Burrata, which originated in Puglia in southern Italy, is somewhat delicate, and usually sold in a container of water so it doesn’t burst before you can get it home. 

  • What is the difference between burrata and mozzarella?

    Both fresh mozzarella and burrata are balls of cheese, however, mozzarella is solid throughout while burrata is filled with soft, creamy stracciatella. 

  • Where do you find burrata?

    Burrata can be found in the specialty cheese section at most well-stocked grocery stores.

Notes from the Food & Wine Test Kitchen

This recipe calls for one four-ounce burrata balls but you could also use three mini-burrata balls in place of the one large. Don’t skip the two freezing steps as this is what keeps the burrata from breaking apart before frying.

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Ingredients

  • 1 (4.4-ounce) burrata cheese ball, drained and patted dry

  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1 large egg, beaten

  • 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs

  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped or 1 teaspoon dried

  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

  • Cooking spray

  • 1 cup prepared pesto

  • Toasted ciabatta slices for serving

Directions

  1. Place burrata on a plate and freeze for 15 minutes.

  2. Meanwhile, spoon flour into a medium shallow bowl. Whisk egg in a second medium shallow bowl. Stir together breadcrumbs, thyme, and salt in a third medium shallow bowl.

  3. Carefully dredge cold burrata in flour, making sure you don’t break it open; dip in egg, letting excess drip off. Dredge in breadcrumb mixture, patting to adhere. Transfer coated burrata back to a plate and freeze for 15 minutes.

  4. Generously coat air fryer basket or tray with cooking spray. Place dredged burrata in air fryer basket; generous coat with cooking spray. Air-fry burrata at 350°F until burrata is golden brown, 5 to 7 minutes.

  5. Spoon pesto in a serving bowl. Carefully transfer cooked burrata on top of the pesto and break open. Serve burrata alongside toasted ciabatta.

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