Begin by preheating the air fryer to 375°F for several minutes while you prepare the cheese mixture. Preheating helps the bites start cooking immediately once they enter the basket, which creates a crispier golden exterior and prevents them from becoming too soft or soggy.

If desired, line the air fryer basket with a piece of parchment paper designed for air fryers. This helps prevent sticking, especially since melted cheese can cling to the basket during cooking. It also makes cleanup much easier afterward while still allowing proper airflow around the bites.

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the shredded mozzarella cheese, cottage cheese, egg, and almond flour. These ingredients create the base of the bites, combining creamy texture, protein, and structure into one cheesy mixture.

Using a spoon or spatula, stir everything together thoroughly until the ingredients become fully combined into a thick, sticky, cheesy batter. Make sure the egg is evenly incorporated and there are no dry pockets of almond flour remaining in the bowl.

Sprinkle the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and optional black pepper into the mixture. Stir gently again until the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the batter so every bite has balanced savory flavor and herby aroma.

Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, scoop small portions of the mixture and place them carefully into the prepared air fryer basket. Leave a little space between each bite so the hot air can circulate properly around them, helping them cook evenly and develop crisp edges.

If the mixture feels sticky while shaping, lightly dampen your hands with water and gently roll or shape the bites into smoother rounds if desired. This step is optional but helps create more uniform bites that cook evenly and look more polished once finished.

For extra flavor and crispiness, lightly sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the tops of the bites before cooking. As the Parmesan melts and cooks, it creates delicious golden edges and a slightly crunchy finish.

Place the basket into the air fryer and cook the bites at 375°F for approximately 8–10 minutes. The tops should become golden brown and slightly crisp while the edges turn bubbly and deeply savory. The centers should stay soft, cheesy, and tender inside.

Check the bites near the end of cooking to avoid overcooking them. Since air fryer models vary slightly, some may cook faster than others. If you prefer extra crispiness, allow them to cook for an additional 1–2 minutes while watching carefully.

Once fully cooked, remove the basket from the air fryer and allow the cheese bites to cool for about 2–3 minutes. This short resting time helps them firm up slightly, making them easier to remove without breaking while still staying warm and soft inside.

Carefully transfer the bites onto a serving plate using a spatula or spoon. Serve them warm while the cheese is still melty and the edges remain crisp for the best texture and flavor experience.

Pair the bites with marinara sauce, Greek yogurt ranch, spicy cottage cheese dip, or your favorite healthy dipping sauce. The creamy dips balance beautifully with the crispy cheesy exterior and make the bites even more satisfying.