Protein Balls

Protein balls are a delicious no-bake treat! Start your new year right by snacking on these tasty, healthy bites loaded with chocolate chips and peanut butter!

Looking for more tasty treats that won’t break your diet? I’ve got you covered! Healthy oatmeal cookies, apple raisin cookies, and no-bake energy bites are all so delicious and will help power you through your day!

Chocolate Chip Protein Ball Recipe

Now that the holidays are over, I’ve been trying to get back to eating healthy. Everyone talks about healthy meals, but what about healthy snacks? Finding things that will give me energy throughout the day but aren’t a million calories is tricky. Finding healthy snack recipes that taste good is even trickier! These amazing protein balls are the best of both worlds. You’re going to love them!

These yummy protein balls are made up of a handful of pantry staples. As long as you’ve got rolled oats, peanut butter, honey, and your favorite protein powder on hand, you can make yourself some! From there, you can add whatever flavors and fillings you’d like! I’ve included a few ideas in my tips section below to get you started. One flavor I always find myself coming back to is chocolate chip! It’s a great way to satisfy a sweet tooth while giving your body the nutrients it needs. Let’s make some!

Protein Ball Ingredients

With an ingredient list this short and sweet, you can’t go wrong! A lot of these ingredients can be swapped out or substituted to create a variation that works for you. It’s fun to come up with new flavors!

• Peanut Butter: Not only does peanut butter taste good, but it’s good for you, too! Peanut butter is a great source of protein and healthy fats. You can swap this out for other nut butters like almond or cashew.
• Honey: Honey is a delicious healthy sweetener! Its thick texture also helps to form your protein balls.
• Oat Flour: This is added to give your protein balls structure. If you don’t have oat flour on hand, you can use blended rolled oats.
• Protein Powder: I use vanilla protein powder in this recipe, but you can use whatever flavor you like! Try switching it up with chocolate, cookies and cream, or even strawberry protein powder! The options are endless- and delicious!
• Vanilla Extract: I add a little vanilla extract to give the protein balls more flavor.
• Cinnamon Extract: Adding cinnamon is a great way to give your protein balls a little warm spice. It’s so tasty!
• Mini Chocolate Chips: For all the chocolatey goodness! For the healthiest treats possible, opt for dark chocolate chips instead of milk. They’re half the calories and loaded with antioxidants!

Making Chocolate Chip Protein Balls

It takes less than 10 minutes to prepare these yummy treats. I love throwing them together in the morning and having them to munch on throughout the day! You’re going to love how simple they are to make.

1. Prepare Dough: In a medium bowl, add all of the ingredients except the chocolate chips. Stir and mix ingredients until combined. The mixture should resemble cookie dough.
2. Add Chocolate Chips: Next, fold in the chocolate chips.
3. Shape: Roll dough into 12 balls. It will be about 1-2 tablespoons per ball.
4. Chill and Serve: Place the balls on a plate or baking sheet. Chill in a single layer in the refrigerator for 20 minutes or the freezer for 10 minutes before serving.

Variations and Tips

You’re going to love these delicious, healthy treats! Try these other tasty flavor additions in your next batch!

• Adding Nuts: I love the bit of crunch that nuts add to protein balls. Chopped pecans, walnuts, and cashews are all sooo good in these. You can even add almond slices for an Almond Joy version!
• Dried Fruit: Adding dried fruit is a great way to boost flavor and get your daily dose of fiber! I love making oatmeal raisin protein bites. Dried apples, apricots, and bananas are tasty in these, too.
• Spices: Just because fall is gone doesn’t mean pumpkin spice has to be! For a pumpkin chocolate chip version of these protein balls, add a little pumpkin pie spice to your mixure.

Storing Leftovers

The best part about these tasty protein balls is that they have a long shelf life! I like to make a big batch at the beginning of the week so I have them to munch on during busy weekdays! My kids love these, too, so it’s a great snack to throw into lunches!

• At Room Temperature: Keep protein balls stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• In the Freezer: In an airtight container, protein balls can be stored for 1-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before consuming.

Tried and True Healthy Recipes

Here are a few more tasty and nutritious recipes to help you start your new year off on the right foot! These are all super easy to make, so they’re always in my weekly food lineup. Not only do they taste great, but they make me feel great, too!

Breakfast

The Best Acai Bowls (Three ways!)

Bread

Healthy Banana Bread

Beverages

Creamy Avocolada Smoothie

Breakfast

Homemade Oatmeal – 4 Ways

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Protein Balls

Protein balls are a delicious no-bake treat! Start your new year right by snacking on these tasty, healthy bites loaded with chocolate chips and peanut butter!

