Air fryer Brazilian cheese bread puffs

This popular Brazilian snack, known in its native country as pao de queijo, is gluten-free and works great as a mini savoury treat or a canape. Making it in an air fryer ensures it’s extra crunchy on the outside while still chewy and soft on the inside.

Prep: 20min
Cooking Time: 1h 15m
Makes: 32

Ingredients:

250ml (1 cup) milk
125ml (1/2 cup) vegetable oil
300g (2 cups) tapioca flour
2 eggs
70g (1 cup) finely grated parmesan cheese

Method:

Step 1:

Heat the 250ml (1 cup) milk and 125ml (1/2 cup) vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat for 2 minutes or until the milk comes to a simmer. Add the 300g (2 cups) tapioca flour and stir to combine. Transfer mixture to the bowl of a stand mixer. Beat for 2 minutes or until smooth and cooled slightly.

Step 2:

Add the 2 eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the 70g (1 cup) finely grated parmesan cheese until just combined. Use damp hands to shape tablespoonsful of batter into balls.

Step 3:

Line the base of an air fryer basket with baking paper, trimming to fit. Place the balls, 5cm apart, on the baking paper. Cook on 180C for 15 minutes or until golden and puffed. Repeat with remaining balls. Serve.