If you go to a Chinese bakery, black sesame mochi balls can usually be found on the menu. In my version, you can easily make this delicious treat at home with much less oil using an air fryer! I fell in love with mochi because of the chewy and slightly sweet texture and it is so versatile because you can fill it with anything you like. In this version, I filled it with black sesame because you get a nutty, toasty flavor that is unbeatable. Cooking it in the air fryer yields similar results as deep frying but without all that oil. Black sesame seeds also contain a ton of calcium and supports digestive health, hormonal balance, and brain function. What is there not to love about these air fried treats?
Why you’ll love this recipe
I absolutely adore black sesame mochi balls because they’re like little bites of heaven! If you’re craving a sweet treat or just looking to indulge in something utterly delicious, black sesame mochi balls are guaranteed to hit the spot every single time. I love this version because air fried mochi balls gives you the right texture without all that oil. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients
- Black sesame seeds – This ingredient is earthy, nutty and is used in a lot of Asian desserts! Use ground black sesame seeds or grind them yourself to get a paste for the filling
- Honey – Mixed with the black sesame seeds to create a paste and add a touch of sweetness
- Vegetable Oil – Helps to create a smoother texture for the paste. Adjust the amount here so the paste is not too runny or dry.
- Glutinous Rice Flour – The key ingredient for the chewy, bouncy exterior mochi
- Sugar – Mixed with the glutinous rice flour to add a touch of sweetness
- Water – Added to the glutinous rice flour to turn it into dough.
- White sesame seeds – Used to coat the mochi balls for more nutty flavors. You can use untoasted as it will get toasted in the air fryer while cooking
- Vegetable oil – A little bit is used to coat the mochi balls when air frying.
How to Make Air Fryer Black Sesame Mochi Balls
1. Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine 3/4 cup glutinous rice flour and sugar. Add boiling water and mix until fully combined. Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes to cool slightly. Knead in the remaining glutinous rice flour, 1/4 cup lukewarm water, and 1 tsp vegetable oil until smooth. Add additional water, 1 Tbsp at a time, if needed. Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes.
2. Make the Filling
In a food processor, pulse the black sesame for a few minutes until broken down and fine. Scrape down the sides to ensure all seeds are processed evenly. Add honey and pulse for another min. Then add vegetable oil and pulse until the paste is thickened and smooth. You may need to adjust the amount to ensure the paste is thicken but not too runny or too dry. Divide the paste into 8 portions, rolling each into a small ball.
3. Assemble the Mochi
Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and roll each into a ball. Flatten each ball, place a sesame paste ball in the center, seal the edges, and roll it back into a ball shape.
4. Prepare the Mochi Balls
Brush each mochi ball lightly with vegetable oil and roll in sesame seeds to coat.
5. Cook the Mochi Balls
Preheat the air fryer to 200°F (93°C). Place the mochi balls in the air fryer basket without overcrowding (cook in batches if necessary). Cook for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway through. Increase the air fryer temperature to 350°F (177°C) and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until golden brown.
Storage
I recommend eating this as fresh as possible. However, you can make sesame balls ahead of time then freeze them before cooking. Follow cooking directions and cook directly from frozen.