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Keyword protein balls

Prep Time 10 minutes

Chill Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Servings 12 balls

Calories 224kcal

Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1 cup oat flour (or blended rolled oats)
• 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder (or chocolate)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon extract
• 3 Tablespoon mini chocolate chips

Instructions

• In a medium bowl, add all of the ingredients except the chocolate chips. Stir and mix ingredients until combined. The mixture should resemble cookie dough.
• Fold in the chocolate chips.
• Roll dough into 12 balls. It will be about 1-2 tablespoons per ball.
• Place the balls on a plate or baking sheet. Chill in a single layer in the refrigerator for 20 minutes or the freezer for 10 minutes before serving.
• Keep balls stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Nutrition

Calories: 224kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 109mg | Potassium: 191mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 8IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 1mg

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Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Crispy, cheesy, and delicious, these easy air fryer mozzarella sticks are going to be your new favorite snack! They’re super simple to prepare and cook up in less than 10 minutes!

Using an air fryer is the best way to whip up crave-worthy appetizers. You’ll have to try my air fryer onion rings, fried pickles, and egg rolls next! They turn out so crispy and amazing every time.

The Absolute Best Air Fryer Mozzarella Stick Recipe

With a perfect crispy shell and melty inside, you can’t go wrong with serving mozzarella sticks as an appetizer. For your next party, ditch the store-bought mozzarella sticks and make them from scratch instead! They’re super easy to prepare and honestly, take about as much effort as pulling frozen mozzarella sticks out of the bag. The only difference is they taste a million times better! These get devoured in seconds at my house.

Using an air fryer makes this recipe a cinch. No more dealing with the mess of frying in oil! The best part is that the air fryer makes the mozzarella sticks just as crispy. If you haven’t already, you’ve got to try my air fryer french fries and tater tots, too! I know you’ve probably heard it a million times, but air fryers are a game-changer. You get crispy, delicious treats in half the time with no hassle. Once you try these ooey-gooey air fryer mozzarella sticks, I know you’ll be a believer, too!

Mozzarella Stick Ingredients

It only takes 5 inexpensive ingredients to put these yummy mozzarella sticks together. My kids are always hounding me to make them, which works out perfectly because we always have the ingredients on hand. I’m sure they’ll be just as popular with your family!

• Mozzarella Cheese Sticks: I love using mozzarella because it’s so stretchy and melty. You can substitute this with your favorite kind of cheese stick. Cheddar and pepper jack are great alternatives!
• Eggs: Used to coat your cheese sticks so they’re ready for frying.
• Milk: Mixed into your whisked egg. The proteins in milk help the yummy breading to stick better.
• Bread Crumbs: I use seasoned bread crumbs, but you can easily make your own with a pinch of Italian seasoning.
• Parmesan Cheese: I add parmesan to my bread crumbs for some sharp cheesy flavor. It tastes amazing melted down and adds an extra crispiness.
• (Optional) Marinara Sauce: Marinara and mozzarella sticks are a classic pairing. You can buy your favorite from the store or make it at home! It’s easy and delicious!

Making Mozzarella Sticks in an Air Fryer

The ease of making mozzarella sticks in an air fryer is going to blow your mind. They turn out SOOO good with just the push of a button! The other great thing about this recipe is that since we’re not frying our sticks in oil, they’re a more health-conscious choice. Tasty cheesy goodness with half the calories? Yes, please!

1. Prep Cheese Sticks, Egg Batter, and Bread Crumbs: Let’s start! First, cut the mozzarella cheese sticks in half. In a small bowl, add the eggs and milk and whisk. Then, in another small bowl, add the bread crumbs and parmesan cheese.
2. Dip and Coat: Next, dip the cheese stick first in the egg, and then coat in the bread crumbs. Lay flat on a parchment lined sheet pan. Freeze for at least 30 minutes to an hour.
3. Air Fry: Line in a single layer without touching in the basket of your air fryer. Cook at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 6-8 minutes

Tips and Yummy Variations

The great thing about making mozzarella sticks at home is that you can customize them however you’d like! I’ve listed a few of my favorite seasonings and dips here for you to try. I hope you love them as much as I do!

