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If you’re craving a tasty way to enjoy breadfruit beyond the usual roasted or boiled, breadfruit balls are a must-try. They’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, perfect as a snack, side dish, or appetizer. Popular across the Caribbean, these little bites show off how versatile this beloved fruit can be-savory with herbs and spices, or sweet with a hint of cinnamon and coconut.

They’re easy to whip up and naturally gluten-free with a few simple swaps, making it a delicious way to bring a taste of the islands to your kitchen.

A white plate with golden-brown fried balls, garnished with herbs, served with a swirl of sauce. A glass of orange juice and a decorative item are in the background.

What is Breadfruit?

Breadfruit is a tropical fruit that’s beloved across the Caribbean and beyond. With its green, bumpy skin and soft, starchy flesh, it’s often compared to potatoes when unripe and to freshly baked bread when cooked. Naturally gluten-free and rich in fiber, potassium and vitamin C, breadfruit can be roasted, boiled. fried or even baked into sweet treats. Its versatility makes it a true island staple!

Why you will love this recipe

Crispy and comforting -golden on the outside, soft and fluffy inside.
Versatile -enjoy these savory with herbs and spices, or sweet with cinnamon and coconut.
Naturally gluten-free -easy to adapt with gluten-free flour or coatings.
Island-inspired flavor -a delicious way to enjoy a Caribbean classic at home.
Snack, side, or appetizer -perfect for sharing, dipping, or enjoying on their own.

Ingredients

You can adjust the seasonings and use a different flour to your own taste.

How to make breadfruit balls

These breadfruit balls can be air fried, fried or oven baked.

A stainless steel pot containing several large chunks of peeled and cut jackfruit on a marble surface.

Peel the breadfruit, remove the core and chop. Cook in a saucepan with water.

A potato masher pressing down on boiled potatoes in a metal pot, positioned on a white marble surface.

Drain and mash the breadfruit.

A glass bowl with grated cheese, chopped onions, herbs, spices, and mashed potatoes on a marble surface.

Add all the other ingredients.

A glass bowl containing a ball of dough with green herbs mixed in, placed on a white marble surface.

Form into a dough.

A glass bowl with a mixture and a scoop inside, next to two formed dough balls on a wooden cutting board.

Scoop into balls.

Several uncooked dumpling balls made with herbs and diced ingredients are arranged on a wooden cutting board on a marble surface.

We made small and medium sized balls.

Four golden-brown meatballs are frying in a black nonstick pan with a small amount of oil.

Fry the breadfruit balls in a pan with oil.

Eleven uncooked, herb-seasoned balls are arranged on parchment paper inside an air fryer basket.

Or air fry the breadfruit balls in an air fryer.

Recipe Tips

Choose the right breadfruit: Use unripe or semi-ripe for savory balls (starchy like potato) and ripe for sweet balls (soft and naturally sweet).
Prevent sticking: Lightly oil your hands when shaping the balls.
Consistency check: If the mixture is too soft, add more gluten-free flour a tablespoon at a time until it holds together.
Cooking methods: Fry for a golden crispy exterior, air fry for a healthier option, or bake for a lighter version.
Crispy coating: Roll in gluten-free breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, or shredded coconut for extra crunch.

Variations

Savory Caribbean: Add shredded saltfish, cooked shrimp, or finely chopped peppers for an island twist.
Cheesy: Mix in grated cheese for richness and flavor.
Sweet dessert version: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, coconut sugar, or honey, and roll in shredded coconut before baking.
Herb variations: Swap parsley with thyme, cilantro, or basil for different flavor profiles.

A hand holds a cheese ball above a plate of cheese balls with a swirl of sauce for dipping. A blue and white decorative item is in the background.

Serving Suggestions

As a snack: Serve warm with a dipping sauce like garlic aioli, tamarind sauce, or spicy Caribbean pepper sauce.
Side dish: Pair with grilled meats, fish, or stews for a Caribbean-style meal.
Sweet version: Enjoy with a drizzle of honey, maple syrup, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Party platter: Arrange on a platter with other finger foods for parties or gatherings.
Lunchbox treat: Cool and pack in lunchboxes as a tasty, portable snack for kids or adults.

More Breadfruit Recipes

Enjoy breadfruit with these other recipes:

Breadfruit Fries