Recipes AirfryerAir Fryer Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pão de Queijo)
Air fryer Brazilian cheese bread — pão de queijo — is chewy and cheesy inside with a crisp, golden shell, and it's naturally gluten-free. These addictive little rolls puff up beautifully in the air fryer in about 15 minutes.
Made with tapioca flour and lots of cheese, they're a beloved snack, breakfast or party bite. Best eaten warm, when the inside is stretchy and the outside is crisp.
Ingredients
Instructions
Make the dough
Warm the milk, oil and salt, then pour over the tapioca flour and stir. Let cool slightly, then mix in the egg and grated cheese until a sticky, smooth dough forms.
Shape
With wet or oiled hands, roll the dough into small balls (about 1½ inches).
Air fry
Place in a parchment-lined basket with space between them and air fry at 350°F for about 12–15 minutes, until puffed and golden.
- Tapioca flour is essential — it's what makes them chewy and gluten-free.
- Wet your hands to roll the sticky dough.
- Eat them warm; they're best fresh from the basket.
Frequently asked
How long does pão de queijo take in the air fryer?
About 12–15 minutes at 350°F, until puffed and golden.
Is cheese bread gluten-free?
Yes — traditional pão de queijo is made with tapioca flour, which is naturally gluten-free.
Can I air fry them from frozen?
Yes — freeze the shaped balls and air fry from frozen at 350°F for about 16–18 minutes.