• Seasonings: I love the simple flavor of bread crumbs and parmesan cheese. It makes your mozzarella sticks perfect for just about any sauce! If you’re looking for a little extra flavor, though, feel free to add Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or lemon pepper to your bread crumb mixture! It makes each bite flavorful and divine. No dip needed!
• Sauces and Dips: These air fryer mozzarella sticks are perfect for dipping! Aside from marinara, my family always loves having them with buffalo, bbq, and honey mustard sauces.
• Crispier Texture: For a more crispy texture, dredge and coat the cheese sticks once. After freezing, coat them again and freeze for another 30 minutes, then cook and enjoy!
• Don’t Overcook: If you overcook your mozzarella sticks, you run the risk of them bursting open and getting too melty. Keep an eye on them at the 6 minute mark to ensure you pull them out right when they’re golden and crispy.

Storing Leftovers and Making Ahead

My favorite part about this recipe is the fact that you can store your mozzarella sticks in the freezer for 6 months! I always make a bunch of these to have on hand, then throw them in the air fryer for when my hungry kids call! It’s such a quick and easy snack.

• In the Refrigerator: Cooked mozzarella sticks can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
• In the Freezer: Uncooked but breaded mozzarella sticks can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months. No need to thaw before cooking! Simply pop them in the air fryer and go!
• Reheating: I like to reheat my mozzarella sticks in the air fryer for a minute or two at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also pop them in the microwave for 15-second intervals, then turning the mozzarella sticks and repeating as needed.

More Air Fryer Appetizers

These air fryer recipes are so easy to make but so delicious! They’re honestly the best part of any get-together. I’m sure you and yours will love them too! Each bite is so flavorful and crisped to perfection. You’re going to be addicted. Find more amazing air fryer recipes here!

Appetizers

Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli

Side Dishes

Air Fryer Potato Chips

Dinner

Air Fryer Avocado Egg Rolls (Cheesecake Factory Copycat!)

Appetizers

Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes

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Air Fryer Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

Crispy, cheesy, and delicious, these easy air fryer mozzarella sticks are going to be your new favorite snack! They're super simple to prepare and cook up in less than 10 minutes!

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Keyword air fryer mozzarella sticks

Prep Time 30 minutes

Cook Time 8 minutes

Total Time 38 minutes

Servings 10 cheese sticks

Calories 160kcal

Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

• 10 mozzarella cheese sticks
• 3 large eggs
• 2 Tablespoons milk
• 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• marinara sauce for dipping

Instructions

• Cut the mozzarella cheese sticks in half. In a small bowl add the eggs and milk and whisk. In another small bowl add the bread crumbs and parmesan cheese.
• Dip the cheese stick first in the egg, and then coat in the bread crumbs. Lay flat on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Freeze for at least 30 minutes to an hour.
• Line in a single layer without touching in the basket of your air fryer. Cook at 390 degrees for 6-8 minutes

Notes

– For a more crispy texture, dredge and coat the cheese sticks once. Then freeze. Dredge and coat again and freeze for another 30 minutes. Then cook.
– Mine took 6 minutes. I would check at 6 and then if they need more time, check every minute after that to avoid them getting gooey and losing their shape.

Nutrition

Calories: 160kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 74mg | Sodium: 441mg | Potassium: 56mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 135IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 81mg | Iron: 1mg

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Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

Air Fryer Turkey Burgers are the perfect answer to when you want a juicy, flavorful burger that’s a bit healthier. With a seared outside and moist tender inside it’s the ideal burger!

Air Frying is quick, delicious and usually a healthier way to cook it’s a method you just have to try. Use some of my best air fryer recipes to try yours out with like this The Best Grilled Cheese in the Air Fryer, The Best Air Fryer Chicken Breast or this Perfect Air Fryer Steak with Garlic Herb Butter.

The Best Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

Air Frying burgers has rocked my world! The way the air fryer uses circulating air to create a heavenly crust while leaving the inside succulently juicy and moist is divine. Every time I make these turkey burgers there is a beautiful outside and tender juicy inside. So often poultry in general will dry out so quickly before the inside has a chance to get done. The air fryer changes that. The forced air browns and crisps, just like an oven would, but faster. Allowing the inside to cook and stay juicy. This all accomplished with minimal oil or fat added.

These turkey burgers are perfect for the main meal. Top these with tomatoes, lettuce, pickles, all your favorites and place on your favorite bun and enjoy! Serve them up with some Homemade Air Fryer French Fries or Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries. Add some Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts and you’ll have a complete air fryer meal!  Plus using the air fryer means you don’t have to heat up the grill when it’s cold outside or smoke out the house cooking them on the stove. It’s all contained in the air fryer! These are definitely going to be a new favorite.

Turkey Burgers Ingredients

With only 4 ingredients, these burgers can’t get much easier. Feel free to add more spices to your turkey burgers to vary the flavor as desired. Look for ground turkey next to the ground beef in your local grocery store.

