Introduction

These irresistible Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls are a crispy, cheesy snack perfect for any occasion. With a golden exterior and gooey center, they bring comfort food to a new level of fun and flavor.

A white plate holds five round, golden-brown fried balls with a crispy, crunchy texture. One ball is broken open in the center, showing soft, creamy yellow macaroni and cheese inside with stretchy melted cheese strings connecting both halves. The light contrasts with the crunchy outside and gooey inside layers. The plate sits on a white marbled surface near a window with natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups cooked macaroni
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup milk
1 egg
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp butter

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, mix cooked macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until thoroughly combined.
Step 2: Refrigerate the mixture for 1 hour to help it firm up and become easier to shape.
Step 3: Using your hands, shape the chilled mixture into small balls about the size of a golf ball.
Step 4: Whisk the egg in a separate bowl. Dip each mac and cheese ball into the egg, then roll it in breadcrumbs to coat evenly.
Step 5: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease the air fryer basket with butter to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Place the balls in the basket, making sure to leave space between them for even cooking.
Step 7: Cook for 8-10 minutes or until the balls are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Step 8: Serve warm and enjoy the cheesy, crunchy delight!

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the mixture.
Try using a combination of cheddar and mozzarella cheese for a stretchier filling.
Substitute panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture.
If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the balls at 400°F (200°C) on a greased baking sheet for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through.

Storage

Store leftover mac and cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.

How to Serve

A white scalloped plate holds a pyramid stack of nine crispy, golden-brown croquettes, each lightly sprinkled with small green herb pieces. The croquettes have a rough, crunchy texture and vary slightly in shape, some more round and others a bit flatter. The plate sits on white marbled surface with a yellow and white checkered cloth nearby holding a silver fork and knife. In the foreground, there are a few orange chip-like pieces scattered near a small white scalloped bowl filled with chunky red dipping sauce. In the background, out of focus, is a wooden board with green herbs on it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free to accommodate dietary needs.

Can I freeze the mac and cheese balls?

Absolutely. Freeze uncooked, breaded balls on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Cook from frozen in the air fryer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Irresistible Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 352 reviews

These Irresistible Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, combining classic comfort food flavors with a fun, bite-sized twist. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, they’re made by air frying well-seasoned macaroni and cheese mixture coated in breadcrumbs for a crunchy golden finish.

Author: Daniel
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Yield: 12–15 mac and cheese balls 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Mac and Cheese Mixture

2 cups cooked macaroni
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup milk
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder

Coating and Cooking

1 egg
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 tbsp butter (for greasing air fryer basket)

Instructions

Prepare the Mac and Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine cooked macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Chill the Mixture: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for 1 hour. This helps firm it up, making it easier to shape into balls.
Shape Into Balls: Using your hands, form the chilled mac and cheese mixture into small, bite-sized balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
Prepare Egg Wash: Whisk the egg in a separate bowl to create an egg wash for coating.
Coat the Balls: Dip each mac and cheese ball into the egg wash, then roll it in breadcrumbs until fully coated. This creates a crispy exterior once air fried.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for a few minutes.
Prepare the Basket: Lightly grease the air fryer basket with butter to prevent sticking and encourage browning.
Air Fry the Balls: Place the coated mac and cheese balls into the basket, ensuring they have space around them to cook evenly. Air fry for 8-10 minutes until the balls turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Serve Warm: Remove from the air fryer carefully and serve immediately while hot and gooey on the inside.