• Ground Turkey: Ground chicken can also be used.
• Garlic: minced finely to blend in nicely with the burgers.
• Salt and Pepper: As desired
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds incredible umami flavor to the burgers

Making Turkey Burgers in the Air Fryer

Using fresh ground turkey in your burgers will make them easier to shape than frozen ground turkey. Air frying them is going to give them that crusty outside and tender juicy inside. Delish!

1. Mix: In a medium sized bowl combine the turkey, garlic, salt, pepper and aWorcestershire sauce.
2. Shape: Shape into four patties keeping them 1/2 inch thick because they will shrink.
3. Fry: Add two patties to the basket and cook at 360 degrees for 7 minutes. Flip the patties and continue to cook for about 5 minutes or until cooked throughout. Internal temperature should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Tips for Amazing Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

There isn’t a whole lot that can go wrong with turkey burgers, but there are a few tips to remember to make sure you have incredible burgers.

• Checking for Doneness: Remember my times are guidelines not absolutes. Check your user manual for your air fryer for best cooking times and adjust if needed. Always judge doneness by temperature not by time. My burgers might have been thicker or thinner or smaller or bigger than yours. Always check your burgers temperature before removing. Turkey Burgers are done when they reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Sticky: Sometimes your ground turkey is kind of sticky and hard to form or shape. If this happens use parchment paper to help form them.  You can also refrigerate or freeze the meat for a little bit to help firm it up.
• Divot: To help the burgers keep from shrinking too much, push your thumb into the middle and create a divot.
• Turkey: Any kind of ground turkey will work for these burgers. 97/3 to 85/15.

Perfect Turkey Burger Variations

Another nice thing about turkey burgers is how easy they are to customize. And just like any burger you can make a bunch of them and freeze them for quick dinners on a busy night.

• Add Ins  Turkey burgers are ideal for adding vegetables secretly. Finely chopped mushrooms, peppers, onions, or shredded zucchini all give the turkey flavor and add moisture.
• Seasonings: I love the flavor that the simple ingredients of garlic and Worcestershire sauce add to these burgers. But the possibilities for other seasonings are endless.  BBQ seasonings, taco seasoning, ranch seasoning, greek spices, and even Italian spices would all be amazing.
• Toppings: Again possibilities for topping these turkey burgers is endless. Tomatoes, lettuce, bacon, BBQ Sauce, avocado, sprouts, and whatever else tickles your fancy today!
• Cheese: Don’t forget the cheese! Swiss, cheddar, pepper jack, feta, blue cheese, and Monterey jack are all favorites.

Make Ahead Turkey Burgers

Make a double or even a triple batch of these air fryer turkey burgers to freeze and then pull them out to cook when needed.

• Form the turkey into burger shape and place on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper or parchment paper.
• Cover loosely with plastic wrap and freeze for 1-2 hours or till firm but not frozen solid.
• Using parchment paper to separate the patties, stack the burgers and place in a freezer safe ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• When ready to use, you can cook the burgers in the air fryer from frozen adding 3-5 more minutes to the cooking time. Or thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

More Burger-Loving Recipes to Try

Burgers! They’re juicy, full of flavor, a total comfort food and customizable. They’re amazing. I love burgers. In all forms. Truly you can’t go wrong with burgers! Perfectly proportioned, seasoned exquisitely and topped to your heart’s desire, they are just so fun to make and eat. Try these burger variations tonight!

• The Best Grilled Burger and Secret Sauce
• Spinach Feta Turkey Burgers
• Juicy Grilled Garlic Turkey Burgers
• Salmon Burgers
• Grilled Chipotle Ranch Burgers

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Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

Air Fryer Turkey Burgers are the perfect answer to when you want a juicy, flavorful burger that's a bit healthier. With a seared outside and moist tender inside it's the ideal burger!

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword air fryer turkey burgers, turkey burger recipe, turkey burgers

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Servings 4 Patties

Calories 134kcal

Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• salt and pepper
• 1 Tablespoon worchestershire sauce

Instructions

• In a medium sized bowl combine the turkey, garlic, salt, pepper and worcestershire sauce. Shape into four patties keeping them 1/2 inch thick because they will shrink.
• Add two patties to the air fryer basket and cook at 360 degrees for 7 minutes. Flip the patties and continue to cook for about 5 minutes or until cooked throughout.

Nutrition

Calories: 134kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 62mg | Sodium: 100mg | Potassium: 378mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 28IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 1mg

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